GKhanna_MS
(Moderator):
Hello All :) GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
Welcome to the community chat. GKhanna_MS
(Moderator):
My name is Gaurav Khanna and am filling in for Subhashini as the moderator
GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
as she is stuck in traffic :) GKhanna_MS
(Moderator):
Welcome to the chat on VSS - our expert for the day is Vipul Patel
GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
Before I start GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
few ground rules - to post a question, select the Question radio button
and then submit ur question GKhanna_MS
(Moderator):
any questions submitted without following this procedure will not
be entertained GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
:) GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
That said.. lets get started GKhanna_MS
(Moderator):
Welcome Vipul GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
:) Vipul (Expert):
Hello All...
I am Vipul Patel and today we shall be discussing about Configuration
Management using Visual SourceSafe Vipul (Expert):
i shall begin by the basics... GKhanna_MS
(Moderator):
Very well - so how would u want to start off? Best Practices? Vipul (Expert):
We shall start with learning about VSS with Microsoft developer environments,
like Visual Studio and Visual Studio.NET, following with best practises
with VSS. Vipul (Expert):
Most of us IDEs like Visual Studio and VS2003 for our projects...\
Vipul (Expert):
Now, these IDEs coming from the sameflagship company (Microosoft)
are tightly integrated with VSS. so you can perform your source control
from with the IDE itself. Vipul (Expert):
IN VS2003 , you have the option File > Source COntrol... You can
bind your porject to a project in VSS and then seemlessly checkin
-checkout from the IDE itself. Vipul (Expert):
You may need to enabke source control provider to VSS . That option
will be under Tool > Options > Source control. Vipul (Expert):
Now, that we use VSS on a regular basis. here are a few tips.. Vipul (Expert):
Make sure that you do now flood your project with overwhlming size.
the performance of VSS decreases rapidly when Database size increases
beyond 3 GB. Vipul (Expert):
TIP: If you think your project will expand beyong 3 GB, break it into
smaller projects. Vipul (Expert):
Ganeshk: i am beginning with best practices. Vipul (Expert):
wnderdot: smaller projects does not mean more and one VSS> It means
more projects. Vipul (Expert): Q:
can you brief on what all VSS can do and what it does not do in a
bird view
A: VSS is a configuration managemenet tool. like Rational ClearCase
and CVS>. It is used to track file historyies, create baselines
when you have a software delivery, etc... Vipul (Expert): Q:
Would like to know on how to do versioning management using VSS
A: You need to add the file to source control and then you can
check in and check out the file. Right click the file and you will
get the options. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Is Smaller projects means more than one VSS
A: No, it means that you have more than one VSS database. You
can create multiple database fromVSS admin .. Go to Tools> Create
Database.. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Do .net2003 has its own VSS or we have to use the one with Visual
studio 6.0
A: VS2003 uses the same VSS from VS 6.0, only it has been tweaked
to perform better Vipul (Expert):
Tip 2: CM Admins: Use Analyze tool frequently. Vipul (Expert):
Analyze tool checks the integrety of the VSS database. Over time,
the file system of your VSS database may get dis-oriented. Anaylze
tools checks for this and you will be aware of this very early on.
You should run the Analyle tool on a weekly basis. Vipul (Expert):
Tip3: Location: VSS performs best under NTFS file system on Windows
NT and higher.... If you have many VSS users, a performance boost
will be well worth it. Vipul (Expert):
Tip4: Free disk space: Whenever you run the Analyze tool, make sure
you have ample free space, equal to you VSS database folder size.
You do not want to run out of Hard disk space when the analyze tool
is running else, it will corrpt the database. Vipul (Expert):
Tip5: Check on restored version and then run Analyze on main database:
TO prevent loss in information, always perform Analyze on restored
version on not on the live database.. If the analyze on the restored
is cussessful, then you can proceed to the live version. Vipul (Expert):
Tip6: Make sure you do not have any active users when running backup-restore-anaylze-anaylze
and fix utility. This is because any changes made by the user after
the activity is started will not be reflected in the current version
and you may have orphaned version of some file. Make sure that all
users logout before you do any suck utility runs. Vipul (Expert):
Tip 7: Server rights: Assign rights to the VSS database wisely, Start
with Readonly and give a "try" project with write-access
to all for new users to play with. OOnce they get comfortable, then
provide them rights on the necessary folders. You dont want to loose
any information, just because some one did not know how to use VSS.
