Setup & Configuration Information for FoxPro for Windows

• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, 2.5b, 2.6

SUMMARY

This article contains a brief overview of FoxPro for Windows, along with tips for setting up and configuring FoxPro.

MORE INFORMATION

What Is FoxPro?

FoxPro is a very powerful development tool for creating relational database management systems (RDBMSs). An RDBMS is a set of data files, screens, query tools, and reports used to track the flow of a data process. The FoxPro programming language is based on a programming language called xBase.

The keys to the successful use of FoxPro are:

• Becoming familiar with the environment needed to run FoxPro
• Learning the many levels of the FoxPro interface
• Learning some basic programming techniques and commands

FoxPro Product Materials

Three key items are shipped in the FoxPro package; make sure you have them at hand before continuing with the setup process:

• The registration card (please fill it out and mail it in)
• The setup disks
• The manuals:

       Installation and Configuration
       Master Index
       Getting Started
       User's Guide
       Developer's Guide
       Language Reference
  

Checking System Requirements

Once you have the materials you'll need, you need make sure that the PC you're using is capable of running FoxPro. The FoxPro system requirements are located on page 1-1 of the "Installation and Configuration" manual. Make sure that all the requirements but the last one (the hard disk space) are met before installation. (The installation program will verify whether you have enough available disk space.)

If you need help determining whether your system meets the requirements, you can run the Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD) program that ships with Windows. To run this program:

1. If you're running Windows, close any running applications, and then choose Exit from the File menu.

2. At the MS-DOS prompt, type "MSD" (without the quotation marks) and then press the ENTER key.

3. After MSD examines your system, it displays a screen with the following information:

         Computer:  The processor you're using (80386SX or higher required)
   

         Memory:    The memory configuration (4 MB minimum required, 8 MB or
                    higher recommended)
   
         Video:     What type of monitor you have (VGA or higher resolution
                    required)
   
         Windows:   The Windows version (you must be able to run Windows in
                    386 enhanced mode; MSD will say "Enhanced" if you can)
   
                   If you're not sure what mode you are running Windows in,
                   start Windows and choose About Program Manager from the
                   Program Manager Help menu. (NOTE: Doing this does not
                   indicate what mode you're running in if you are using
                   Windows for Workgroups 3.11.)
   
         Version:   The version and manufacturer of your operating system
   
         Mouse:     Which mouse driver you're using (a mouse is required)
   
   

4. Compare the MSD information with the system requirements listed in the "Installation and Configuration" manual.

5. To quit MSD, choose Exit from the File menu.

Setting Up FoxPro

To install FoxPro on a single machine, follow the "Quick Setup" instructions on page 1-1 of the "Installation and Configuration" manual.

Setting Up a Working Environment

Once FoxPro has been successfully installed, you should set up a working environment that will keep the FoxPro program files separate from the files you will create. The best way to do this is by creating a directory in which to store your work. To do this:

1. Start Microsoft Windows and open File Manager, which is usually found in the Main group.

2. In File Manager, select (highlight) the hard disk and folder that represents the top-level (root) directory, which is indicated by a backslash (\).

3. From the File menu, choose Create Directory.

4. In the Name box, type a name for the new directory; for example, FOXWORK.

5. Choose the OK button. You should now see your new directory listed in File Manager.

1. In Program Manager, select (highlight) the FoxPro icon by clicking it once with the mouse.

2. From the Program Manager File menu, choose Properties.

   Windows will display a dialog box that allows you to select the working directory and program file to run.

3. In the Working Directory box, type the path to the working directory; for example, C:\FOXWORK.

4. Choose the OK button.

Configuring FoxPro

Although it is not required, you can use a configuration file to specify certain startup preferences for FoxPro. This configuration file, called CONFIG.FPW, is similar to the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files used by MS- DOS and the Startup group and WIN.INI file used by Microsoft Windows.

For example, when FoxPro starts, it has a default title of "Microsoft FoxPro." You can use the CONFIG.FPW file to change the title, as well as the default directory and many other settings. For more information about the CONFIG.FPW file, look up "CONFIG.FPW" in the "Master Index."

Running FoxPro

To start running FoxPro, double-click the FoxPro icon in Program Manager.

Getting Help with FoxPro

With FoxPro running, you now have access to the FoxPro online Help file. The Help file is loaded with useful information. For example, the Help file includes such valuable topics as:

   Troubleshooting
   Top 25 Common Issues
   Top 20 Coding Errors
   Using Wizards
   Using Catalog Manager

To open the Help file, press the F1 key, or choose Contents from the Help menu.

Other Sources of Information

• README.TXT File: The README.TXT file in the FoxPro directory provides information not contained in the FoxPro online Help file or print documentation, and provides corrections to both. (You can easily access the README.TXT file by clicking the FoxPro README icon in the FoxPro group in Program Manager.)
• PSSQA.TXT File: The PSSQA.TXT file in the FoxPro directory provides answers to the most commonly asked questions about FoxPro. You can easily access the PSSQA.TXT file by clicking the FoxPro Q&A icon in the FoxPro group in Program Manager.)