Summary
This article explains the BACKTRACK error message “[BACKTRACK App Name] Unable to connect to the database: Cannot open database…” and details how to fix the underlying problem that caused it to appear.
Explanation
When opening BACKTRACK, the one of the first tasks is to connect to the database. If the database is corrupt, BACKTRACK will fail to open. This creates a bit of a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario since without being able to open BACKTRACK, you cannot use BACKTRACK to try to fix the database or even attempt a new or different restore. Essentially, BACKTRACK is stuck.
This often happens when trying to open BACKTRACK after a troubled restore. Troubled restores are much more common when skipping versions of BACKTRACK.
Solution
BACKTRACK needs to be reinstalled. The new install will create the default database allowing BACKTRACK to open. Once you can open BACKTRACK again, you can retry the restore or recreate a new BACKTRACK to replace the old one.
Skipping versions of BACKTRACK often causes the backup file to be corrupt or unusable. Your EBI Technical Support Coach can often use the EBI test and development environments to help create a workable backup file. Contact your coach for help.
Additional Comments
Software Found On: Windows, BACKTRACK 2012
Related Articles:
Problem Article: Corrupt Database Stops BACKTRACK from Opening – KBA-01285-K8K6Z5
Problem Article: Restoring BACKTRACK Backup Files from Older Versions – KBA-011180P0J9C1
