RDRREase™ Repository Editor

WORKS with all versions of DataEase from 4.53 forward

RDRREase™ is a compact utility that permits qualified technical personnel to edit the contents of the DataEase repository, otherwise known as the "RDRR" file. We want to emphasize that RDRREase is a technical tool that should only be used by DataEase experts. Casual or unqualified users risk causing permanent damage to their applications. This software is used at YOUR OWN RISK! In that light, we are going to aim the discussion of the RDRR editor to a technical audience. No "This is how you turn it on..." in here. We expect that you know what an RDRR file is.

That said, you might be asking "Why would anyone want to do this?". Well, sometimes the RDRR file becomes corrupted. This usually results from unexpected shutdowns. In that case, sometimes the only way to correct the problem - short of recovering from a backup - is by directly editing the RDRR file. In the past that meant using a low-level hex editor, which was clumsy and prone to errors. RDRREase takes the guesswork out of viewing and modifying a RDRR file.

Plus, the editor permits you to peek under the hood of your DataEase application, allowing you to view things that would normally be concealed. This can be really useful when troubleshooting a problem. Also, you can perform some neat tricks with the editor, like re-ordering the records in the RDRR.

System Requirements

There are two editors in the package: EDITRDRR4 and EDITRDRR5. Both are Windows programs. EDITRDRR4 works against DataEase for DOS 4.5x RDRR files. EDITRDRR5 works with DataEase versions 5 (DOS) and 6 (DFW). It was written on a Windows XP Professional platform and tested against DataEase applications versions 5.15, 5.16 and 6.1

Using it

Running the application is pretty easy. Just start the EXE file. There is a folder browsing button, that, when clicked, allows you to browse to the RDRR file in question. Upon retrieval, the record grid is populated with the contents of the RDRR file.

You may edit any cell in place. Some fields (vFlags, Security) require hexadecimal entries. The editor will not allow you to enter disallowed characters.

The Application Record (record 0) in the RDRR is displayed in green. Records corresponding to System files are displayed in red. All other records are displayed in a black (or default) font color.

The grid behaves the way other grids you may be familiar with behave. You may re-arrange the order of the columns, resize the width and so on.

You may grab a row selector (far left column) and drag the record to a new position in the file. To edit a text cell, position into it and start typing. To check a check box....if you need instructions on that, stop right now!

You may append a new record to the bottom of the file by filling in the blank row at the bottom of the grid. You may delete a row by selecting it and right-clicking the mouse.

Your changes are made in memory. They are not written to disk until you click the save button. When you do, you are prompted for a filename. Overwrites must be confirmed. DO NOT EVER EDIT AN RDRR FILE WITHOUT MAKING A BACKUP!

DO's and DON'Ts

• DO make a backup copy of your RDRR file before you do anything with it.
• DON'T ever edit an RDRR that is IN USE.
• DO make sure you know what you're doing before you use this tool.
• DO IMMEDIATELY test your application after making any RDRR changes to insure that everything is in good working order.

That's about it. If you need much more of a tutorial than that, then we would advise you to avoid RDRREase™ and call an expert.

Download It

RDRREase may be downloaded by clicking here.

Register It!