Frequently asked questions

This page should cover most of the commonly asked questions about Data Crow cataloger software.


Windows Vista / Windows 7 installation issues

To overcome permission issues on Windows Vista and Windows 7 make sure to run the installer as an administrator user (if you do not know how to do this google 'run as administrator'). This is sufficient for the installer to complete successfully.

Additionally I would recommend not to install Data Crow in the Program Files folder. Windows Vista and Windows 7 are very restrictive towards programs running from this folder. This is an issue for Data Crow as it writes all information (settings and data files) to its very own installation folder.

Oh, and don't forget: the installer and Data Crow need Java (1.6 or higher) to be installed on the system.


I downloaded the installation and now I got myself a jar file .. ?

Try a "double-click" first. The jar file is a self-executing file. If that didn't help at all it means you either you have no Java Runtime Environment installed or Java is not correctly setup. If Java is not installed go to the Java homepage and download the latest version. If Java is installed, type (in the folder where Data Crow is located): java -Xmx256m -jar <filename>


I get a message saying Data Crow need full control over its folders

Data Crow needs to be able to create and alter files such as the database and the module files. Some platforms have a solid security layer in place and will require you to change the permissions for the user running Data Crow or to start Data Crow with a user having the correct privileges. Windows Vista is especially restrictive to programs installed in the program files folder. I would advise to install Data Crow in your user folder, saving you the hassle of having to change folder / user permissions.


Is Data Crow portable?

Yes, it is. Data Crow does not leave anything behind after uninstalling it. Data Crow does not rely on the registry and only writes files to the sub folders of the Data Crow installation directory. You do not even have to use the installer. You can simply download the zipped version and unpack this in the desired location. Another nice thing is that the web server (which comes with the web module) is also completely portable allowing you to run a web server from your USB stick!.


How do I upgrade my current version?

You have two methods available. The first method is to install the latest version on top of your current installation. You will have to be aware of the upgrade path (see the readme/datacrow/readme.txt file). The second method is the safest: create a backup using the Backup & Restore utility. Uninstall (delete) the current version. Install the latest version. Restore the backup you created. The restore utility will check and advise on the upgrade path ensuring you will not end up with a corrupted version of Data Crow.


I want to merge the items from several installations

With the latest version this is possible by using the Item Export and the Item Import wizards. You can store the selected (or all) items to a XML file which can be imported on any other system. This is the most reliable way to migrate your items.


Nice reports but I want something different

The reports in Data Crow are based on templates which are easily modified. In case the existing reports are not suitable for your needs try to create a new one. I have written a short manual on this which can be found in the download section under documentation.


I would like to create a plugin but where do I start?

A developer guide has been made available. This guide explains how Data Crow works and how to create a new plugin. It's actually not that difficult! The developer guide can be found in the download section under documentation.


I get a message saying Data Crow can't determine its installation folder

As Data Crow does not maintain its location in the registry or in any other platform dependent way it has to find the installation folder all by itself.. In case this fails you can use the following parameter:

java -Xmx256m -jar datacrow.jar -dir:<installation directory>
or (when using the datacrow.exe)
datacrow.exe -dir:<installation directory>


What is the "new" tab about?

The new item tab holds items eligible to be saved to the database. It's Data Crow waiting room. Items found by services such as the Online Search and the import are put in this waiting room so you can check and correct them. You can save them by pressing the "save" button.


I want to find non English information

The Amazon online services allow for German and French texts to be found. When you use the online search, select an Amazon server (if available for the selected module) and the preferred language.


I would like to have a new feature in Data Crow

Please go to the contact page and follow the directions from there


Java programs are known for high memory usage and low performance.
How's Data Crow performing ?

First of all the amount of memory used and the performance of the application is for the largest part in the hands of the developer. Sloppy programming can kill any product or service. Data Crow is a product which potentially deals with huge amounts of data and needs to present this data in a nice way and fast. Given the type of product Data Crow's memory usage is low and its performance is excellent.


How do I .. ?

Don't forget the internal help system, which is activated by pressing the F1 key.
Use the wizards to add new items.