Logos Library Reporter

I have a Window's based program that i built which generates reports on your Logos Library. It is useful to see what has changed between updates in your Logos Library. As you in the future get new updates, you can run the program to generate reports which show you the differences. [if you happen to have backed-up your Logos files, then you might even be able to find your old catalog files and run a report on them]

i have been working on a webpage in the hope of sharing my program with those of you on the forum. But it has turned into a much larger project than i expected. So i have decided to place this post to see how many of you are interested in this program before i put any more time into finishing the webpage (which will provide the installation program as well as detailed info on how to use the program). So if you are interested in using this program, then post a Thumb's-Up Reply to this post. i have the user's manual part of the webpage built, but still have to detail all the Reports, build the page for installation, and a few other webpage to help.

Click on a report image below to view the actual report

Reports on differences between my 2013 Library and my 2014 Library (pulled old copy of my Library from a Backup). This is where the program REALLY becomes useful !

(used really old backup from 2010 so these report would be populated)

Reports on a Single Library Catalog

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[Y] Cool stuff! The metadata hounds should love this. Be great to run when logos releases unidentified updates to see some of what's changed in those updates.

[Y]

Resource type changes are very useful to me. A report on Mytags and (My)Ratings differences would also be useful.

Martin Grainger Dean

Interesting! But all the data from "Logos version" are false (all books in your library)?

[Y] Steve, I am entirely in favor of you expending your time and effort on my behalf! Good on ya, mate!

Interesting! But all the data from "Logos version" are false (all books in your library)?

Hi Martin,

That is true, in the LogosVer report, there is a footnote at the bottom of the report as shown below:

============================================

Logos book Version number as found in your Catalog does NOT reflect the actual version number for your book stored on your computer. (this seems to be updated in the Catalog file when opening Logos, to reflect what is currently available on the Logos site). The actual book's Version number seems to be locked away inside the book's data file and when viewing a book's info in the Logos program, it retrieves the version number from the actual book file.

============================================

In my case, i don't have Logos set to Auto Update (for personal reasons). And i have noticed the discrepancy, but decided to leave the report as it is (thus why i added the footnote at the bottom). If you viewed the Full Report, then i just turned on a flag which included much of the info that is stored in the catalog file (thus the LogosVer showing up under each title. In the program the user just checks what extra info that they want added under each title. So it would be very easy to exclude the Logos Ver info in the reports.)

Since i am not a Logos employee, i have no inside information as to why the Logos version for each title is not representing the actual Logos version for each title.

A report on Mytags and (My)Ratings differences would also be useful.

In the current version of the program, these fields are not saved into the program's database. Also there are not current reports for these fields. Doesn't mean that i could not improve the program to add these fields.

Are we speaking about the same fields in the Catalog.db file?

User Tags ?

User Ratings ?

Erwin Stull, Sr.

[Y]

Yes, please. Thanks

The Added/Missing report and the PBB's report would be good to try out at this time. I created a PB, deleted it, and it still shows in my library. Maybe one of your reports will uncover something.

Martin Grainger Dean

Logos book Version number as found in your Catalog does NOT reflect the actual version number for your book stored on your computer. (this seems to be updated in the Catalog file when opening Logos, to reflect what is currently available on the Logos site). The actual book's Version number seems to be locked away inside the book's data file and when viewing a book's info in the Logos program, it retrieves the version number from the actual book file.

Steve, so if the book's version is not stored (at all) on our computer, from where is taken in your report since you have "set the auto update to off"?

so if the book's version is not stored (at all) on our computer,

My program uses only 1 of the many databases which are part of the Logos Bible Software program. i am only making a copy of the catalog.db file and my program reads the copy of this database.

EDIT: i am guessing that the actual book version is stored inside the actual book file itself.

from where is taken in your report since you have "set the auto update to off"?

As mentioned above, i am making a copy of Logos' catalog.db. It is from this database that the program glean info to generate the reports.

My mentioning that i have "auto update turned off" was to help you understand that my catalog.db may/is not fully up-to-date. i periodically will allow Logos to update my Library and it is at this time that my catalog file is fully updated. i have noticed that even though i don't permit an update, the catalog file is updated after opening the program (Logos), this doesn't occur every time i open Logos but i do notice it happening periodically.

The reason for my controlling the "Auto Update" process is so that i can control when Logos wants to run the Indexer.

Martin Grainger Dean

Steve, maybe "Logos version" should be "Last updated"? Can you check this hypothesis?

[Y]

[Y]

[Y] It definitely would be a great tool.

Are we speaking about the same fields in the Catalog.db file?

User Tags ?

User Ratings ?

Yes.

UserTags, UserRating,

Dave,

UserTags, UserRating,

i have added the Rating & Tagging reports to the program (see short example reports below)

Click on images below to view the Reports

But all the data from "Logos version" are false (all books in your library)?

