MediaShout uses .mdb database file format for the song database file, backup files, and bible database files.  Most of the time when you get an error message there is an explanation of the error which will sometimes indicate the source of the error.

In most cases there is a window that pops up that says OLE Database Error.  Often times this is followed by other errors that may have information about the issue that can help with troubleshooting.

Here are some database errors that you might get:

1. database error
2. the database is opened exclusively by another user
3. inaccessible song library
4. can't lock database
5. can't find the database
6. disc records cannot be read-no read permissions on groups
7. cannot find backup.mdb

Here are possible reasons why these database errors occur:

1. You are logged on to the computer as a limited user without the proper permissions.  MediaShout can be used in a limited user account.  However you need to give Full Control permissions to the user for the My Shout and MediaComplete folders.  (Optional:  For control over global settings:  MediaShout x.ini)
2. The song database file has been moved or deleted.  The default directory for the song database in My Shout>V4>Song Library (My Shout>Song Library in V3.x).  If it gets moved or deleted MediaShout will not find it and give you the error.  If it is in a different location you can redirect it to reflect that new location by going to Tools>Settings>Songs (Tools>Settings>Text in V3.x).  If it has been deleted you will either have to copy a backup of the database into the right directory or reinstall MediaShout so that it will install the database from the install dvd.
3. The copyright information is too long in the header/footer text.  Sometimes users import their own custom songs with too much information listed in the header/footer text box in the cue properties.  This can cause MediaShout to have database errors.  This is especially evident when it happens for some songs and not all.  You can delete most of the text to fix this issue.
4. Your operating system need to be updated.  There are specific Windows components that need to be updated on a regular basis for Windows to run efficiently.  Sometimes these components can be outdated or get corrupt in rare cases.  You will need to run Windows Updates to ensure that you have the latest version of these components.
5. The database is corrupt.  At this point, you will need to copy a backup of the database into the right directory or reinstall MediaShout so that it will install the database from the install dvd.  Please see the attached databases for version 3 and version 4.  NOTE:  These are zipped files.  You may need to contact your computer administrator if your email blocks attached files.
6. The database was burned onto a cd rom and copied to the computer.  When the database is copied from a cd rom it will sometimes make it a read-only file.  You have to go to the file properties and uncheck the Read-only box.