Kerux
    Illustration and Sermon database

    Free sermons and illustration databases designed especially for Evangelical Christian workers

     

    MS Access version of the Kerux Database
     

     

    Inner links: Main installation files - SID or Access2002 or Access97
      Illustration collections / supplements
      Sermon collections / supplements
      History of uploads and software developments
      Plea for help on future developments
      Information on updating your database  (more thorough advice is here)

     

    The Access database is much-improved over the earliest versions. Fill in blanks, click a button, and sorted illustrations pop up one after another. Most find it easy to use. Setup file installs it automatically on your computer, along with a detailed help file that will show you how to tinker with the forms and programming.  (The help file must be in the same directory as the database.) This version has switchboard menus for 800x600 and 1024x768 resolutions. There are three versions:

    1. mini-version to check out the features
    2. installation version that creates a special directory and puts an icon on your desktop
    3. mega-database installation version that contains all the sermons and illustrations

    To check out the help file by itself, click here (110k, zipped). Comments and error reporting are always appreciated.


    (Click on blue filename to begin download)

    Filename

    Description

    Size

    Date uploaded

    Access installation files

     

     

     

    Access mega-database   (Access 2002)

         

    This contains the entire database in the MS Access 2002 format.  It is self-installing and creates a directory on your hard-drive and puts an icon on your desktop. It is a big file, so don't try it with a dial-up modem.  The mega-database contains over 35,000 sermon illustrations and 25,000 sermons.

    The first screen on Megaupload asks you to type in a three-letter code, then click "Download".  The next screen offers a free download in the second column but first you have to let a clock count down about a minute or so.  After it does, the "free download" button appears and you should click it.  Choose the option "save to file" and wait patiently while it downloads onto your hard-drive. (A sidebar offers a faster download through a Megaupload booster file, but this toolbar will hijack parts of your internet browser.  Those with broadband internet will find that it downloads quick enough without it.) After the download is complete, you double-click the file on your hard drive.  You will be prompted for a password.


    Only about a third of users take the next step.  But without a password, you can't install the database!

    The mega-database requires a simple online registration.  Your personal information is never shared with anyone.  If you don't receive the password in 1 hour, check your Spam folder in case it is there, then contact me at dholwick@gmail.com.  (Check out the summary of who uses the Kerux database.)

    The new Access 2007 has created headaches for several users.  If you are using the database with Access 2007, what has your experience been?  If you ran into problems, were you able to solve them?  How did you do it?  The same with 64-bit version users.  Contact me at dholwick@gmail.com
     

    200+ meg

    Updated
    ver. 7.7
    Jan 1, 2010
     

    Access mega-database   (Access 97)

         

    This contains the entire database in the MS Access 97 format.  It is self-installing and creates a directory on your hard-drive and puts an icon on your desktop. It is a big file, so don't try it with a dial-up modem.  The mega-database contains over 35,000 sermon illustrations and 25,000 sermons.

    The first screen on Megaupload asks you to type in a three-letter code, then click "Download".  The next screen offers a free download in the second column but first you have to let a clock count down about a minute or so.  After it does, the "free download" button appears and you should click it.  Choose the option "save to file" and wait patiently while it downloads onto your hard-drive. (A sidebar offers a faster download through a Megaupload booster file, but this toolbar will hijack parts of your internet browser.  Those with broadband internet will find that it downloads quick enough without it.) After the download is complete, you double-click the file on your hard drive.  You will be prompted for a password.

    Only about a third of users take the next step.  But without a password, you can't install the database!

    The mega-database requires a simple online registration.  Your personal information is never shared with anyone.  If you don't receive the password in 1 hour, check your Spam folder in case it is there, then contact me at dholwick@gmail.com.  (Check out the summary of who uses the Kerux database.)

    180+ meg

    Updated
    ver. 7.7
    Jan 1, 2010
     

    How to install a complete Access database...

    This page can be confusing, can't it?  Here is a how-to guide for installing the entire database, step-by-step.

    Even better, here is a Visual Tour...
     

