The File Editor includes a powerful:
Replace
utility that allows you to automatically change data across multiple records in a database file.
⚠️ Important
This tool works directly with live data.
Changes are immediate and are NOT automatically reversible.
For this reason:
always proceed carefully and verify your selections before processing.
Before You Begin
It is strongly recommended that you:
•create a backup before making changes
•or at minimum backup the specific file you intend to modify
If mistakes are made:
restoring from backup is often the fastest recovery method.
Replacing Data in ALL Records
If you wish to change a value in:
every record in the file
then:
•check the option:
Replace value in All records
The replacement will then apply universally throughout the database file.
⚠️ Use this option very cautiously.
Replacing Data Only When Specific Conditions Exist
More commonly, you will want to replace data only when:
certain records match selected criteria
The Replace utility allows you to define those conditions.
Step 1 — Select the Field to Evaluate
Choose the field that the system should examine.
This does NOT have to be the same field you plan to modify.
Examples:
•account number
•state
•status code
•category
•balance
•service code
Step 2 — Select the Comparison Operator
Choose the comparison operator.
The most common is:
=
(Equal)
However, other operators may also be used.
Operator |
Meaning |
= |
Equal to |
< |
Less than |
<= |
Less than or equal to |
<> |
Not equal to |
>= |
Greater than or equal to |
> |
Greater than |
Step 3 — Enter the Match Value
Enter the exact value the system should locate.
Example:
ACRNUM = 10001
This instructs the system to find all records where:
•the field ACRNUM
•exactly equals:
10001
⚠️ Matching must be exact.
Step 4 — Select the Field to Replace
Now choose:
the field you wish to modify
This field may be different from the one used for selection.
Step 5 — Enter the Replacement Value
Enter the new value to place into the selected field.
Example:
ACRCHG = 100.00
Example Operation
Suppose you define:
Selection |
Value |
ACRNUM |
= 10001 |
and then specify:
Replace Field |
New Value |
ACRCHG |
100.00 |
When you process the replacement:
•the editor will locate every record where:
ACRNUM = 10001
and then automatically replace:
ACRCHG
with:
100.00
Automatic Data Type Conversion
The File Editor automatically recognizes:
•character fields
•numeric fields
•logical fields
•and date fields
The system will convert the entered value into the correct internal format before storing it.
This helps reduce formatting errors during replacements.
Final Warning
⚠️ The Replace utility is extremely powerful.
Incorrect use may:
•damage accounting totals
•alter client records
•break relationships
•create invalid data
•or affect thousands of records instantly
Always:
•verify your selection criteria carefully
•test on small groups first when possible
•and maintain current backups before processing
When in doubt:
contact MasterLink Software support before making large-scale changes.