2 GB database limit, running multiple instances

[Brandon]

To work around the 2 GB limit and have all databases running at the same time, I'd like to have multiple instances of PG Offline running, each opening a different database. I searched the PG Offline program folder for .INIs and the registry for any specific settings that PG Offline might use, and nothing appears critical. It looks like settings are kept in the database file.

So it looks like I can just create a copy of the c:\program files\pg offline contents to say c:\program files\pg offline2, and create a shortcut to the exe. Will this work safely? Will the copy protection complain?

[Wilson Logan]

I haven't tested it rigorously but I have done it by accident and PGO seems happy to run concurrently so long as you have different databases open.

Cheers,

Wilson.

[Brandon]

Ok here's what I found-
The registry key at [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\PG Offline] and a mirror one in a global identifier key holds the settings, including which database to use. PG Offline only appears to read it at startup, and writes to it as you modify it (loading different database, changing options, etc.). But since it only reads it at program startup, you can load different databases. You don't need to make multiple copies of the program files folder. It appears to work fine just double clicking the original exe again to start a new instance, and then you load a different database manually (you probably don't want two instances with the same database for very long, probably ok on read, but writing to it at the same time may cause weirdness). If your Options settings need to be different from what was in the registry, you'll have to change them after starting (the other instances will keep their Options until the next startup).

A thought about this- how about directly opening the databases that one can create with the export function? I know it doesn't work like that now, but why not (added MS licensing costs?)? Don't have a master database, just individual ones for each group. That way the 2 GB limit would be per group, rather than combined over several groups.

Brandon

[Wilson Logan]

Hi Brandon,

You can set it up yourself to have each group in a single database. PGO will let you do that.

I'd choose not to because you can only search across groups within the same database. Its best to organise your groups by subject. So, all your metalwork groups go in one database and all your motorcycling groups go in another database.

Cheers,

Wilson.