The File Recovery tool is designed to check the integrity of Attaché PRO files.
It identifies errors and inconsistencies and, in most cases, will correct them by resetting values to defaults, deleting invalid data, or recreating index files. It also checks that all records within the selected files can be read successfully.
Running a file recovery is an important part of end-of-year processing to ensure all data issues are resolved before moving into the new year.
If Attaché PRO Archiver is licensed for your company, you will be prompted to take a backup before the recovery begins.
When should you run File Recovery?
Run a file recovery in the following situations:
After a network failure or power problem.
When an error indicates bad data or corrupted indexes.
When a processing error prevents updates or processes from completing
Periodically, to maintain data integrity—especially if data is updated over a network.
During end-of-period updates.
If File Recovery is required or scheduled
Backup your data: Always take a backup before starting file recovery. Corrupted files may cause recovery to delete data it cannot fix. File recovery is not a replacement for a proper backup strategy.
Do not overwrite your last few backups. Some issues only become visible later during infrequent tasks.
Ensure all users are signed out of Attaché PRO. If any user accesses the files during recovery, the process will fail.
Block user access to the Attaché PRO Company to prevent re‑entry during recovery.
How Long Does File Recovery Take?
The duration depends on:
Machine speed.
Network performance.
Volume of data stored.
It is recommended to run file recovery overnight or at a time when no users are in the system to minimise downtime.
For schedule File Recovery, refer to ***Scheduling Tasks in Attaché PRO***.
How to Run a File Recovery
Take a backup. (If Archiver is installed, you will be prompted before starting an end‑of‑period update.)
Go to System, Tools, File Recovery.
Select the modules to be checked. (If unsure, select all modules, as data is highly integrated).
Press the Recover button.
⚠️Warning: Do NOT close Attaché PRO while recovery is running. Interrupting the process will leave files in an unstable condition and require a restore from backup.
Review the File Recovery Log for any reported errors.
Reviewing the Error Log
The error log includes:
The module recovered and the user who initiated it.
A list of errors.
Number of errors found.
If the same errors appear repeatedly, this may indicate:
A problem that recovery cannot correct.
A faulty network connection causing random corruption (often identified by issues appearing only on one workstation).
Incorrect network configuration for Attaché PRO (e.g. opportunistic locking, write caching).
A potential software issue (Same error on all workstations. This should be reported to Attaché PRO support).
Types of Messages
Below are common categories of File Recovery messages and what they mean.
"<filename> Bad header, bad free list, bad data in file, corrupt index, read corrupted record, file missing, duplicate key error, locate past EOF"
Meaning: The file cannot be opened, or its structure/data is irreparable.
Action: You must restore from backup.
"<filename> Adjusted header RecordsUsed,<filename> Adjusted header First unused"
Meaning: The system corrected file information to match actual data.
Action: Data may still be unreliable. Verify completeness.
"Lock record error, Unlock record error, failed to reindex"
Meaning: The file could not obtain exclusive access or is unrecoverable.
Action:
Ensure all users are logged out.
If caused by a network failure, restart the workstation or network connection.
Try again.
"<transaction> deleted as not in linked list<filename> link changed from x to 0"
Meaning: A process failed during a transaction update.
Action: Review affected data; it may not be reliable.
"<entity> balance x changed from <value> to <value>"
Meaning: Transactions do not align with stored balances.
Action: Review the entity (customer, supplier, account) for further corrections.
"Transaction for missing <entity> deletedDeleted <record> with invalid parent"
Meaning: Data corruption—entity should exist but does not.
Action: If unsure, restore from backup and reprocess.
"<filename> <record> has invalid <field> changed to <new value>"
Meaning: Field failed validation (e.g., missing salesperson).
Action: Verify and correct if needed.
"Branch stock allocated changed from x to y"
Meaning: Stock allocation failed before order was saved.
Action: Allocation/backorder quantities were reset to valid amounts.
"Variance detected, Retain amount detected,Ledger out of balance"
Meaning: Not corruption. This indicates:
Chart of accounts issues.
Network failure during posting.
Balancing errors from prior periods.
Action: Consult your Attaché PRO Consultant. Corrections may require journals or chart adjustments.
"LastUsedAudit invalidFirstUsedAudit invalid"
Meaning: Occurs if no transactions exist.
Action:
Safe to ignore after year‑end rollover
If transactions do exist, contact your consultant