Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Scribe is based on Java 1.4.1. Can I use later versions of Java with it?

A. The current version of Scribe supports Java 1.5.0. Sun's implementation of Java 1.4.2 contains bugs that affect the performance of the Client's GUI, and should be avoided.

Q. Can I use different Java versions on Server and Client for the Enterprise Edition?

A. You should not. The Client and the Server exchange data by sending and receiving Java objects, and different implementations of Java may have subtle differences in the internal structure of these objects that could cause hard-to-track malfunctions.

Q. Can I run Scribe server as the NT service on Windows?

A. Yes. The Scribe Administrator provides an option in Preferences to set the server as the NT service. Alternatively, you can use InstallScribe-NT.bat script to install Scribe Resident Server as an NT service. This script can be found in the Scribe server installation directory (the default location is C:\Program Files\ScribeAdmin).

Q. Can I transfer report procedures and print templates from one repository to another?

A. Yes. Use Transfer Project function to export some or all of the configured reports into a file, change the Setup database to the new one, and then import your file in it.

Q. Can I transfer report procedures and print templates from Personal to Enterprise Edition?

A. Yes. Just make sure the Enterprise Edition (the Server) is configured to support the same data sources that the Personal Edition uses, and follow the process described in the previous FAQ.

Q. When I connect executable components in the flowchart with arrows, sometimes the arrows disappear. Why?

A. This may happen if you move the components around after connecting them. The connecting arrows "remember" the point where they attach themselves to the connection target, and will always redraw to the same point. If this point happens to be on the far side of the target component after it was moved, the connecting arrow will draw under the component and will get clipped by it.

Try laying out your flowchart before connecting its elements; if the clipping does happen, just reconnect the components again.

Q. Can I integrate the existing SQL statements into the Scribe procedures?

A. Direct SQL mode of the Database Retrieval component allows freely-formatted SQL SELECT statements of any degree of complexity to be added to the procedures. The SQLCommand system function can be used to run SQL statements that add, update and delete rows in the database tables.

Q. Where is the default Date format set?

A. The default Date formats are loaded into one of the repository tables when Scribe is first installed. They can be viewed and edited in Edit > Date Formats... menu option of any Workspace window.