Collect context
- Preserve DB tables with PX, MB, XG/YG and related companion files.
- Record BDE aliases, language driver, NET DIR/private directory and application version.
- Stop multi-user writes and copy a consistent set.
- Retain network/control files as evidence, but do not assume transient lock files are business data.
Classify the condition
| Tables healthy, application unavailable | Extract schema/data and recover application-specific relationships/meaning. |
|---|---|
| Index failure | Base records may remain intact; rebuild only on a copy with correct engine context. |
| Memo/blob error | Companion blocks or pointers may be missing/damaged. |
| Multi-user/locking error | Configuration, permissions or stale control state rather than table corruption. |
| Truncated/overwritten pages | Some records may be genuinely unrecoverable. |
Recovery or migration
Validate record counts, keys, memo data, deleted state and code pages before exporting. Use BDE database migration for an estate-wide transition, Delphi BDE migration when application source changes are required and recovery services for damage. See the pillar.
Provide complete directories, BDE configuration, application, user/concurrency model and known record examples.