I used to get it from Chess & Bridge in London, but more recently I have been buying it direct from Germany when the company runs a one-day 25%-off sale.
The DVD takes a few days to arrive, and postage is extra, but I have been happy with that.
This year I bought Mega from Germany as usual, but instead of receiving a DVD I got a piece of paper with an activation code on it.
Apparently ChessBase is no longer offering a DVD option. If I had known, I would not have bothered paying postage.
But worse - much worse - was to follow.
I have installed the database on my computer, but there are no instructions for how to get it to appear in either of my versions of ChessBase.
I use ChessBase 9 on a day-to-day basis - the screen is far less-cluttered than later versions - and ChessBase 16 very occasionally.
I have repeatedly emailed the company asking for help, but have not even received an acknowledgement, never mind advice.
So I have two questions for blog readers.
1. Any idea on how I can get the database working in my versions of ChessBase?
2. Alternatively, is there a rival system with similar features I could use?
I also bought the new Megabase at the sale and could install it without problems.
ReplyDeleteDid you install the correct database? There are two versions .cbh and .2cbh (the latter only works with ChessBase17 or later).
If you did install the .cbh version (for Chessbase 16 and lower as in your case) try to open it with File > Open > Database > (path to the .cbh file). Do you get any error messages?
Thank you. I have installed both versions to my computer. When I hit File - Open - Database in CB16 I get a window popping up with many folders, including one called Bases. In it is a folder called Mega25, but when I click on that it says: "No items match your search." In CB9 when I hit File - Open - Open Database, I get a Select Database window, but again no apparent path to Mega25 ...
DeleteThere seems to be no .cbh file in that directory. Is that the case? Did you enter another location for the database when executing the SetupMega2025.exe or did you get error messages when executing it?
ReplyDeleteI cannot find a .cbh file. I first of all installed the ChessBase Product Installer, and then entered the activation code for Mega Database 2025. I first installed the .2cbh version, and then the .cbh version. Both installations seemed to flow smoothly, although I do not recall a SetupMega2025.exe
ReplyDeleteAha! I have found SetupMega2025.exe, and now, thanks to your help, have Mega25 in CB16. I now have to work out how to get it in CB9, as I much prefer using that version!
ReplyDeleteMore good news. I shut down both programs, and reopened CB9, and Mega25 was waiting for me.
ReplyDeleteI owe you a big drink (or two). My next German tournament is Bad Woerishofen in March - you won't by any chance be there?
Great to hear that it works. I'm glad that I could help you as a little "thank you" for your entertaining blog into which you put a lot of effort. I accidentally found it when searching for Bischofsgrün.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately next year's Bad Woerishofen overlaps with the Senioren Cup in Rottach/Egern (Tegernsee) which I currently plan to play.
Yes, it's very annoying! I was hoping to play in BW and R/E, but have plumped for the former. The same problem arises later in the year with Bischofsgruen and Bad Herrenalb - I will probably go for the former.
DeleteIs it an idea to play seven rounds in BW and than travel to R/E ? I consider it.The distance is less than 150 km.
DeleteI was tempted by some such solution, but in the end committed to Bad Woerishofen (flights and hotel already booked!). Definitely hope to play at the Tegernsee seniors in 2026, and there is always an option to play at the Tegernsee open in the autumn of 2025, although the weather is not so good, in my experience, and it tends to be a junior fest ...
DeleteWhen you already booked is it not a good option.
DeleteThe Tegernsee 2026 seems better than the open.
Maybe you can try Dresden in october 2025
but probably you got also ohther tournament at that time frame.Its all a matter of making choices
I have played in a seniors' team event at Dresden, and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, October is normally a good month for chess tournaments ...
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