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New computer, new install - DIM not seeing my already installed?

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  • kenmokenmo Posts: 923

    DAZ could make this a bit easier by including a simple backup routine that backups the database whenever DAZ Studio closes  just like Adobe Lightroom.

    AND I do not buy the analogy that Adobe is a much larger corporation then DAZ as this is NOT rocket science to do a simple backup.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    kenmo, I agree. DAZ shoul have a "toolkit" that allows you to easily handle things like getting a new hard drive, etc.

    DIM is great, in theory. But DIM relies on the manifest files. The manifest files tell DIM where everything should go. Unfortunately, the manifest files rely on people to provide a "content map." Our experience would be much easier if DAZ adopted a comprehensive set of standards on how to organize the content.

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,745

    kenmo said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    kenmo said:

    Ron Knights said:

    I thought DIM and associated "utilities" were meant to make DAZ Studio easier to use. Instead, in my estimation, they have made DAZ Studio into a nightmare.

    I just want to "Make Art." When I buy content, I want to find it right away. I don't want to deal with databases, etc. I rarely use DIM as it is intended. Sometimes I just use DIM to install stuff so I can organize my content so I can find it easily. Everytime I see a discussion like this one, I foolishly hope DAZ will have a change of heart, and make sense out of things.

    I might get a new computer soon. I will likely ignore

    DIM once again.

     

    My sentiments exactly. DAZ is an outstanding company. They have incredible sales The times I had to deal with their support was fantastic, courteous, friendly and did everything to resolve the issue.

    My only criticizm is of their insane database structure. It's WAY more complicated then it needs to be.

    How do you know it is more complex than it need be? How do you know it is insanely more complex?

     

    Ok, then I'll bite. Then tell EXACTLY what is the name of the database file(s). You've already posted a directory path where over (at least in my case) 1,300 files reside. Surely NOT all these files are databases.

    That, presumably, is how PostgreSQL works. In any event it has nothing to do with the system's being over complciated.

    Secondly, I'm now retired after spending 35 plus years as a computer network support person working mostly on file & print servers (Citrix Winframe, Novell Netware, SUS Linux & Windows Server). I also did database programing with Clipper accessing dBase files and VisualBasic front ends for SQL databases. 

    If no one knows the names of the database files and their indexes, then it is insanely complex. AND this can be justified by how many people have issues when upgrading their computers, replacing an hard drive or moving their DAZ content to another computer.

    How is having a single file or so any simpler to implement or use than having a folder?

    It's almost like your DAZ computer should be virutalized via Hyper V,  Proxmox, Vmware, or VirtualBox where you can make snapshots of the virutal machine (DAZ pc). When you upgrade the hardware you would be upgrading the host computer (Hyper V, Vmware server, etc). The snapshot being a guest / virutalized PC can easily be migrated to the new hardware.

    It maybe a tad complicated for some, but for me it would be much easier then dealing with insane stuff of DAZ madness when it comes to their insane SQL database design. 

    Sorry, I do not mean to insult you or anyone. Nor is my intent to be confrontational but this issue is a very big sore spot with me. I know when a data structure is too complex.

    But you haven't saif anything about the data structure, just how the files are stored.

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,745

    kenmo said:

    DAZ could make this a bit easier by including a simple backup routine that backups the database whenever DAZ Studio closes  just like Adobe Lightroom.

    AND I do not buy the analogy that Adobe is a much larger corporation then DAZ as this is NOT rocket science to do a simple backup.

    Why would Daz duplicate the creation of back up systems when there are already dedicated system for that?

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,745

    Ron Knights said:

    kenmo, I agree. DAZ shoul have a "toolkit" that allows you to easily handle things like getting a new hard drive, etc.

    DIM is great, in theory. But DIM relies on the manifest files. The manifest files tell DIM where everything should go. Unfortunately, the manifest files rely on people to provide a "content map." Our experience would be much easier if DAZ adopted a comprehensive set of standards on how to organize the content.

    Manifests are used by DIM. There are actually two, one that goes with the zip and describes it, another that goes in the Manifests folder and is used to track what the isntaller did. All that's needed is a target content dierctory and a manifests folder (and a downloads folder), all of which have default values requiring no user intervention.

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    ok.. so.. here's the scoop with me (sighs)... I'm starting over from scratch... Things are so messed up with Daz that nothing would work anymore... DB mgmt just kept spinning and spinning and I had to turn off computer after 10+minutes of waiting to get it to close down... ughh... Now I'm gonna start over. 

