Everything was working fine; now I can't open my data. What's happened?

First, check that you have responded in the appropriate way to any error or warning messages.

For instance: Have you been reminded to Register LodgeDat and forgotten to do it? Contact the LodgeDat designer for details on how to proceed.

Next, check that you have not moved or deleted your personal data.

Have a look here on your PC ...
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\LodgeDat\UserData

The file 'LodgeDat_User.mde' is your personal data. Include it in any backups you do, if you want to be safe.

If it is not where it should be, you will have to search for it on your PC and put it back. You may have accidentally deleted the file; check in the Recycle Bin.

If you delete the user data file, or damage it beyond repair, your data cannot be recovered without spending a considerable amount of money.

If the file has been deleted permanently, and you do not have a backup, there is no way to replace the file. you will need to do a re-install and start again.

If everything is OK so far, next check that the system files are still in place.

Have a look here on your PC ...
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\LodgeDat

The file 'LodgeDat.mde' is the LodgeDat system file. The other folders contain your user data file, the output file and the supplied templates, images and ancillary files.

If the files are missing, run the latest update (download it from the website). The system files will be replaced.

If everything seems OK so far, check that your data output file is still in place.

Have a look here on your PC ...
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\LodgeDat\Output

If the file is missing, run the latest update (download it from the website). The data output file will be replaced.

If you have made any changes to your PC configuration or installed any updates, the changes may be preventing LodgeDat running.

Check that .NET is still in place. How?

Research on the WWW for known issues; type the name of the program you have just installed or the function of the recent updates you have applied into Google.

If everything is in place, the files may be corrupted.

If you damage either the system or user data file, see here before you do anything else. Under no circumstances attempt to 'fix' the files before trying the suggestions given on the link.

Contact the LodgeDat designer with full details of any error messages you may be receiving.