Sorry....

Is having each title's Version number that critical in a report?

Found a way to fix this. See example report below (my book version may not match yours, but check my LastUpdated date for when i updated my Library). Never-the-less, all books will now have accurate Versions now.

Click on image to view the report

i also added the generation of a CSV file (for use in a spreadsheet, e.g. Excel) when you generate a report on All books by Logos Type. It is automatically added to the program's My Reports folder.

Click on image below to view

(if you want to download it and open it in Excel, click on the link to the right) CSV file

EDIT: i plan on adding this ability to one other report (All Books as found in Logos Catalog DB)

EDIT2: after opening your CSV in Excel, you can make changes to enhance it's appearance and then save it as an Excel file (.xlsx)

Click on image below to view

So if you are interested in using this program, then post a Thumb's-Up Reply to this post.

[Y]

Found a way to show Hidden books that are not shown in your Library. This will be a new report in the program LLReporter.

Click on image below to view the report

Why not turn the code over to the devs, and make it a new feature?

FWIW, I think you should be remunerated appropriately for this. More than a token sum, I should think.

Naveen Balakrishnan

Yes

Would love to see this made part of a feature in Logos.

This could be a worthwhile tool. I am interested!

Thank you.

OK, the Logos Library Reporter installer is active on the website.

Please fully read this post before going to the website.
Please read the System Requirements (on the website, the link should open you to the Installation Tab where the System Requirements are located)
Please READ the Disclaimer before downloading/installing the program!!!
Click on this link to go to the website

After reading and agreeing with the disclaimer, scroll down to the Download & Installing section and click on the Reporter.zip link to download the zipped installer program (please follow the instructions to Download/Unzip/Install the program).

If you have questions or problems, PLEASE email me (don't use the forum for your problems, i don't check it very often). You will find an email address for me in the bottom right-corner of the webpage (see image below). Hover your mouse over the webpage's Contact link (admin) and right-click on the link & in the pop-up menu click COPY EMAIL ADDRESS. Then go to your email program and paste the email address into the TO: section of your email. Please be very descriptive of your problem. Include screen-shots of error messages in the email. Also you will find a log file in documents/Logos Lib Webpage/LogoLibReporter_Logfile.txt , please add it also to your email.

Hope that this works for you! Keep in mind that this has only be run on 2 computers (my Vista machine and my son's Win7 machine). So don't be surprise/discouraged if you run into problems. Remember i am a 1 man-development team [:D]. So be patient with me & the program.

Please add a Reply to this post upon successfully installing and getting your first report generated. Please note what computer operating system you have (i.e. Windows7 or Vista or whatever). Thank you!

Erwin Stull, Sr.

Hi Steve, and thanks for the program.

Installation issue (a small one): The program would not initially install due to a missing Visual Basic Lib. (Visual Basic Powerpack v10).

The fix: Obtaining the required component from Microsoft (VisualBasicPowerPacksSetup.exe).

Once the missing component was obtained and installed, the installation process was straightforward.

Running Windows 7 Ultimate 64

The program would not initially install due to a missing Visual Basic Lib. (Visual Basic Powerpack v10).

Thanks!

i changed the manifest to include this library. The new version of the ZIP installer has been placed on the server.

Thank You again, excellent diagnostics Sir!

Program did not fully install on windows 8.1 error report popped up stating that the program could not determine if I had Logos 4 or 5. I do have Logos 5 most recent.

Rog

You're almost making me wish for a PC.[:)]

No, not really, but is there no Mac genius here who could do the same thing for Mac?

Logos Library Reporter is ready to install again

Fixed 2 major bugs with the program. The updated installer is now available on the website!

Click here to go to the website's installation tab.

After reading the disclaimer, scroll down to the Download section and follow the directions.
[Note: you may want to scroll up first to the System Requirements and ensure the program will work on your computer.]

On the website are 5 Tabs:

Home -- info on the program, plus Quick Start Guide (strongly urge you to use this)
User's Manual -- detailed information on each feature of the program.
Reports -- Still Under Construction (will work on this when time permits)
Installation -- System Requirements, Disclaimer, & Download and Installation
Version History

If you have problems, please right-click on the Contact link found in the lower-right corner of the webpage to copy the email address for me (the admin). Then email me describing your problem, please attach the LogFile found in
Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\LogoLibReporter_Logfile.txt.

Thank you for your patience! Hope you enjoy the program!

Claybon Collins Jr

[Y] Ran without a problem......Thanks!!

Found another problem

2 people have reported that the book count rendered by LLR (Logos Library Reporter) is inaccurate.

i have found the problem and plan to post a newer version tonight.

