6.02.00 Opening and Closing Databases

Quick Bid allows a user to open multiple databases at the same time. Although you can only work on one Bid at a time, keeping multiple databases open allows you to switch between projects and databases with just a few clicks.  Many clients have databases for each job, estimator, regional area, etc.  Each client determines how best to manage which databases are open (active) using the Open Databases dialog box.

To work with multiple databases, you will use the Bid Navigator.

• While there is no technical 'limit' to the number of databases Quick Bid allows a user to keep open at any one time,  the more databases that are open the more system resources (system RAM) are required. This can affect application and system performance so keep only those  databases in which work is actively being done open.

Opening a Microsoft Access database

To open one or more Access databases, right-click anywhere in the Bids tab and select Open or click the Open icon, on the Main toolbar or click File > Open - the Open Databases dialog box opens.

To open a database so that it is displayed in the Bid Navigator:

• Place a check in the check box next to the database name(s) to open

• If the database is password protected, type in the Login Name and Password in the dialog that appears, then click OK

Along the bottom of the screen:

1. • The Properties button opens the Database Properties dialog which is where changes to the Backup, Auto-Compress and Measure Mode and login settings for a database are made
   • The Compact/Repair button runs a utility that compresses the database while attempting to repair any problems found
   • The Backup button backs up selected database(s) to the location entered under Tools > Options > Folders

Along the right side of the screen:

1. • The Find... button opens a browse window for locating databases not stored in the default folder (see the next article for more assistance on Finding a database)
   • The Remove button removes Access databases that are not located in the default folder (C:\OCS Documents\Quick Bid) and SQL databases from the list of databases.  The database reference is removed from the list, the database itself is unaltered.

Opening a Microsoft SQL database

• Right-click anywhere in the Bids Tab and select Open, or click the Open icon, on the Main toolbar, or click File > Open - the Open Databases dialog box opens
• Click the Find... button and select 'Microsoft SQL Server' and click OK

• The Connect to SQL Server dialog box opens

• Type the name of the SQL Server in the SQL Server field (On Center Software is unable to provide this information - contact the SQL or Network Administrator for assistance)
• Select appropriate server authentication under "Connect using" (this is determined by your SQL Administrator, please contact him or her with questions on how you should connect to the server)
• • Windows authentication passes the Windows login information to SQL

• SQL Authentication requires a Login Name and Password provided by the SQL Server Administrator

• Click Connect -Quick Bid attempts to connect to the SQL Server, then displays a list of available databases on that server:

• Select the database to open and click OK

The database is now listed in the Open Databases dialog box with a check mark.  (SQL databases do not show a Date Modified or Size entry as that information is managed solely by SQL Server.)

• Click OK to close the Open Databases dialog box and return to the Bids Tab

All checked databases are displayed in the Bid Navigator.  

SQL databases do not show a Date Modified or Size entry as that information is managed solely by SQL Server.

Closing a Database

Closing a database does not change any data.  It simply removes it from what is actively being displayed by the application. Open and close databases anytime - keeping the fewest open is recommended to improve application performance.

To close a database, so it does not appear in the Bid Navigator:

• Click File > Open to show the Open Databases dialog box
• Remove the check box next to the database name
• Click OK

• A faster way to close a database is to right-click on the database in the Bid Navigator and select "Close".

Finding a Microsoft Access Database