Troubleshooting: "Unknown Database. ... Failed to locate host machine. ..."

Note: there are other errors beginning with "Unknown Database." Make sure yours matches the one above.

This error indicates that the Bundle-Track Client is unable to locate the Bundle-Track Server, either because of an invalid path in Bundle-Track Links or because of an obsolete IP Address in the Client's Hosts file.

Resolution procedure:

1. Make sure that the filepath set in Bundle-Track Links is correct:
    
   1. Make sure the path begins with the Machine Name of the Bundle-Track Server.
      If you recently renamed or relocated the Server, you need to update the path specified in Bundle-Track Links according to these instructions.
       
   2. Make sure the path refers to the database's folder in local terms, as it would be seen by the server itself.
      Users often assume incorrectly (although it does seem more sensible) that the path should refer to shared folder by its 'Share As' name (as it would be seen by other machines on the network). For more details on building the path, click here.
       
   3. Try the Bundle-Track Client.

   If the problem is resolved, you're finished. Otherwise, try the steps below.
   

2. Make sure your Bundle-Track Client's Hosts file is up to date.
   The problem may be that your network has changed the IP Address of the Bundle-Track Server, leaving your Bundle-Track Client's Hosts file still pointing to the old address. To correct this, follow this procedure:
    
   1. Discover the Bundle-Track Server's Machine Name from Bundle-Track Links:
       
      1. On the Bundle-Track Client machine, run Bundle-Track Links.
          
      2. Note the Server's Machine Name in the path:
         \\ServerMachineName\LocalPath\DatabaseName
          
      3. Close Bundle-Track Links.
          
   2. Discover the Bundle-Track Server's IP Address:
       
      1. On the Bundle-Track Server machine, select : Run.
          
      2. Into the text box, type 'command' to open the command window.
          
      3. For Windows98 only:
         1. In the open window, type 'WinIPConfig' to open the Windows IP Configuration panel.
         2. Use the Adapter dropdown list to select the appropriate network card.
         3. Read the IP Address.
            
            
         For later Windows editions:
         1. In the open window, type 'IPConfig' and press Enter.
         2. Read the address (usually a 192.168.x.x or a 10.1.x.x number).
            • In the case of multiple network cards in the machine, type ipconfig /all and read the address listed with the interface (network card) you want to use.
               
      4. Type 'Exit' to close the command window.
          
   3. Update the Bundle-Track Client's 'Hosts' file:
       
      1. On the Bundle-Track Client machine, open the file 'c:\Windows\Hosts' in Notepad.
          
      2. At the bottom of the file (past all the lines that begin with '#'), locate the line that ends with the Server's Machine Name.
          
      3. Update the IP address on that line with the new one you identified above.
          
      4. Save and close the Hosts file.
          
   4. Try the Bundle-Track Client.

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