I have been running Pervasive SQL on a system for months without problems, but today when trying to startup, I received an error message saying "w3dbsmgr.exe has encountered errors and needs to close." This occurs when starting up the computer, when trying to start the Pervasive SQL engine, and when trying to run the software that utilizes it (DentalMate - a dental practice management system). The computer is running Windows 2000 Pro, and I believe version 8.6 of Pervasive SQL.

When trying to either repair or remove the Pervasive SQL installation, I receive "Internal Error 2896" and the setup process cannot complete...so I am unable to uninstall the software to reinstall it. Can anybody help me with this issue?

I would run the Pervasive System Analyzer to delete the components. Then you'll be able to reinstall.

You might also check the PVSW.LOG to see if there are any entries that might explain why you are getting the error.

Thanks for your response. In my initial attempt to uninstall all Pervasive components, the System Analyzer did successfully uninstall, so I unfortunately do not still have that available. I honestly don't know too much about database management, so I saved and uploaded the log file here if you could maybe take a look and let me know if you see anything that would help. The problems started today (12/13) so anything prior to that would likely not indicate much regarding the current problem (although it might, I'm not 100% sure).

Also......is there a way to just reinstall the System Analyzer to delete the components?

You can download the PSA from http://www.pervasive.com/support/updates/psa_update.asp.
I didn't see anything in the PVSW.LOG file that's directly related to this problem. I did see that you have SPX enabled in supported protocols but it's not on the system. Looks like you had files that rolled back. That could indicate a crash and / or corruption in the file.

I was successfully able to remove all components using the Pervasive System Analyzer you showed me. Upon reinstalling, it looked like everything was all set. The Workgroup Engine started properly. After a restart, however, things went back to the w3dbsmgr.exe error on startup.

Uninstalling, then reinstalling still gives the same result: the engine will start the first time just fine, but as soon as the computer is restarted, I get the message that "w3dbsmgr.exr has generated errors and will be closed by Windows."

I have even tried creating a new partition and installing another copy of the OS (Windows 2000 Pro) on that new partition, but am still having the same problem. What could be causing this?!? I'm about to rip my hair out!

I would using FileMon (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys...k/Filemon.mspx) to see which files are loading. There might be a corrupted system file causing this.

Have you tried the v8.7 update? Does it work?