Normally EssentialPIM handles database maintenance automatically and users do not have to do anything in that regard. However, in some cases users wish to get more manual control over the process. The following examples will demonstrate what kind of tasks can be performed and what to expect from that.
Database Management
EssentialPIM has a built-in database management tool that can be useful in fixing some database problems. The tool is available under File -> Database Management. This dialog also shows summary information about currently opened database file such as database location, size, amount of records of each type. Besides the database info this dialog provides some database maintenance tools.
Optimization. This process optimizes database by removing some bulk data from it, thus making it smaller in size and sometimes makes it a bit faster. Database optimization can be performed by clicking on the Optimization button. Running optimization is usually a preventative measure and is normally being done automatically by EssentialPIM time to time when a certain set of pre-defined criteria are met.
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Note, before running optimization manually make sure that all synchronizations and mail send/receive processes are not active, otherwise the Optimization button will be inactive. To stop all the active processes, click on the Stop All button in the synchronization form or in mail send/receive dialog window. |
Archiving old records
If a database file is being in use for a long period of time then it can contain a large number of old records that might not be needed anymore. Removing old records from the database will make it smaller in size and can improve its performance. We have a special free supplementary application for this purpose - EPIM Archiver/DupeRemover. The Archiver part of the app can do any of the following:
- Move outdated items into the Trash
- Move items into another database for permanent archiving
- Delete outdated items permanently
More details about how to use EPIM Archiver/DupeRemover can be found in its help file. Note, major version number should be equal as for EPIM Archiver/DupeRemover as for EssentialPIM. I.e. EPIM Archiver/DupeRemover version 5.0 will work fine with database files from EssentialPIM version 5.03 and not with the database file from EssentialPIM 4.5.
Removing duplicates
EPIM Archiver/DupeRemover can also be used for checking database files for duplicates and removal of found duplicate items. The app searches for the duplicate entries through all the EssentialPIM modules. After duplicates are found, a list of automatically selected items for removal is shown. However, you can manually adjust which of the duplicate items to delete. All removed items will be moved to Trash where you can easily delete them permanently or restore later for future use.