How to fix the empty list of connections on a splash screen

Objective

This document provides a detailed procedure to address an issue where the list of predefined available connection strings is missing from the login box on the initial splash screen of the application.

Issue

The bottom part of the login box on the initial splash screen is disabled and displays an empty list where predefined, available connection strings should appear.

Potential Causes

The list of saved connection strings pointing to the SQL Server is stored in the file C:\ProgramData\MICROMINE\Geobank\GbisConfigDb.xml.
The connection strings may disappear from the list box if any of the following events occur:

• Corruption of the XML File: If the file contains incorrect syntax or connection strings that disrupt its standard functionality.
• Deletion or Renaming: If the XML file is accidentally deleted, moved, or renamed, this can prevent the application from loading the predefined connection strings.

Solution

1. Verify File Existence and Integrity:
   
   - Navigate to `C:\ProgramData\MICROMINE\Geobank`.
   Locate the `GbisConfigDb.xml` file. If it does not exist, proceed to step 2 under Solution.
   - Open the XML file using a text editor like Notepad++ with “XML Tools Plug-in” enabled to leverage syntax-checking features.
   Inspect for missing tags, incorrect attributes, or improper closures, as these can contribute to file corruption.
   
   
   
   - Correct any identified issues or recreate the file if the corruption cannot be resolved manually.
   
   
2. Recreate Connection Strings:
   
   - Launch the Geobank application.
   - To add a new connection definition, navigate to the connection settings on the splash screen using the [+] button.
   
   
   
   - Click the [Build…] button, re-enter the connection details and save the settings. 
   
   
   
   This action should automatically regenerate a new, error-free version of the GbisConfigDb.xml file.
   
   - The newly added connection to SQL Server should now be visible in the dropdown list.
   
   As soon as the “new” connection details are saved, this GbisConfigDb.xml file will be recreated and overwritten in a healthy state.

Verification

After applying the fix, verify that:

• The predefined connection strings are visible in the login box.
• The application can establish connections without errors using the newly defined strings.

Preventive Measures

To prevent this issue from recurring:

• Regularly back up the `GbisConfigDb.xml` file.
• File integrity checks should be implemented as part of routine maintenance

Want to learn more?

Online Help Manuals - Click here for the latest version

Learning Management System - Click here to login or here to request access