Use the Backup DB button to save your DBs until i get the fix rolled out. The catalog's in the program's DB will need to be rebuilt.

When i roll out the fix later tonight, i will also post instructions on how to fix the old catalog entries. Sorry for the inconvenience.

You can continue to play around with the program (LLR), just keep in mind some of your books are not showing up in the reports. (But we will get that fixed soon)

Fixed the problem of inaccurate book count

LLR was not adding Magazines and Journals to its database.

Below are steps which you will need to use to fix LLR's (Logos Library Reporter) database:

Make sure Logos Library Reporter is not running.
Rename the file:
From: Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\MyReports\YourReportInfo.db
To: Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\MyReports\YourReportInfo2.db
[note: the next time LLR runs, it will create a new DB when you use the Save DB button]
Re-Install Logos Library Reporter per instructions on the webpage under Download & Installation.
If you saved your catalogs per the previous post, then use the Copy from Backup button to pull copies of saved backups.
[note: one at a time]
Then press the Read DB button to have the program read the catalog.
[after it's done, view the info above the button to ensure that your book count matches that of Logos]
After it is done, then press the Save DB button to have the program add your catalog back into it's DB.
Repeat steps 4 - 6 until you have rebuilt each of your backed up catalogs.

Now LLR's DB should be accurate, as well as its reports.

Sorry for the inconvenience! (fortunately this happened on the same day that most of you have installed the program)

Hi Claybon,

Ran without a problem......Thanks!!

You are the first One to post feedback on your success!!!

Thank you for taking time to acknowledge that the program installed for you.
Please update per the previous post, so the program will accurately report for you.

----------------------------------------------------

It would be nice if others would also let us know of their success!

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the help. The update has the correct book count.

Thomas

Is it possible to compare Libraries with other users by using the Backup feature? Zip up one of the directories in .\Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\MyBackups, transfer to another computer, unzip, Copy from Backup, Read DB, Save DB.

Not sure of the usefulness, but curious.

Is it possible to compare Libraries with other users by using the Backup feature? Zip up one of the directories in .\Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\MyBackups, transfer to another computer, unzip, Copy from Backup, Read DB, Save DB.

It might.

i would recommend that if you zipped a specific folder under MyBackups, that you make sure the Zipped file is not showing under the MyBackups folder (e.g. have the zip program make the destination for the zip to a folder other than MyBackups).

The backup folder names under MyBackups is critical in exactly how they are named. It is expected to use the Backup DB button to create these folder names.

That being said, a user could unzip a backed up folder and then move it under the MyBackups folder (first child). You would need to restart the LLR program to have it read the MyBackups folder and show those items on the Read Catalog tab in the Backup listbox. Then you could use the Copy from Backup button to have the program copy the DBs into its working folder ready for the Read DB and Save DB buttons use.

EDIT: Randy, thanks for taking time to make the video of the Status truncation problem!! Also thanks for reporting any issues you find with the program!

Nice, Steve. I finally got a chance to try this out. I'm not really all that interested in the reports showing differences between previous versions of my catalog and current, nor do I have other people whose catalogs I want to compare mine with. What I'm really looking forward to, though, is the hidden books report (still to come), since there is no way to see anything more than the titles of those in Logos. Sometimes I'm looking for books to unhide and would like to be able to look for them by other metadata than the title.

Hi Rosie,

What I'm really looking forward to, though, is the hidden books report (still to come)

This report is already included in LLR (you might have read an older post in this thread)

Sometimes I'm looking for books to unhide and would like to be able to look for them by other metadata than the title.

Well you will not find it in LLR [:(]. The db that LLR reads only has 2 fields (Title & ID). Sorry...

EDIT: you might try copying the Title from LLR's (Hidden books report) and searching Logos' site for the book to get more info on that title.

[Just noticed that the word (future) is still on that report's radio-button.
Will fix it and post the new installer (but will not change the version #)] (new installer is on the website)

Randy,

your idea is a very good one.

Is it possible to compare Libraries with other users by using the Backup feature? Zip up one of the directories in .\Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\MyBackups, transfer to another computer, unzip, Copy from Backup, Read DB, Save DB.

Steps to copy Logos Catalog files from Someone Else's computer to yours
so you can view it in LLR's reports

Note: when you see LLR below, it is abbreviations for the program Logos Library Reporter.