Vipul (Expert):
Tip8: Synchronize the dates and system clocks for all Visual SourceSafe
client computers with the Visual SourceSafe server. This prevents
check-in and check-out operations from appearing to happen out of
sequence and affects any labels that are applied. Synchronizing dates
and system clocks is particularly important when users from different
time zones access the same database Vipul (Expert):
Tip 9: Moving VSS: Dont use XCOPY simply because it does not copy
some zero-byte files and VSS file system has plenty of these... Instead
use Windows Explorer to copy your database to create a backup... Vipul (Expert):
How to run analyze:
Step 1: Analyze –V4 <database path>
The first pass should always locate problems before trying to fix
them.
Step 2: Analyze -F –V4 <database path>
If errors are reported in the first pass, run Analyze again in fix
mode to correct them.
Step3: Analyze -F -C –V4 <database path> (If you have
a "Found a DIFF" and "Found a COMMENT" error that
you want removed Vipul (Expert):
Tip10: Make your backup and daily as well as weekly jobs.... Liek
your code folder should be backup up daily whereas the project management
and archive folders can be archived weekly. Vipul (Expert): Q:
I would like to know more about merging in case of simultaneous check
out of a single document
A: When a single document is checked out multiply, when the second
user checks in(he gets to know what changes were made by the first
user) and then he can make sure that he does not override the first
user's code Vipul (Expert): Q:
Vipul, can you please exlain about Multiple Checkouts, Versioning,
Merging
A: Multipe checkouts: A file can be checked out by more than one
person at a time
Versioning: The system of keeping a file history of a document with
history numbers like, 1st version(Created initial draft), 2nd version
(Reviewed by Manager)
Merging: The process followwed by the second user of multiple checkout
to make sure that the file which he checks in does not override the
first user's work Vipul (Expert): Q:
is multiple check out supported? if yes then how?
A: Multiple checkout is support, but not recommended. To enable
multipl checkouts, GO to VSS Admin application. TOols Options. In
the General Tab, chekc "Allow multiple checkouts" Vipul (Expert): Q:
When does second user get updated copy of the first user when there
are multiple check-outs ?
A: When he tried to check in his file. Vipul (Expert): Q:
is backup and recovery safe in VSS
A: If the Analyze results say the database is clean. then you
can safely go ahead and perform backup and recovery. Else, you need
to fix the database. Vipul (Expert): Q:
The whole file got messed up...had to resolve compilation errors..any
tips on how to merge sucessfly?
A: I would recommend to not use multiple checkout with VSS 6.0.
It is not a good tool for multiple checkouts. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Can we have simultanous checkouts for the same file by multiple users
A: yes, you need to enable multiple checkouts. please check the
a few questions back I have answered the same. Vipul (Expert): Q:
will analyze tool help fix the problem if any or will it just detect
the problem?
A: Analyze when used with the proper swicthes will fix... Some
options fill just identify, some options will fix... please check
the previous questions.. I have answered that Vipul (Expert): Q:
i want to know how to do labeling and create build out it
A: When you want to label a project, Select the project. File
-> Label and give the name of the label... Vipul (Expert): Q:
can we write the comment in the header of file when we checked in
File
A: you can write the comment in the comment space given by the
VSS. IN that way the comment will be in the VSS database and not in
the file. You can also write the comment in the file, for future,
like you migrate to another source control. Vipul (Expert): Q:
I came to know about one of diadvantages of VSS :- Database size cannot
exceed 3 GB..Why is it so ??
A: Because VSS uses a windows based file system...All the data
is in form of files. when there are thousands of files, you will surely
get a performance hit. Vipul (Expert): Q:
If we enable VSS through IDE, and then decide follow the concept of
smaller projects for fotnet projects, how can we implement the same?
A: Technically, your code for a project will never reach 3 GB
so this will not be a concern. But in case you need to do the same,
make sure you make the proper settings when archiving... You can clean
up your database that way Vipul (Expert): Q:
Ashsih could you please give some breif idea that how multiple check-outs
take place
A: Already answered Vipul (Expert): Q:
SIMPLE Question : how can I set a particular folder as working folder
once for all...currently I have to set every time I start a VSS session
A: Right click the pojetc for which you need to set the working
folder and then Set Working folder. Make sure the Save as default
for project is checked. IF it faisl even after this, then please advise
your VSS admin to check the file permission for you on the VSS database.
