DevonThink database errors

DEVONthink Tips
1

I have divided a 50gb database into three separate databases in an effort to, a) provide DT with smaller databases and 2) to provide a sort of Chinese firewall such that if data corruption happens, my whole database is not at risk. I think this was a logical move to protect my information.

I execute the “Verify & Repair” almost daily on the three databases followed by “Backup & Optimize”. In spite of this (hopefully prudent) move, I still incur a database problem 2 or 3 times a year. A problem that the Verify & Repair can’t fix.

My data is critical to my business. I’m an expert witness for legal cases and to loose items can put my clients and me into legal jeopardy. Because of the critical nature of my information, I back up the three databases nightly to an off site server, backup with TimeMachine/Time Capsue and do a seven day rotating Chronosync backup to an NAZ. This still does not protect me from finding an error at the end of the day that I can’t fix and having to restore from yesterdays backup, thereby loosing a days work. Worse yet, I can’t determine the compromised file(s).

Could you please advise me as to a more “bullet proof” backup procedure as well as the proper series of steps to take when Verify & Repair fails to fix a problem.

Thanks for you help.
BTW, I love your software!!!

Larry Dunville

2

Due to the sensitivity involved in the legal profession, please start a Support Ticket so I can ask more specific questions. Thanks

3

I was gong to start a new thread about mitigating database errors, but this thread seems relevant.

I often get database errors, many of which “can’t be repaired” (missing files, orphaned files). Is there something I can do/not do to mitigate these errors?

4

Orphaned files are only possible if the app isn’t properly terminated. Does the app frequently crash or do you use force quit? Missing files might be the result of outdated indexed items, this can be handled via File > Update Indexed Items.

5

As in Finder folders who haven’t been updated or files with changes that haven’t been updated?

6

Not all filesystems & network volumes fully support filesystem events and especially in cloud folders they’re limited and updating manually is necessary more frequently.

7

Gotcha. Just clarifying a little in the Missing Files section of the help.