MrMat

.BAK is 13GB

I'm not too sure unfortunately. It wasn't me that did the migration, the guy before me did the switch over etc. On that note however, i've just ran a backup via System manager and the MDF has now shrunk!! It's now 14GB. Also, if i go to SQL manager and select Tasks > Shrink > Files. The 'Data' i.e. the MDF is allocated 14337MB but can be shrunk 10%? It is a big school, 1200 kids.

Also, heres details of the error others users are getting when they get locked/kicked out of SIMS: at SIMS.Processes.Database.RetrieveDataSet(IDbCommand command, Boolean AsCP320) at SIMS.Processes.MaintainSIMSServicesCache.Repopulate() at SIMS.Processes.MaintainAddressInformation..ctor() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.SearchAddressControl..ctor() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.AddressControl..ctor() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.AbstractStudentEdit..ctor() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.EditStudent..ctor() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.MaintainStudentInformation.InitializeComponent() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.MaintainStudentInformation..ctor() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.MainContainer.MenuItemEditStudent_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.MenuItem.OnClick(EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.MenuItem.PerformClick() at SIMS.UserInterfaces.Launcher2.focusBarButton_click(Object sender, EventArgs e) at NETXP.Controls.Bars.CommandBarItem.RaiseClick() at NETXP.Controls.Bars.CommandBar.ProcessMouseUp(Point e) at NETXP.Controls.Bars.CommandBar.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

Plee for help but also mini rant! So let me start at the beginning… Last month a couple of our Secondary Schools started logging calls advising that SIMS was running slow (specifically reporting) and it’s locking the database up (when big reports are run) and kicking users out since migrating over to SQL2014. I’m no SQL expert but I had a little look and couldn’t see any issues with their setup etc so logged a call with Capita. They responded advising to run 5 database patches and then run System Diagnostics followed by Validate Memberships. They attached 5 patches (3 of which were out of date and couldn’t be ran on the latest version even though I had entered into the call notes that they were all on 7.166. So I asked for them on S3 which took 3 attempts and about 2 weeks to get them authorised but still they only managed to authorise 4 of them so had to deploy 4 via S3 and then 1 manually but that’s a story for another time). Here are the patches that were run with a brief description (as I mentioned, I’m no SQL expert but opened each one up and tried to get somewhat of an idea what each was doing etc). 20580 – This sets the SQL compatibility mode to SQL2012. While you are all already running in compatibility mode I believe we should still run this patch. This is because if this routine doesn’t improve the situation, Capita then can’t come back and advise that we missed a step etc. 20647 – Updates all table statistics with fullscan. Each table within your database has a set statistics on it’s contents. SQL uses these statistics to decide the fastest method of querying the data. The statistic can get muddled over time so by the looks of things, this patch will scan each table within the database and update the statistics accordingly hopefully leading to fastest querying of the data etc. 21158 – Patch to fix performance issues with SQL 2014. This is also related to statistics. SQL 2014 adds new statistics for querying against etc, this patch adds the new statistics to the tables where they do not currently exist. 14265 – Truncates the transaction log and re-indexes the database. Truncating the log file won’t reduce the size of the LDF (unlike the Shrink routine we often run) instead it marks unnecessary areas of the log file as inactive allowing them to be overwritten. It also re-indexes all of the tables, which should also help with the speed of querying the data. 15589 – General Maintenance: Update internal statistics for all tables in the database. Again, this appears to refresh all of the internal statistics. Anywho, ran that patches and routines as advised and it made no difference, the issue still remains so again I raised it with Capita. They then asked to remote onto the server of one of the problem schools so I obliged. The guy logs on, opens up Task Manager and says it looks okay to me (CPU not maxing and RAM to spare – SQL instance allocated 15gb RAM). Then has me log into SIMS, open up the clock and time how long it takes to run a basic report (4 minutes for one year group – name and religion!) to which he advises that yes it is indeed slow. He checks the size of the database (MDF 17gb) and then tells me for about 20 minutes that it’s slow because the database is big… and that’s it. That’s all I got out of a 30-40 minute conversation. The database is big so it’s expected. Nothing they can do. I keep badgering on advising that I get the size will make it slow but shouldn’t be locking out users etc to which his response is the database is a bit big. Now they would like a copy of the database which i will of course provide but wondered if anyone else could help. So any advice from you guys? Anything useful I can try? Anyone expereinced this in the past etc? I know it's a really difficult thing to narrow down as it could be environmental etc but I’ve completely lost confidence with Capita and naturally, the school are getting twitchy so I need to try and find resolution. Thank you, Alex

Not a fix but a workaround maybe, they could use the Quick Search function? It would be the quickest way for them to find out if they were absent or not. Type in the name, hit enter and then hover over the little dot thingy. [ATTACH=CONFIG]34294[/ATTACH]

Just discovered that we get 6% corporate discount for PC World Pre-ordering tonight!

They have already dropped the prices a little bit. Think there's about £100 difference between the same spec models.

I am so very tempted. I no longer have a tablet or a laptop so in need of both, figured one of these should fill both voids nicely. Wondering if the i7 is worth an additional £220?! Anyone with experience of the Surface 3 offer any thoughts?

Finger is on the pre-order button!! Hmmm 8gb Ram, 256GB HD i5 version with type cover. Do I...Don't I...Do I...

