The Build DDF command rebuild the data dictionary files required by Crystal Reports.  When updates have been made to DMS the DDF may change to reflect new fields added to the database.  For each data table there is one DDF that is saved in the folder Dynafact\DMS\DDF.  The DDF is a test file with a .TXT extension.

If you have defined external database displays, the information defined in these displays can be used in reports.  When you execute build DDF any external database displays also have a DDF file created.  The name of the DDF file is the tab name given in External Database Display Tabs.  Note:  Since the tab name of external database displays is used as the DDF file name, care should be used in changing the tab name after reports have been defined.  If you change information in a external database display you must make sure to rebuild the DFF files.  Reports using the external database display DDFs may need to be adjusted accordingly.

To rebuild the DDF, perform the following steps:

1. Select File | Build DDF
2. DMS will confirm the command with the message:
   
   
3. Click OJ to build the DDF, or click Cancel.
4. DMS will rebuild the DDF and when completed will display the message:
   
   
5. Clock OK to close the message.