There are times when information from old jobs, such as existing drawings, imported specifications or services, are added into the database. For example, if you deleted an old specification, and return to an old job created using that specification, the database needs to make a copy of it in order to work. The downside of this behavior is that over time, the database can become filled with connectors, seams, and other parts that are no longer needed. To delete all these parts manually is a laborious and time-consuming task, so the program has a feature that lets you purge the database of extra settings.
When a drawing or job file containing external database items is opened, the software compares the Database / Item settings of the drawing or job file to the settings in the default database (global database). If differences are found, these difference are added to the default database. To differentiate between the original database and anything added from an external source, the added contents are appended with the name of the drawing/job, or item from which it was added, and shown in brackets. {Example}
For example, after opening a job or drawing from an external source, the main database connector table may include entries such as: DM25 {Drawing 12a.dwg} or DM25 {Square Bend.itm}. The {*.dwg} or {*.itm} reference in the list displayed in the Purge or Manage Database dialog refers to the drawing database or item from which the entry was taken. While these entries do not affect the running of the product, they can increase the amount of data the operator has to go through when creating a drawing. The user can purge the entries from the database, or choose to make them permanent.
To purge a database:
- Do one of the following:
- In
ESTmep or
CAMduct, click File
Setup
Manage Database.
- In CADmep, at the command line, type PURGEDB and press Enter.
A warning is displayed recommending that the database be backed up before proceeding.
- In
ESTmep or
CAMduct, click File
- If a current backup has been created, click OK.
The Purge Database dialog is displayed.
This dialog displays all the entries in the default database (disk database) that have been added via external sources.
- Select all the entries to be purged / deleted and click OK.
A dialog confirming the deletion of the selected entries displays.
It is important to understand that using this method will remove all external source information added to the disk database referenced in brackets. If some entries should be retained, they should be made permanent before purging. For more information, see Make Added External Source Entries Permanent.