The pair has a solid track record. The trade also was ok in every term. But even if a trade looks perfect it sometimes fails. Thats the nature of this business.
Hi Adrian, could you describe a little bit more in detail how to get an image of the original DB on the new computer? Tried that several times without any success. Thanks in advance! saico
It's pretty easy if you installed microsoft sql management studio. You run it, detach database. This makes the file database and transaction file not read only. Copy both files to the new pc, and use management studio to attach it on the new pc (and re-attach it on your old one if you want to use it). When you run ptf, you just select the database your are using and click set instead of create. It's pretty simple but took me forever to figure it out (i tried stopping sql services in control panel, etc etc). EDIT: this is also what I use to have more than one database on my pc.
Generally the program puts the DB in c:\PairTradeFinder. If you run PTF, the Database will be locked for the duration of the computer being on, irrespective of shutting down PTF application. To remove this lock, reboot the pc, but do not run PTF at this stage. Open Explorer and copy the c:\pairtradefinder directory to a memory stick, or whatever medium you plan to use to move the data to the new pc. Install PTF on the new PC. Reboot the new PC to remove the lock on the DB files. Once rebooted and before running PTF, copy the files from the orignal PC over those on the new PC. You should have no problems as long as you did not run PTF after the reboot, but before the copy action. Once copied, startup PTF. I have had varied success at this point. I think it depends on whether SQL recognizes a distorted file. If everything goes ok PTF should not notice any difference and all should be working ok with your correct pairs and symbols in place. If you get the 'locate db' message box, or something like that, it means it does not like the difference between the old and new DB. Exit from this screen and reinstall SQLExpress (the other application that is part of the PTF installation requirements). Once done, restart PTF. You will get that 'locate' screen again, but this time you should be able to set the location of the db (the location is where the db files are), and the box should then 'ungrey' the ok button and make it clickable. You might need to enter your licence key again, but after that, all should be goodness. This has worked fine for me in the past, but I'm no expert, and there are no guarantees. There might be an 'official' way, and perhaps contact support to find out. Wordy huh? Sorry. Hope it helps. Adrian
I used to do it this way too, but a few times the database file seemed to get a bit screwy and mess up. Management studio way is far simpler and has been reliable for me every time.
Maniac, you are my hero!!!!!!! Because you just ended a 3 month search for getting a DB problem solved. I always got an error message telling me that I do not have admin rights for creating a DB. That kept me from installing PTF on my notebook. I tried weeks to got that thing solved, but finally gave up before going nuts. But also Adrian, much thanks for the great explanation and willingness to help! You guys rock! Saico
I know the feeling. I didn't know anything about databases prior to ptf. I corrupted and messed up too many and took me forever to re add around 100 industries into ptf, not to mention run the backtester function. Got fed up and had to figure it out eventually. Glad to be of help! =)
I'm not getting anywhere with this. Glad everyone else has their problems solved, though. I have installed SQL and SQL Studio Management. I have placed my PTF files from the old computer into c:\PairTradeFinder, replacing what was there. I have opened SQL Studio Management and can't find the db there. I have not run PTF since the last re-boot. When I have run PTF at this point, it refuses to recognize the db saying there is another instance of the same named db. What am I doing wrong? WB
I installed the files directly under the management studio. Chose the server - mark Data Bases - right click - attache and then just mark the file and press add. Then you should be able to start PTF.