Occasinally we have problems with people making changes in
an "alternate database". This is often because the system has been
configured to prevent editing of the alternate database (see 3
below).

Lex by default accesses two databases, and can open any number of
databsaes separately as required.

The two usual functions of the alternate database are:

1. A "new item" database where items are catalogued then saved or
transferred to the "main item" databsae.

2. A union catalog / catalogue when the library is a sub collection
of the union database.

You set your alternate database up

1. In Lexwin through Tools-Options-Configure
2. In Lexifile through >>>.CONFIGURE <Enter>

3. In both products there is an item in configure stating:

"Write to alternate database On ( ) Off ( )"

If you select "off" then no changes can be made to the alternate
database. This is sometimes done with the union catalogue.

4. Once selected the two databases can be used alternately in
Lexiwin by clicking on the "M" for main and the "A" for alternate
databases. On reboot the system will default to Main.

In Lexifile use FILE-Open-Alternate or >>>.OPEN and
select "alternate".