    Step one Install DIM?

    Step two Install DAZ?  

    Which should I do first?

  • SeraSera Posts: 1,675

    Start with DIM. Make sure you have the correct/desired paths before installing any software through it though. 

    Although I am not sure why Database problems would make Daz stop working... Have you tried restarting it first? 

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,745

    DIM first, then use it to install the other stuff. Mixing a manual install of DS with DIM installs can cause problems.

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    certaintree38 said:

    Start with DIM. Make sure you have the correct/desired paths before installing any software through it though. 

    Although I am not sure why Database problems would make Daz stop working... Have you tried restarting it first? 

    yes.. numerous times... moved stuff around in DIM... restart.. ughhh... Postreg error... move stuff around in DIM... restart.. ughhh... Postreg error still there.. I gave up... I'm starting over... LOL.  I had to uninstall and go through my files to get every little Daz file deleted that didn't get deleted.. LOL.  

    THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU sooooo much for your help... Cross fingers.. DIM install step 1!

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    Richard Haseltine said:

    DIM first, then use it to install the other stuff. Mixing a manual install of DS with DIM installs can cause problems.

    got'cha.. here goezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!

  • TaozTaoz Posts: 9,979

    kenmo said:

    DAZ could make this a bit easier by including a simple backup routine that backups the database whenever DAZ Studio closes  just like Adobe Lightroom.

    AND I do not buy the analogy that Adobe is a much larger corporation then DAZ as this is NOT rocket science to do a simple backup.

    What I meant was that it might be a matter of priorities versus available resources.  There are other things which I'd say should have much higher priority. 

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    Ha... I completely uninstalled DIM and when I reinstalled it.. it remembered where I wanted stuff...ughh... Not sure if there is a return to factory settings button???  Installing Daz Studio 4.15 from DIM... (fingers crossed)

  • TaozTaoz Posts: 9,979
    edited March 2021

    Llola Lane said:

    Ha... I completely uninstalled DIM and when I reinstalled it.. it remembered where I wanted stuff...ughh... Not sure if there is a return to factory settings button???  Installing Daz Studio 4.15 from DIM... (fingers crossed)

    AFAIR, if you delete your user ini file it will create a file with default settings during installation (or maybe just when you run it?).

    C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\DAZ 3D\InstallManager\UserAccounts

    Post edited by Taoz on
  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    Llola Lane, I hope you get things sorted out without further difficulty. I've had my say on the topic. It's time for me to bow out gracefuloly.

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    Ron Knights said:

    Llola Lane, I hope you get things sorted out without further difficulty. I've had my say on the topic. It's time for me to bow out gracefuloly.

    Thank you Ron... I wish I was smarter about this stuff... I feel so stupid sometimes.  I thank you for your input... Stay safe.  :)

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    ok.. I did as Taoz  said and removed the ini... DIM is now finding my Manifest files (I moved them to the right C:drive folder)... but I'm still getting the postreg error.... I have screen shots below.... WHERE is Postreg supposed to go so DAZ finds it???

    DIM installs reset.jpg
    906 x 994 - 215K
    postreg installed.jpg
    1572 x 962 - 363K
  • SeraSera Posts: 1,675

    Llola Lane said:

    ok.. I did as Taoz  said and removed the ini... DIM is now finding my Manifest files (I moved them to the right C:drive folder)... but I'm still getting the postreg error.... I have screen shots below.... WHERE is Postreg supposed to go so DAZ finds it???

    I wish I could help, but I've exhausted my limited understanding of these things. Maybe Taoz can help. Sending positive, helpful, error-crushing vibes. 

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,745

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

  • kenmokenmo Posts: 923

    Richard Haseltine said:

    kenmo said:

    DAZ could make this a bit easier by including a simple backup routine that backups the database whenever DAZ Studio closes  just like Adobe Lightroom.

    AND I do not buy the analogy that Adobe is a much larger corporation then DAZ as this is NOT rocket science to do a simple backup.

    Why would Daz duplicate the creation of back up systems when there are already dedicated system for that?

     

    Why did Adobe offer an option to backup up the Lightroom database? 

    To make it easy for their customers AND some customers do not know what needs to be backed up!!!!

    Sorry Richard Haseltine but you are taking my comments WAY too personal. They are not meant to be.

    I love DAZ. I love their products and apps. I love their Premium Membership and their support staff. I just HATE the way they've complicated their database making it extremely difficult to migrate data. <PERIOD>.

    Again PLEASE STOP making this personal.

