Why Rebuild the Data File.
1. Optimize record structure
Rebuilding is a little like disk optimization. As you add orders and customers, then make edits, delete orders, post invoices, et., the data file becomes fragmented, and less efficient. The rebuild puts all records in order and recovers any unused data space.
2. Remove any low level database corruption.
There are a bunch of zeros and ones that are stored on your hard disk, that are used to maintain the organization of your customers, orders, etc. A Rebuild makes sure that all this additional and invisible data is intact.
We recommend you do a rebuild at least once a year.
You can imagine that the Data File is like a drinking glass, and the data that you enter into PF is the water in the glass. As you use the glass and add and remove water, the glass itself may become cloudy or cracked. The data file rebuild is like making a brand new glass, and pouring all the water from the old glass into the new one. This is all automated.
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last revision: 6/8/11 AG