Protect data files when users close the lid on a notebook computer.

[survivor]

I have about 20 users in the field who have a habit of closing the lid on their notebook computer when they move around a facility, rather than properly closing the application before unplugging the computer. Although I warn against doing this it happens too often and data is sometimes lost as a result - they of course, blame the data loss on the application and the computer, not themselves!!

I have thought of adding an automatic shutdown feature to the application which would be activated after a specified period of time has elapsed if there is no activity from the keyboard or the mouse.

Does anyone have any other ideas or solutions?

Thanks

 

[DEDMOD]

You might try 'FLUSH' or 'AUTOSAVE ON'. --Dave

 

[weedz]

Maybe your should use views and or transactions in your app, just to make sure that data is buffered before saved and not lost at abrupt closing the app.

HTH, Weedz (Wietze Veld)

http://www.crowncap.demon.nl

veld4663@exact.nl
The Netherlands

They cling emotionally to code and fix development rather than choosing practices based on analytical assesments of what works best.

After the GoldRush - Steve McConnell

 

[ramani]

Just follow the link
thread184-79295
The keyboard / mouse inactivity can be caught with my suggestions in the above thread. But instead of screen saver, you can call the realese events or shut down events and propery close down. Using the FLUSH and then quiting VFP ensures that DBFs are properly closed. Only thing is that you have to ensure that the data is completed properly or TABLEREVERT done with appropriate aleart message to user by way of a MEMO to the user when he starts next time. Good idea to keep a memo field in the user login file which can be posted with this type of messages and shown when the user logs in again (and also clear it with his clicking a consent). ramani :-9
(Subramanian.G)
FoxAcc
ramani_g@yahoo.com

 

[survivor]

Thanks for the hints. My problem is not with my files closing properly. Rather it is with my users who close the cover on the notebook computer before exiting the application (I always stress to them to save the data) and not putting the computer into sleep/hibernate mode. Perhaps the only cure will happen when they lose data dn have to re-collect and re-enter it.

Again thanks.

 

[fruityBoy]

I thought that most Laptop's allowed you to specify that when the lid is closed, to go into sleep / hibernation, rather than power-off.

At least, this is what the majority of laptops that I have used do.

Then (if Windows does not crash when coming out of sleep) this should allow the user to carry on where they left off when opening the lid.

 

[survivor]

The computers do go into sleep/hibernate mode, however, we have experienced too many times when Windows freezes when coming out of that mode and data is lost since my users don't close the VFP application prior to closing the lid of the computer.

 

[nomos]

Hi survivor... I didnt know how to write to you so I am writing here...
I wanted to thank you for the Inno Setup Tip...
the software is wonderful...
I also use ISTool...
It has an option Project Insert where you can specifically insert runtime needed files---
how do i do that with visual fox 6 or if not there can you send me a script readymade where you have all the nec. files???
thanks...