Run LLR on someone else's computer (make sure they use the Backup DB button after using the Read DB button)
Use windows explorer on their computer to find which backup folder you want in the
Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\MyBackups folder to copy over to your computer.
In windows explorer right-click on the backup folder that you want to put on your computer and in the drop-down menu click on
Send to->Compressed (zipped) Folder (windows explorer will create a zip of that folder).
Now copy this zipped folder to a Thumb-drive (flash-stick) and take it to your computer.
On your computer connect the Thumb-drive and view it with windows explorer and find your zipped folder.
double-click on the zipped folder and keep opening the folders in the zip until you get to where you see 2 files (catalog.db & ResourceManager.db).
Copy these files from the zip and paste them into Documents\Logos Lib Webpage folder on your computer overwriting the ones already in that folder.
Now in LLR check the box "Just use the catalog ..." and press the Read DB button.
(LLR will now read the catalog you copied from the other computer.
Don't forget to use the Save DB button after the Read DB button is finished to add the new catalog info into LLR's Saved DB.
Also when you use the Save DB button and get the prompt window, you will probably want to add the OWNER's name there so you will know in reports who's computer the catalog came from)

P.S. After you finish the above steps:
Don't forget to uncheck the box "Just use the catalog ..." before trying to get a fresh copy of the Logos catalog files on your Computer!

Hmmmm ... [:D]

I have not tried it yet but this should work for copying a Mac db into a windows VM ? ... and not having to download all my resources into the VM? (not to mention the indexing!)

I have not tried it yet but this should work for copying a Mac db into a windows VM ? ... and not having to download all my resources into the VM?

Not recommended. Just use Method 3 to install Logos into the Windows VM and ensure that the Mac Resource folder can be read from the VM or copy the Resource folder to an area where it can be shared with the VM.

[Y]

Hint: when posting Reports in a forum post

If you want Catalog-B to align in your post on a new line:

in the forum editor after pasting your LLR report into it, move your cursor just to the left of Catalog-B and press Shift-Enter
Then when you Preview or Post it, it will showup on the next line.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Below is a post from one of my reports per the above steps:
[Notice Catalog-B, i highlighted it to draw your attention to it being on a new line]

Your Logos Library Report
Report on books in which Titles have changed
Report generated: Jul 14, 2014 08:56 AM

Catalog-A
AKA: sc 8/2/2012
db entry: [Catalog] Aug 2, 2012 4:23:20 PM
Book count: 747
Owner: Steve
Note: from backup (has ResMan)

Catalog-B
AKA:
db entry: [Catalog] Jul 4, 2014 10:26:28 AM
Book count: 894
Owner: Steve
Note:

Books in which Titles are different from Catalog-A (sc 8/2/2012)
(found 32 books with different titles and the same Logos ResIDs)

Seven Myths About Small Groups: How to Keep from Falling into Common Traps
Cat-B Title: Seven Myths about Small Groups: How to Keep from Falling into Common Traps
The Gospel According to Peter: Mark and I & II Peter
Cat-B Title: The Gospel according to Peter: Mark and I & II Peter

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another option

if you just want to share a report, then you could just add it as an attachment using the paperclip icon in the forum editor toolbar. Some reports can be quiet lengthy and would be distracting to users as they view your post. (i.e. see the link below in which i have used the paperclip icon to attach it to this post). This way you can place text above the report link telling the forum viewers what you wanted them to know about your report. But for those using report(s) to explain problems, then you probably want to embed part of the report in your post (per above First option).

5852.Report.htm
Warning: when attaching reports and you are attaching more than 1 report, you may want to use the Filename option in LLR to name those reports. Because when you generate a report without a filename LLR uses the same generic filename. The outcome of multiple reports without filename being used is that each report will be the last one you generated!

This is not a problem when running LLR on your computer as your Browser has cached the previous reports. But this can be a problem when attaching them to a Forum post. You can find your named reports in Documents\Logos Lib Webpage\MyReports folder. The generic filename is Report.htm.

(this post added to LLR's Special Instructions page)

[Y]

[Y]

Thanks Mark, Cale, and Allen!!!

How is the speed improvement working for you?

LLR is working incredibly fast for me, Steve. The only problem is that I just replaced my HDD with an SSD, which has accelerated all my apps, so I can't really tell how much of the new speed is due to what.

Thanks Cale!

Anyone else, are you noticing a speed improvement?

[Y]

[Y]

[Y] [Y] [Y]

I would love to be able to use these - my biggest issue right now is getting a handle on my tagging system and my highlights and some of the other markings I've made. I would really like to generate a list of all the tags I have in the system so that I can consolidate and fill in any gaps I might see. Is that possible using any of these?

Thanks so much for your help!!

Welcome Paul.

I would really like to generate a list of all the tags I have in the system so that I can consolidate and fill in any gaps I might see.

I have not used the LLR tool in a long time. So sort your Library on My Tags (in Details View) to see each unique tag. You can use screenshots to document them.

For highlights, use the Notes tool and select Type > Highlights in the Filter sidebar. Click Reference > Bible to sort your bible references.

I trust that helps. If you require further assistance, use the General forum (this Logos 5 forum is not visited regularly, if at all).

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