     

     

    setup_Kerux_Access2002_database_[month/year].exe

    This is a try-it-out installation version, or what programmers call the "front-end".  It is just like the mega-database except it contains only a handful of sermons and illustrations - you add the rest by downloading the sermon and illustration sets (and supplements), unzipping them, and then click the IMPORT icon in SID's iconbar.  Be patient because each file can take 10 to 15 minutes to process and it may seem like the program is hung up, but it is not.

    1.1 meg

    Updated
    ver. 7.4

    Aug 29, 2008

    Kerux_Access_update_to_Combo_version_Aug2008.zip

    Updates the Classic version to the Combo (SID-like) version.  The Classic version has multiple search screens but the searching is more limited in ability.

    WARNING - back up your entire database before using this update!  It is a major update and makes many modifications to your database.  A glitch in this was fixed (Jan 24, 2008)
     

    1.2 meg

    Updated
    ver. 7.4

    Aug 29, 2008

    Kerux_Access_Classic_restore_with_bookstyle.zip

    So you tried out the new Combo version and you don't like it - here is the file to take you back to Classic.  It retains the opening Splash screen which gives the programmers more latitude in making updates.  It also prints out records in bookstyle, which many consider easier to read from the pulpit.

    (The glitch that failed to replace the old "Intro pop-up" form has been fixed in this version)

    WARNING - back up your entire database before using this update!  It is a major update and makes many modifications to your database.
     

    0.9 meg

    Updated
    ver. 7.3

    Jan 24, 2008

    Kerux_Access_Sermons_table_update_Apr2007.zip

    Goes with forms update file below.  This update modifies your Sermons table so that you will have a unique record number for any sermons you add yourself.

    WARNING - back up your entire database before using this update!  It has the potential to wipe out your sermon collection.
     

    32 k

    New
    ver. 6.91

    Apr 21, 2007

    Kerux_Access97_Classic_forms_update_Nov2007.zip

    Owners of previous Access versions (except those who are using the new Combo format) should download this update.  It fixes a number of glitches and provides new 1280x1024 forms for those with larger monitors.  (As of Jan 18, 2007, it includes the ability to change the font of illustrations and sermons.)  Install it just like a supplement. 

    Note to those who use the Classic version: the "Intro pop-up" form cannot replace itself; instead, the new version gets the name "Intro pop-up2".  After you do the update, press the F11 key to bring up the tabbed database folder and click the Forms tab.  Delete the form named "Intro pop-up".  Then right-click on "Intro pop-up2" and rename it to "Intro pop-up" (without the parentheses).

    I recommend you try out the new Combo version (three lines up).  It has a simplified search screen and even updates the Intro pop-up screen with no hassles.

    This file now fixes a persistent Printing glitch on old Access forms.
     

    883 k

    Updated
    ver. 6.9

    Nov 1, 2007

    Kerux_Access97_combo_database_[month/year].zip

    For those who want to test the database in the Access 97 format. Contains a handful of sermons and illustrations but is fully functional.  Existing Access users who want to check out the new combo interface should download this file.  (The installation version at the beginning of this section includes the help file and adds icons to your desktop.)
     

    910 k

    Updated
    ver. 7.4

    Aug 29, 2008

    Kerux_Access2002_combo_database_[month/year].zip

    For  those who want to test the database in Access 2002 (XP) format. Contains a handful of sermons and illustrations but is fully functional.  Existing Access users who want to check out the new combo interface should download this file.  (The installation version at the beginning of this section includes the help file and adds icons to your desktop.)
     

    650 k

    Updated,
    ver. 7.4

    Aug 29, 2008

    Kerux_help.zip The newest version of the Access help file, which is already included in the installation versions.  It works for all versions of Access.  Unzip this and copy it over the existing help file, which should be in the same directory as your database.  There are two versions - only the filename is different.  The Kerux databases just above require the Kerux_Access_help file.

