Visio2002: "Device Activation Error" Error Message When You Attempt to Retrieve a Database (300016)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visio 2002 Professional
  • Microsoft Visio Network Central
  • Microsoft Visio Enterprise Network Tools

This article was previously published under Q300016

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to retrieve an AutoDiscovery database in Microsoft Visio, you may receive the following error message
System Error
Device activation error. The physical file name 'path\database_name_log.ldf may be incorrect.'
where path is the location that you specified for the database and database_name_log.ldf is name of the database file. When you click OK, you receive the following error message:
System Error
An error occurred copying files.
A file with the same name may exist in the destination.
Please choose a different destination directory.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when you attempt to retrieve and rename an existing database that you have backed up. For example, when you back up MyOldDatabase.mdf, and then retrieve the database by typing MyNewDatabase in the Name box of the Retrieve Database dialog box, you receive the error messages described in the "Symptoms" section of this article.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, click Cancel to close the Retrieve Database dialog box. After you retrieve and rename the database, quit and then restart Visio. When you open a new AutoDiscovery and Layout solution, the database that you retrieved is displayed in the Select Database dialog box.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

In the Retrieve Database dialog box of an AutoDiscovery and Layout solution, the database alias is referred to in the Name box. Although you can assign an alias to a database when you retrieve the database, note that you can change only the alias, not the physical file name of the database. It is recommended that you always use a unique name for each database to avoid conflicts when you work with multiple databases. For more information about adding text to shapes and drawings, type text in shapes and drawings in the Ask a question box or the Answer Wizard, and then press ENTER to view the topics.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/27/2006
Keywords:kbbug kberrmsg kbpending KB300016