Help me RESCUE data from CRASHED MS BCM! My computer with BCM installed (and full of my accounts) crashed. I had to pull the data off the drive, then reformat WINXP and go from there. I have reinstalled BCM, but am now LOST as to how/and where to find my accounts. (And nope,- I did not get to back them up.) I just want the data, the interlinks are not important.
Rule #1 - Back up your data often! BCM includes a backup utility that makes it easy - use it. While the following is not a supported method, if you can access the database files, you may be able to swap database files, but keep in mind this method is for emergency use only and should not be relied on in place of a regular backup routine.
BCM uses MSDE as the database engine. BCM stores the BCM database in two files with the extensions LDF and MDF, by default, the files are named MSBusinessContactManager.* and are located in the hidden C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Business Contact Manager directory. If you can get those two files from the hard drive, you may be able to recover your BCM database.
Unfortunately, it's not as easy as dropping the two database files into the Business Contact Manager directory and telling BCM to use them. You need to create a database then replace the files with your old ones.
- Create a new database in BCM, using the File, Data File Management menu and choose Add, then choose Business Contact Manager Database. Name it the same as your old database.
- Once the database is created, close Outlook and go to Administrator Tools, Services and stop the MSSQL$MICROSOFTBCM service.
- Replace the new database files with your old ones, making sure the file names are identical.
- Restart the BCM service (stopped in step 2) then restart Outlook.
Using BCM's Backup and Restore is the only supported method of recovering your databases, so before you do anything else, make a backup of the database using File, Business Database, Backup. Remember to do it on a regular basis. Because swapping database files isn't supported, if this method doesn't work or causes database corruption, you'll need to recreate the database from your last backup.
Yes, the SQL ports are open. I just did a system restore back to the original Win8 so I can do a fresh install and troubleshoot which update did the damage. I assume it was the Win8.1 update. BTW, is there a way to install and run the BCM database without installing Outlook and BCM for Outlook 2010? I don't need Outlook on my BCM "server".
You don't need to install outlook on a sql server - there is a database tool you can use. https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2813691
If you don't have sql installed, you'll need to install it to use the tool - SQL Express will work.
Hi, Diane! Yes, the ports were open. So, after spending six hours on the phone & remotely connected with Microsoft Pro support to no avail I decided to do a complete re-install back to Win8 (instead of 8.1). My client computers stopped being able to connect to the BCM database the morning after Win8.1 was automatically installed.
I added my users back and am now able to connect to BCM from the client computers. One issue, I can't "restore" my backed up BCM database because the "owner"/user is different. Any suggestions on getting my backup file "restored"?
See https://www.slipstick.com/outlook-bcm/restoring-bcm-database-after-upgrading-windows/ - you need to use run as admin.
Once I updated to Win8.1 on my BCM "server" none of my BCM "client" computers can access the BCM data. Do you have any information on this?
Did you check the firewall? The SQL ports need to be open.
I updated to Win 8.1 and while I wait for MS to get back to me on how to get my BCM running in Outlook 2013 with the Win 8.1 environment I need to get my BCM calendar imported into my Outlook calendar. Where can I find the file for the BCM Calendar?
Hi team.
Multi-User capability of BCM
can we use BCM for mulati user accessbility.
1. if yes then What’s the maximum number of users that BCM is capable to manage? Any limitations to the number of users that can have a role in BCM?
2.What’s the maximum number of ACTIVE users that BCM is capable to manage: How many users can simultaneously change/create data (access the shared database)?
Are these restrictions dependent on the database (FreeWare version “Express Edition” vs. MS SQL Server Professional)?
What kind of issues (performance, data integrity) might arise, if BCM is used beyond these limitations?
it would great help for me if you provide this.
thanks
Nagi
1. BCM was designed for smaller work groups - initially, up to 5 but later for small groups up to about 25 people.
2. I haven't seen any data on the number of active connections in recent versions. It was 5 in older versions.
AFAIK, the limitations are in all versions of SQL. Data integrity shouldn't be affected - SQL is good with maintaining integrity. Performance, that is a different story. BCM can be slow. It's not too bad on my new desktop with 8 GB of ram.