    If you have Microsoft Vista, you need to download a file so you can use old help files like this. you must download WinHelp32.exe from the Microsoft Web site: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=82148 (from the support page at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607)
     

    238 k Updated
    Dec 18, 2007

    A Note on Update Capabilities

    A series of buttons allows users to download special datasets which update the database records automatically. For updates to work properly you should have at least version 5.3 which has the Import button on the Intro pop-up screen - previous versions will not work properly. The help file has instructions on how to transfer your data tables from a version prior to 5.3 to the newest version. Many sermons and illustrations do not have complete topics or secondary Scriptures entered, but as I update these on my own database I will make a file with just those changes and put it on this page. You will download a much smaller file and your existing database will be brought completely up to date. I also include instructions on changes you will have to make on your end. Always back up your database before updating it. (see warning below for some helpful advice)

    Making a Major Update

    Every Access user of this database should have the version that includes the "Update the Database" button on the Intro PopUp screen.  (SID puts this on an icon called IMPORT)   This function works with a table called tblCommand in the supplement files table so your existing database (version 5.1 and up) can add the new sermons and illustrations automatically. It will also update your existing ones. The sets and supplements here are usually lacking three fields - the Rating field, any personal note field like "Date Used" and the "do_not_update" field - so your personal data will not be erased.  This also means you cannot just copy this material and paste it in your tables.

    Access users can manipulate the  tblCommand table to allow you to update several tables at a time.  But be careful - multiple large files will cause the error message "database is full."  This can happen even if you update the sets separately.  Your database is not really full, but your RAM memory is maxed out.  This is a serious error message because it can lead to corruption in your database.  Close the program, launch it again, and compact the database by going to the Menu Bar and clicking TOOLS, then DATABASE UTILITIES, then COMPACT THE DATABASE.  It is a good idea to compact it after each large supplement or set. 

    If you (Access users only) are trying to do a major update with an entire "Holwick's Illustrations" or "Sermons" table (not just one of these sets) you will probably have to use a Make Table Query to break up the table into smaller chunks, then compose a tblCommand that references each chunk.  The help file has an index entry for Make Table Queries that will show you how to do this.

    A few times a year I will update all the main data sets and this will make the incremental supplements redundant.  I have been grouping each year's changes in large supplements.  Be careful - any changes you have made to these illustrations or sermons will be overwritten.  Use the COMPARE feature to check out your database with the supplement.  Also, read the description of each file carefully.

    Warning    BACKUP    BACKUP    BACKUP

    Three times now I have wiped out my database.   It makes me thankful that I have put all this material on the internet, but I have always lost several weeks of work when this happens.  The warning to backup your database should be taken seriously.  In my opinion, there is only one practical way to do this - I recommend getting an external hard drive.  For around $100 you can get one that holds over 100 gigabytes.  They are fast, you can program them to do massive backups overnight, and you can store it in a different location so a fire or other disaster does not wipe out your backup, too.  "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it."  Proverbs 22:3

    For those who are not prudent, I now offer a database recovery service.  If your database becomes corrupted and you cannot open it, burn the database onto a CD or DVD and mail it to me.  For $49 I'll recover it and send it back on another disk.  If I cannot recover it, you don't pay.  This service is for those who have accumulated a fair number of their own illustrations which they don't want to kiss away.

    Where We Need Help

    The Kerux database has seen tremendous improvements through the contributions of Christian computer programmers around the world.  One area of need it someone who can program the Access database so it can accept RTF material like the new SID does.  We have figured out how to put an RTF memo field in the database, but the formatting bleeds over into the following illustrations as you cycle through them.  Records that are pasted in with formatting do not have this problem, but non-formatted records acquire the format of the previous record when you cycle through them with the navigation arrows - if one record has its first word underlined, all the succeeding records will be completely underlined. 

    Brett Wilton was able to fix this for SID with C++ code.  He wrote:

    I solved the bleeding by checking if the text was RTF or not, to do this you just check if it has the \\rtf header set. If it is plain text I then reset the font back to its original value which I grabbed when the program starts. Under SID the default font can be setup under File->Options or on the toolbar for sermons & illustrations. The C++ code for checking the RTF header is as follows:

     // Get the Memo as a string
    AnsiString head = DBMemoSermon->Field->AsString;
    // Check if its plain text, if so set the default font
    if (!AnsiStartsStr("{\\rtf", head)) {
    DBMemoSermon->DefAttributes->Assign(defFont_);
    }

    Does anyone out there know how to implement this in Access97?  (We use this as the foundation because it gives us compatibility across all versions).  You can download a preliminary RTF version for Access here.  You have to install the ActiveX component to use this correctly.


    Go to homepage, Holwick.com

    Go to sitemap for links to other files.