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Error Base - Variable Does Not Exist

Problem

ProPay crashes with one of the following error messages:

Error Base 1003 - Variable Does Not Exist

or

Error Objects/6 - No Exp.Method database: xxxxx

Cause

This error indicates that ProPay is having trouble updating one of the fields in the database. This most commonly occurs when:

  • A new program update has been installed
  • The database structure has been changed in the update
  • Client files have not been converted to the new database structure

When Paysoft releases updates, they sometimes enhance the database structure by adding new fields or modifying existing ones. For these changes to take effect, all client files must be converted to match the new structure.

Solution

You need to convert all client files to the current database structure.

Step 1: Convert file structures

  1. Go to Client Functions > Miscellaneous > Convert File Structures on the ProPay Main Menu.
  2. Select Convert all clients (recommended).
  3. Click OK to begin conversion.
  4. Wait for the conversion to complete.
    • This may take several minutes depending on the number of clients.
    1. When conversion is complete, try the operation again.

    If the problem is resolved, you're done. If not, continue to Step 2.

    Step 2: Reinstall ProPay and convert

    If converting file structures doesn't resolve the error:

    1. Download the latest version of ProPay:
      • Go to Utilities > Download the Latest Version of ProPay on the ProPay Main Menu.
      • Or download from the Paysoft website.
      1. Install the update over your existing installation.
      2. Start ProPay.
      3. Go to Client Functions > Miscellaneous > Convert File Structures.
      4. Convert all client files again.
      5. Try the operation again.

      Understanding Database Conversion

      What is database conversion?

      Database conversion updates the structure of your client data files to match the current version of ProPay. This process:

      • Adds new fields that didn't exist in previous versions
      • Modifies field sizes to accommodate new requirements
      • Reorganizes data to improve performance
      • Preserves all existing data

      When should you convert?

      You should convert file structures:

      • After installing any ProPay update
      • When prompted by an error message
      • If you experience unusual behavior after an update
      • Before beginning a new calendar year
      • After restoring backup files from an older version

      Is it safe?

      Yes, converting file structures is safe and doesn't delete any data. However, as a best practice:

      • Always backup your data before converting
      • Ensure all users have exited ProPay before converting
      • Allow the conversion to complete without interruption

      Prevention

      To avoid "Variable Does Not Exist" errors:

      1. Convert after every update - Always run Convert File Structures after installing updates
      2. Keep ProPay current - Download and install updates regularly
      3. Backup before updates - Always backup data before installing updates
      4. Read update notes - Check for special instructions when updating
      5. All users exit - Ensure no one is using ProPay during updates and conversions

      Related Topics

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