RC-E User Manual
Database Corruption
Database Corruption
Protect Databases from Corruption
If a recording server's databases become corrupted, the recording server is in many cases able to repair the corrupt
databases. While the ability to repair corrupt databases is highly valuable, it is of course even better to take steps to
ensure that your databases do not become corrupted:
Power Outages: Use a UPS
The single most common reason for corrupt databases is the recording server being shut down abruptly, without files
being saved and without the operating system being closed down properly. This may happen due to power outages,
due to somebody accidentally pulling out the server's power cable, or similar.
The best way of protecting your recording servers from being shut down abruptly is to equip each of your recording
servers with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
The UPS works as a battery-driven secondary power source, providing the necessary power for saving open files and
safely powering down your system in the event of power irregularities. UPSs vary in sophistication, but many UPSs
include software for automatically saving open files, for alerting system administrators, etc.
Selecting the right type of UPS for your organization's environment is an individual process. When assessing your
needs, however, do bear in mind the amount of runtime you will require the UPS to be able to provide if the power
fails; saving open files and shutting down an operating system properly may take several minutes.
Windows Task Manager: Be Careful when Ending Processes
When working in Windows Task Manager, be careful not to end any processes which affect the surveillance system. If
you end an application or system service by clicking
End Process
in the Windows Task Manager, the process in
question will not be given the chance to save its state or data before it is terminated. This may in turn lead to corrupt
camera databases.
Windows Task Manager will typically display a warning if you attempt to end a process. Unless you are absolutely
sure that ending the process will not affect the surveillance system, make sure you click
No
when the warning
message asks you if you really want to terminate the process.
Hard Disk Failure: Protect Your Drives
Hard disk drives are mechanical devices, and as such they are vulnerable to external factors. The following are
examples of external factors which may damage hard disk drives and lead to corrupt camera databases:
Vibration (make sure the surveillance system server and its surroundings are stable)
Strong heat (make sure the server has adequate ventilation)
Strong magnetic fields (avoid)
Power outages (make sure you use a UPS; see more information in the previous)
Static electricity (make sure you ground yourself if you are going to handle a hard disk drive).
Fire, water, etc. (avoid)
On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc.
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