How to Collect and Submit Data Files

When asked by Syscob Support to “send us your data files”, so that they may be analyzed or repaired, the process is very simple.  For Export-It just run the eDataZip tool (for Export-It Plus see the last section on this page).  These utilities can be run from the web (although one or more dialogs may need to be answered to allow it to execute).  This utility should also be in the \ExportIt\VDF7 folder of the “local” drive.

When eDataZip starts it shows a small window with a “bouncing” bar to indicate activity while it collects the requested log files into a “spanned” [.zip] archive.  That window will look like this:

When the archiving is complete an Information dialog, like the one below, will appear.  This lists the files which are the “parts” of the “spanned” archive.  Each file is 2 Megabytes, or less, in size to allow submission by email.  There will always be a file named ExpData.zip, but the presence of any additional “part” files (ExpData.z01, ExpData.z02, et cetera) will depend on the total size of the archive.

To submit the archive to Syscob create as many email messages to support@syscob.com.au as are necessary to allow attaching no more than four [4] “part” files per email message.  Be sure to send all of the “part” files to Syscob Support—since only when all of the parts have been received can the “spanned” archive be “unzipped” for analysis.

Upon receipt Syscob Support will repair or analyze the files and reply to the person that sent the email submission.  If a reply to another party is desired then put that in the message body and include any other information, such as a description of the problem, in the body text.

WARNING when data files are sent to Syscob for repair the Export-It application must not be used until the repaired files are returned and the accompanying instructions followed.  Any work done while Syscob is repairing the files will be lost when the repaired files are returned!

Submitting Export-It Plus Data Files

The process is the same as describe above, except that the “zipper” utility is the ePlusZip tool (which can also be run from the web) and the names of the “spanned” archive “part” files are ExpPlus.zip, ExpPlus.z01, ExpPlus.z02, et cetera.  And the same WARNING as above, that the Export-It Plus application must not be used until files submitted for repair by Syscob are returned, applies.

Attachment Limits

Although web standards do not restrict the size of attachments to email traffic some mail servers, both those of ISPs and large companies, may impose a policy that restricts the total size of attachments (including images like logos in signatures).  Such a policy limit can vary, but the most common one in Australia is 10 Mb.  That is why Syscob recommends attaching no more than four archive “part” files to any single email message.

If your company has its own SMTP server(s) then a smaller limit may be imposed by company policy.  In such a case you may need to contact the mail administrator, or IT staff, to find out what that limit may be.  If it is less than 2 Mb (the size of a “part” file) then it cannot be used.  In that case either use a webmail system, like Hotmail or Yahoo!, to submit the “part” files or contact Syscob Support to arrange for FTP upload to our web site.