    Cheers & take care

     

  • SeraSera Posts: 1,675

    kenmo said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    kenmo said:

    DAZ could make this a bit easier by including a simple backup routine that backups the database whenever DAZ Studio closes  just like Adobe Lightroom.

    AND I do not buy the analogy that Adobe is a much larger corporation then DAZ as this is NOT rocket science to do a simple backup.

    Why would Daz duplicate the creation of back up systems when there are already dedicated system for that?

     

    Why did Adobe offer an option to backup up the Lightroom database? 

    To make it easy for their customers AND some customers do not know what needs to be backed up!!!!

    Sorry Richard Haseltine but you are taking my comments WAY too personal. They are not meant to be.

    I love DAZ. I love their products and apps. I love their Premium Membership and their support staff. I just HATE the way they've complicated their database making it extremely difficult to migrate data. <PERIOD>.

    Again PLEASE STOP making this personal.

    Cheers & take care

    Honestly, you seem to be the one that is worked up. I can tell this is a pet peeve of yours but you seem really angry. Richard is defending Daz, for sure, but he doesn't seem to be all that emotional about it. Maybe try some deep breathing? 

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

    Actually Richard that helped... It's back to the C: drive... I am almost there... I started reimporting Metadata and now the program is frozen (again)... I will end up having to CNTL ALT DEL to get task manager to shut down Daz and when I go and open it back up... the Metadata won't be reimported :(  Now what???

     

    metadata import error.jpg
    940 x 642 - 112K
  • SeraSera Posts: 1,675

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

    Actually Richard that helped... It's back to the C: drive... I am almost there... I started reimporting Metadata and now the program is frozen (again)... I will end up having to CNTL ALT DEL to get task manager to shut down Daz and when I go and open it back up... the Metadata won't be reimported :(  Now what???

    Reimporting metadata takes a long time, and it will get to 99 or 100% and then continue to work while looking frozen. MOST of the time spent importing metadata happens after it says it's at 100%, so please try to give it a long time before ending the task. If you have a lot of content, even twenty minutes. 

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,745

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

    Actually Richard that helped... It's back to the C: drive... I am almost there... I started reimporting Metadata and now the program is frozen (again)... I will end up having to CNTL ALT DEL to get task manager to shut down Daz and when I go and open it back up... the Metadata won't be reimported :(  Now what???

    I'm sorry, I've lost track of what has or hasn't been suggested. This does sound like a communication issue between PostgreSQL and DS (possibly security software) or a problem writing to the database folder. I think you've already tried changing the port number in Edit>Preferences>CMS Settings, and that is stuck, which does argue against permission issues to an extent.

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    OMG.. OMG... It worked!!!  I have meta data Huston!!!  lol  Took about 35minutes but the curser finally stopped spinning and all my Smart Content tab and Products folder are all working!!!  I'm not sure WHERE my content will be installed now.. I'm afraid to touch anything... lol.  I'll live with it for now but eventually I would like to have content go to my new D: (4tb SSD drive!)

    For future reference...

    Step one... INSTALL DIM

    Step two... From DIM.. INSTALL DAZ

    Step three.. In DAZ.. reimport metadata

    Step four... DON"T TOUCH ANYTHING!!!  lol

    THANK YOU ALL for your help... I'm virtual hugging you all!!!  Hugzzzzzzzzzzzz

  • SeraSera Posts: 1,675

    Llola Lane said:

    OMG.. OMG... It worked!!!  I have meta data Huston!!!  lol  Took about 35minutes but the curser finally stopped spinning and all my Smart Content tab and Products folder are all working!!!  I'm not sure WHERE my content will be installed now.. I'm afraid to touch anything... lol.  I'll live with it for now but eventually I would like to have content go to my new D: (4tb SSD drive!)

    For future reference...

    Step one... INSTALL DIM

    Step two... From DIM.. INSTALL DAZ

    Step three.. In DAZ.. reimport metadata

    Step four... DON"T TOUCH ANYTHING!!!  lol

    THANK YOU ALL for your help... I'm virtual hugging you all!!!  Hugzzzzzzzzzzzz

    Wooot! Congrats!! (hug accepted :D) 

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    certaintree38 said:

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

    Actually Richard that helped... It's back to the C: drive... I am almost there... I started reimporting Metadata and now the program is frozen (again)... I will end up having to CNTL ALT DEL to get task manager to shut down Daz and when I go and open it back up... the Metadata won't be reimported :(  Now what???

