Changes

==Repairing the Parts Database and Creating & Merging Database Patches==

There are times when you may inadvertently damage your parts database. The [[RF.Spice A/D]] installation folder contains a copy of the original parts database. You can always recover the original database by copying this ".MDB" file from the installation folder to the "Documents > b2spice" folder and changing its name to the default database file "parts.MDB". Every time you install a new version of [[RF.Spice A/D]], it will also install the newest version of the parts database. This is necessary because lots of new parts are constantly added to RF.Spice's standard parts database with every new release.

{{Note | Merging databases may take a considerable amount of time depending on the their size.}}

The second method of recovering old devices involves creating database patches. A database patch is a collection of devices, models and symbols that are stored together in a database file. If you keep track of the devices that you create and add to the parts database over time, then you can bring them together and save them as a database patch. Every time you install a new database, then you can merge the database patches into "parts.MDB". In this way, you can preserve your own devices. To create a database patch, go to the Special Menu of the Device Editor and select "Create Database Patch File...". A large dialog opens up, which allows you to select devices, models and symbols from the current parts database. Click on each Add button and the respective Select Dialog opens up. Browse the list and choose and add as many items as you like. Once your lists are complete, click the OK button. This opens up the standard Windows Save Dialog, with the file extension set to ".PAT". Choose a name for your new database patch and save it. To merge an existing database patch file to the current parts database, go to the Special Menu of the Device Editor and select "Apply Patch to Database...". The standard Windows Open Dialog opens up, with the file extension set to ".PAT". Browse your folders to find the desired database patch file and click the Open button to complete the merge process.