The Pack Files command compresses unused space (which typically results from erasing items) from ProVal database and library files (the four files that carry the ProVal client’s parameter settings), making them as compact as possible. Packed files are still accessible to ProVal; they simply take up less disk space. This command should be used before emailing files, archiving files, or whenever you want to free up extra disk space.

During the process of updating files to a newer version, ProVal will automatically offer to pack files that have a significant amount of unused space. (When you are prompted, click “Yes” to accept, and thus allow packing to proceed.)

Alternatively, instead of waiting for ProVal to suggest packing, you may choose to do so by selecting the Pack Files command.

Select files to pack lets you select the database files that you want to pack (check the box for each database you wish to pack).

Check the Pack library files box if you wish to pack the four library files of the currently open client. Library files store all information associated with the client except database contents. For example, decrement tables, valuation assumptions and valuation results (aka output) are all stored in the client’s library files.

Delete all messages in Batch Message Log cleans up the Batch Message Log and helps to keep the library files compact. Note that if this box is checked, the PVOUT.SF file will be packed regardless of whether the Pack library files box is checked. Individual batch log messages that are no longer needed may also be deleted by use of the Delete option: when you are in the Batch Log Message view (Batch Execution command of the Execute menu, click View Prior Batch Messages button), click the Delete button and select which messages to delete. In addition, the Pack tab of the Options command of the File menu can be used to set up automatic deletion of messages older than a certain number of days.

For Network Administrators:

If you would like to pack client files (both library and database files) across many client directories under program control (e.g., a process that runs at night), ProVal provides a way to pack files through a batch file (*.bat). Use the sample batch file “Autopack0.bat” in the ProVal directory as a starting point. Detailed instructions can also be found within that file.