I is possible that you have read access to your file in <Users
> folder in the VSS database where user preferences are stored
Vipul (Expert): Q:
Vipul, if the first user is working on a file and has not checked
how will VSS merge when the second user checks in same file
A: Then the first user will be intimated of the changes by the
second user. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Can you brief on Advantage of VSS over Rational ClearCase and CVS
A: Basic Advantage: Tight integration with Visual Studio IDE Vipul (Expert): Q:
I would like to know how merging is done
A: Already Answered Vipul (Expert): Q:
Can I link the users from my active directory to VSS users list?
A: I shall revert later on this.. Please email me at vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com..
This is a very specific case. We can take this offline. You can also
check with the chat transacript. Vipul (Expert): Q:
But if there is an existing project which has crossed 3gb what should
we do
A: Try to move the archive information (for which you dont need
version history) to a new database. Else, get a better server configuration
if you have a performance hit. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Whats Team Development all about.. is that the next generation VSS
management tool?
A: Team Development is about development taks -based. When you
check in a file in VS2005 (to be released soon), you will have to
check it out against an activity. So you will always know for a particular
activity which files you modified. Vipul (Expert): Q:
No I mean Project Versioning management!. Save all weekly versions
may be would like to save versions every 3 days.
A: Can you rephrase your question? I did not get the jist of it
Vipul (Expert): Q:
Had a query related to Database Objects being versioned from VSS directly.
Is that feature there in VSS 6? I guess there is some sort of compatibility
od DB objects with VSS.Net? Please elaborate on this.
A: can we take it offline.. mail me at vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com.
Vipul (Expert): Q:
is Archive facility provided in VSS
A: Yes,... You need to go to the VSS admin applicatrion Archive
> Archive projects... Vipul (Expert): Q:
what do you mean by cleaning the database if the file system is dis
- oriented? what will be the result after fixing the database?
A: You will have a faster database. And you will be able to restore
that database on any other computer. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Once labeled How do we retreve thea particular labled build
A: Right click that file/folder, and see history... and then browse
to that .. The version containing the label text which you specified
can be retrived by doing a Get.. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Hi vipul, can we connect to VSS server remotely, i mean if our server
os not in LAN if is in other states (through internet)
A: Yes, there is a separate tool fr that from Source Gear Vipul (Expert): Q:
hi Vipul, can I set any folder to be the working folder permanently...currently
I have set working folder in each session of VSS
A: Already answered Vipul (Expert): Q:
Hi Vipul, Is it possible to search files as we do in windows evironment
?
A: Yes, Tools > Find in Files... Vipul (Expert): Q:
Hi vipul,in order to solve the 3gb space problem is it possible to
have 2 databases on 2 different machines and merge them or can share
certain common files to save space
A: you can havethe database on the same machine, that is not a
issue. you need gto have two different VSS databases... Go to VSS
Admin, Tools> Create Database..... Hope this helps Vipul (Expert): Q:
How to make network id as VSS login
A: Ask you VSSadmin to ue the VSS Admin console > Tools>
Options > Check :"Use network name for automatic user login"
Vipul (Expert): Q:
Hi Vipul, How to find out deleted files in the VSS.
A: There is no mechanisn to finding deleted files. I would reocmmend
that you dont deleted any files permanently. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Vipul, Is Visual Source Offsite in the same line as SourceSafe that
supports remote login
A: Can we take this offine. I need to investiaget (vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com)
GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
Any more questions ? Vipul (Expert): Q:
Find in files option can works only for text files..?
A: yes GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
We are at the end of the chat - hopefully the chat was of much use
to you :) GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
Thank you Vipul - for joining in. GKhanna_MS
(Moderator):
Thank you all for joining in. Vipul (Expert): Q: Hi vipul is there any major diff between VSS 6 and VSS whidbey
A: Yes, there will be huge difference.. VSS2005 (WHidbey version)
will be a lot better that the current VSS . You can check out http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/transcripts/vstudio/vstudio_080504.aspx
GKhanna_MS (Moderator):
Looking forwar to seeing you all for the next chat:) Vipul (Expert): Q:
Vipul, Is Visual Source Offsite in the same line as SourceSafe that
supports remote login
A: Can we take this offiline,I need to investigate this... Vipul (Expert): Q:
How to find out delete files from VSS
A: not possible Vipul (Expert): Q:
How to find out deleted file from VSS ?