Since the updated Ofsted framework more and more of our schools are asking how and/or where to record this info and at the moment and we don't really have an answer to give. I've checked MyAccount and as far as i can tell, there doesn't seem to be any plans to bring Safeguarding functionality into SIMS. So my question is, what are all you lovely folks doing in regards to recording Safeguarding issues etc? Are you using third party software? If so, opinions? Thanks all.

Light painting is great fun. I've done my fair share of it whilst following some street artists around Birmingham. It's also no different to any other type of photography really, just a little more niche. Those that are into light painting will have endless uses for such a tool. I personally think it looks ace however, I'm not part of the niche really so I can't justify the cost.

Ha thanks man. 5"10' ish and about 15 stone (96kg) but a bit puffy around the edges.

I got a little bit sweaty this morning! Leg day is always fun and my squat is back up to 150kg woop. Here's a rare and sweaty gym selfie from yours truly! (ps. Yes I know wearing a hat in the gym in stupid, it's not even cold! But i love hats. With my hat and earphones on, I am no longer a part of this world!)

Hi Steve, Delete "C:\Program Files\SIMS\SIMS .net\SIMSLoad.exe" from the line and change the Multiinstance at the end. You want your target to be this exactly (including quotes) "C:\Program Files\SIMS\SIMS .net\Pulsar.exe" /MULTIINSTANCE

Might not be related at all but, I had a similar issue with my laptop however it only happened when i was off site. Mr Google suggested that maybe Excel was trying to locate my default printer so it could determine margins etc but as i wasn't connected to the network it couldn't find them etc. So i changed my default printer and TA DA! no more issues.

Arm everyone!! That's been my solution. I've always got at least one person out in the wilderness looking for weapons. I've got to a point now where everyone (except children) are armed and there's at least one rifle/shotgun/laser pistol etc in every room.

We got a new puppy Well I say new, he's 7 months old from the Dogs Trust but he's new to us. We've had him a week now so thought i'd get the camera out for a quick snap. Rolo! by Alex Matravers, on Flickr Rolo by Alex Matravers, on Flickr

I've got two studs who are doing all the baby making: Dr Bang and Mr Boombastic! And both are dressed like the Pope. My four ladies hang around in the Lounge/Bar whilst either waiting their turn or waiting to pop. When it is their turn, they put on their favorite "Nightwear" and in they go. It's a strange system, but seems to be working well!

I'm really enjoying it! It's fun Just passed 50 dwellers so going well. Trying to make sure every single dweller is armed...just in case!

Electronic view finders seem to split opinions these days. Personally I love them and think the pros greatly outweigh the cons but understand why some folks aren't fans. You'll only know what suits you by going out and giving both a go. In my opinion, these are the pros and cons to electronic view finders: Pros - You get 100% coverage for starters, all but the top end viewfinders these days only offer about 95% coverage etc. - True preview of image. The biggest pro personally is that what you see is what you'll get. Adjust the white balance, you'll see the change through the viewfinder. Manual exposure becomes a doddle, if it's too dark through the EVF then the shots going to be too dark so adjust accordingly. - HUD/Overlay. An EVF allows you to apply an overlay to your viewfinder such as a spirit level (so you can make sure your horizons straight etc), histogram etc. Also allows you to change any setting without taking the camera away from your face as you can see the menus through the viewfinder. Focus Peaking is also another personal favourite, this highlights (in a choice of colours) the area of the photos that are currently in focus which helps massively when focusing manually etc. Cons - Responsiveness. The biggest drawback isn't actually noticeable most of the time (depending on what type of photography you're into). In the daytime, afternoon etc there isn't any lag at all however as soon as it gets dark, you'll really notice it. - Clarity. Even though modern EVF’s sport reallyhigh resolutions, you always know you’re looking at a screen as they’re justnot as clear as actually looking at the scene. - Battery life. Actual viewfinders obviously use zero power, an EVF uses plenty. Be prepared to buy some spare batteries! At the end of the day it comes down to preference but certainly don't shy away from cameras with EVF's. Go have a good play with both and it should soon become apparent which will work for you.

That the one about the Fargo treasure? I've been meaning to give it a watch.

On that note it might also be worth mentioning that in this day, you don't actually need a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras are just as good (quality wise) as SLR's. Ergonomically they're a different beast, but i've gone to love mine far more than i loved my DSLR.

A way to do it (might not necessarily the best but after a quick look, it's probably how i would do it) would be to build a report. So usual spot within SIMS: Reports > Design Report > New Report Create a Group based report (School > Group) Add everything you need Group Name, Type, Year, Reg etc. Then make sure you add the Supervisors sub report (bluebox) and not just the Supervisor field (to ensure make sure all supervisors for each group show up). Untick the "Include records with no such group" to make sure you don't get all the rubbish. Finally apply a filter: Year & Reg Groups > Year Group contains "7" (or whatever, you could do an exact but you'll have to get it perfect etc) That should do the job!

MPB Photographic London Camera Exchange Never used either, but I've heard good things about both.

Give this read a little bump with a few new ones from me Again all taken with a Canon FD 50mm F/1.4 Silvernose on a Sony A7. Peek a boo by Alex Matravers, on Flickr In the park... by Alex Matravers, on Flickr Field dog! by Alex Matravers, on Flickr