Common Problems and Solutions

The site is organized according to problem area. Click on one of the choices below to view related problems and solutions.

Problem: How do I install MINFILE/pc in Windows 95, 98 or Windows 2000?
Solution: Download it from our website at http://minfile.gov.bc.ca
Look In: Your Windows 95 manual or Help system; Chapter I, Section B3: Installing MINFILE/pc or Appendix J: The MINFILE/pc Readme.doc File

Problem : I don't have enough memory to install MINFILE.
Solution: Try to close other programs and remove TSRs to free memory.
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B. Searches

Problem: How do I create a custom set of data to extract or report on that cannot be created by a search.
Solution: Use a text editor to create a .TXT file with a list of the occurrences you would like; then import the file via the Import Numbers Tab and run a search. Make sure that the syntax for MINFILE numbers is correct. (e.g. 094E 004 with 2 spaces between 094E and 004).

Problem: Where do I find the codes for the search.
Solution: Refer to the section on Searches.  This may be viewed in the Appendices to both the Coding Manual and this User Manual on the MINFILE web site. 

Look In: Appendices A1: Mining Division Codes, A2: Tectonic Belt Codes, A3: Terrane Codes, A4: Physiographic Area Codes, A5: Region Table, B: MINFILE Commodity Codes, C: MINFILE Mineral, Rock and Modifier Codes, D: Stratigraphic Age Codes. E: Mineral Deposit Profiles, F: Bibliographic Codes

Problem: My longitude/latitude does not work.
Solution: The left column should have the northwest corner and the right column should have the southeast corner of the search area.

Look In: Chapter II, Section E: General Comments on Searches in MINFILE and Chapter III: Searching the MINFILE Database.

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C. Utilities

Problem: How do I get a file that I can use for plotting.
Solution:  Create your subset through the search menu; from the Search Results Report you can download several types of files in digital format.

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D. Data Entry

Problem: How do I get access to the MINFILE Coding Card for data entry/coding?
Solution: Contact the MINFILE Team to obtain free access.  You must also apply for a free Basic or Business BCeID.

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E. Printing and Reports

Problem: This message shows up: "Printer unavailable".
Solution: The printer may not be turned on.  Check printer connections.

Problem: How do I generate a report on a random selection of occurrences.
Solution: Do a search, then print the report.

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F. Miscellaneous

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G: Contact