A: not possible in VSS 6.0 Vipul (Expert): Q:
hi Vipul, can I set any folder to be the working folder permanently...currently
I have set working folder in each session of VSS
A: Yes, already answered earlier Vipul (Expert): Q:
Vipul, Is Visual Source Offsite in the same line as SourceSafe that
supports remote login
A: Already answered Vipul (Expert): Q:
Is it possible to archive files rather than project?
A: No.. You can only archive projects. But you can share a file
to another project and then archive it... Vipul (Expert):
All: Please note that I will answer most of unasnwered question on
my blog: http://spaces.msn.com/members/vipul
in a few days from now.. Be sure to check them out...............
Vipul (Expert): Q:
how do search in non-text files?
A: not possible..... Vipul (Expert): Q:
In coming version, we are able to find out deleted files ?
A: no idea as of yet.. i shall try to find out and answer, please
check my blog. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Is there any automatic merge tool available when you do multiple-checkouts?
A: not from microsoft... Vipul (Expert): Q:
is there any option to find a particular file in the vss
A: yes. View > Search > Wildcard search Vipul (Expert): Q:
When is the next version releasing?
A: soon. thats the best i can say right now. It shall be in this
year.. Chekc out microsoft.com/ssafe for more detaisl Vipul (Expert): Q:
VSS user rights database often gets corrupted . While changing rights
of certain users, an error saying 'File or project not found' shows
up, where it is quite possible to change rights of a other users.
How can i prevent this
A: To make sure you dont have recurreing problems. Lock all users
out and then check out the users folder in VSS> and make sure everyone
in your user is present and the files are not ready only.. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Is it possible to get VSS History and comments/ labels printed in
the source safe file( For Text Files)
A: Yes. Right click the file > Properties > Report >
PReview. I did not understand what do you mean by "printed in
the source safe file"...? Vipul (Expert): Q:
Is there any option to retrieve files based on Label name in VSS client
tool? It is available in Command tool.
A: Yes. you can retrieve files based on label... Right click folder.select
version history. On the required label, go a Get.... I think it is
available on command line interface. Please email me at vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com
Vipul (Expert): Q:
VSS user rights database often gets corrupted . While changing rights
of certain users, an error saying 'File or project not found' shows
up, where it is quite possible to change rights of a other users.
How can i prevent this
A: already answered Vipul (Expert): Q:
I mean that it is printed inside the file as a header
A: It was possible,,,, but can you get back to me at vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com.
I shall investigate.... Vipul (Expert): Q:
One Q: Can i create user in VSS admin for remote access, i mean can
i connect VSS thru internet, and can i create local copy through remote
user
A: already answered Please email me at vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com
and I shall investigate Vipul (Expert): Q: Vipul, they are concepts, but we are intrested in knowing
the steps to perform the same actions. Many times, I encountered errors
while merging or trying to make build out of the labeled version
A: Can you elaborate the erros. Vipul (Expert): Q:
Hi Vipul can you please brief on the concept of 'build'
A: a build is a process in which you create a project executable
Vipul (Expert): Q:
In case of multiple checkouts can VSS make sure that the code modified
by user 1 cannot be modified by user 2 until user1 checks in
A: i dont want to guess. I shall investigate this. please email
me at vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com Vipul (Expert): Q:
But, Vipul, managing small projects would become a problem
A: Not as much as a corrupt database ;) Vipul (Expert): Q:
Vipul, is multiple checkout enabled for all kinds of roles ?
A: What do you mean by roles? Vipul
(Expert): Q: Even the same thing is available
with java ide's like websphere application developerll A:
Yes...... If you are using Microsoft projects, it would be slightly
better than non-MS products Vipul (Expert): Q: when i select 2 files and do a show differences , it shows
difference b/w those 2 selected files. but what i wanted is to show
differneces from the working folder for those 2 selected files. Is
it possible? A: can you rephrase your question, i did not
get the jist Vipul (Expert):
OK then. thanks to all for joining the chat. You should having a chat
transcript on the Community website very soon.... Vipul
(Expert):
You can always mail your questions to me at vipul_d_patel@hotmail.com
or vipul.patel@patni.com