    Reimporting metadata takes a long time, and it will get to 99 or 100% and then continue to work while looking frozen. MOST of the time spent importing metadata happens after it says it's at 100%, so please try to give it a long time before ending the task. If you have a lot of content, even twenty minutes. 

    Yep yep.. Patience is the key... I have a LOT of content... It took over 35minutes... I guess I panic'd when I saw 100 percent ;)

     

  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

    Actually Richard that helped... It's back to the C: drive... I am almost there... I started reimporting Metadata and now the program is frozen (again)... I will end up having to CNTL ALT DEL to get task manager to shut down Daz and when I go and open it back up... the Metadata won't be reimported :(  Now what???

    I'm sorry, I've lost track of what has or hasn't been suggested. This does sound like a communication issue between PostgreSQL and DS (possibly security software) or a problem writing to the database folder. I think you've already tried changing the port number in Edit>Preferences>CMS Settings, and that is stuck, which does argue against permission issues to an extent.

    Thanks Richard.. I think I've got it working... I'd still like to save content to my D drive... but for now I will move things from C to D manually... If someone knows where in DIM to change the content to D safely.. Please let me know.. I'm afraid to touch anything anymore.. LOL

  • SeraSera Posts: 1,675
    edited March 2021

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

    Actually Richard that helped... It's back to the C: drive... I am almost there... I started reimporting Metadata and now the program is frozen (again)... I will end up having to CNTL ALT DEL to get task manager to shut down Daz and when I go and open it back up... the Metadata won't be reimported :(  Now what???

    I'm sorry, I've lost track of what has or hasn't been suggested. This does sound like a communication issue between PostgreSQL and DS (possibly security software) or a problem writing to the database folder. I think you've already tried changing the port number in Edit>Preferences>CMS Settings, and that is stuck, which does argue against permission issues to an extent.

    Thanks Richard.. I think I've got it working... I'd still like to save content to my D drive... but for now I will move things from C to D manually... If someone knows where in DIM to change the content to D safely.. Please let me know.. I'm afraid to touch anything anymore.. LOL

    I'm glad you got it working! Just go into settings on the installation page of settings, and then down to Content Path Shortcuts. Click the plus sign down below that, and use it to add a path to where you want stuff installed. After your path is added, select it in the "Content Paths Shortcut" setting. Then click on the OTHER path, the default one that goes to C drive, and click the minus below it. This should remove the default path from your options, making it harder for DIM to revert to it later (at least, I haven't had it revert since I did that.). Now stuff will install where you want! Congrats again. 

    Post edited by Sera on
  • Llola LaneLlola Lane Posts: 9,443

    certaintree38 said:

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    Richard Haseltine said:

    Llola Lane said:

    ughh... Postreg error is still there... I'm totally stumped... I may have to install the program on my D drive with the content???  I'm gonna go eat dinner then come back and try and fix this... ughhhhh .. sorry gang.  Anyone know WHERE the Postreg is SUPPOSED to go?  It doesn't say... That's very frustrating.. If I knew where to put it... I could copy it to the spot. 

    Too late now, but for future reference or for others finding this thread later, right click on a path and there is a Restore Default option.

    Actually Richard that helped... It's back to the C: drive... I am almost there... I started reimporting Metadata and now the program is frozen (again)... I will end up having to CNTL ALT DEL to get task manager to shut down Daz and when I go and open it back up... the Metadata won't be reimported :(  Now what???

    I'm sorry, I've lost track of what has or hasn't been suggested. This does sound like a communication issue between PostgreSQL and DS (possibly security software) or a problem writing to the database folder. I think you've already tried changing the port number in Edit>Preferences>CMS Settings, and that is stuck, which does argue against permission issues to an extent.

    Thanks Richard.. I think I've got it working... I'd still like to save content to my D drive... but for now I will move things from C to D manually... If someone knows where in DIM to change the content to D safely.. Please let me know.. I'm afraid to touch anything anymore.. LOL

    I'm glad you got it working! Just go into settings on the installation page of settings, and then down to Content Path Shortcuts. Click the plus sign down below that, and use it to add a path to where you want stuff installed. After your path is added, select it in the "Content Paths Shortcut" setting. Then click on the OTHER path, the default one that goes to C drive, and click the minus below it. This should remove the default path from your options, making it harder for DIM to revert to it later (at least, I haven't had it revert since I did that.). Now stuff will install where you want! Congrats again. 

    DONE... I'll have to buy something to see where it goes... chaa chiiiiiiiiiiiingggg!!!  lol  Thanks oodles again!  You rock!!!

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