WRT to reply I just posted on this thread;  where I said:

> If you do not use ANY of the above new features my guess is that
> Flexibase will probably continue to work even on newer versions of
> IMAGE (but PLEASE do not take my guess as the final word).   But
> running Flexibase on a database that DOES incorporate some or all
> of the above is likely I expect to lead at best to a program abort (if
> you are lucky);  and potentially to database corruption (if Murphy
> is with you); unless Flexibase is enhanced to support the new
> features.

It was pointed out to me that all three 3rd-party database tools should
be checking the IMAGE version ID located in the root file; and should
refuse to modify versions the tool does not recognize.  Therefore the
worst that should happen is that an out-of-date tool should not run
against a "newer" database.  I regret if by my quick comments I
caused anyone to unnecessarily gain one or two more gray hairs.

The only caveat I will add that in the past when our site was running
more than one database tool, I had a number of instances where
the "older" tool would run without complaint;  but would reset or
"zero-out" one or more flags in the root file that deal with Detail
Dataset Dynamic Expansion (DDX) and / or B-Trees.  The "newer"
tool would then note this as an inconsistency.  I should hasten to
add that no permanent damage was done;  after the "newer" tool
synchronized the flags with my DDX / B-Tree reality all was well.
But at least on one or two occasions a couple years ago, I had to
go in and redo some of my DDX parameters;  i.e.:  DDX got
unexpectedly turned off.  So at least in this case;  at least for some
of the root file flags for new features;  the "older" tool still ran even
though it was apparently not completely aware of all new flags;  and
my DDX settings got "muddled".

DISCLAIMER:  I never did get to the bottom of what was really
happening the time or two when I "lost" DDX on a couple Details
running the older tool....   Another version of "It hurts when I hit my
head against the wall"..  well, then don't do that anymore...   so I
didn't.....    ;-)

Without guessing about bad things that might happen, I will
respectfully stand by one part of my comments:  When you get a
new version of IMAGE, it is a good idea to check with your tool
vendor before using new IMAGE features, to make sure your tool
version "matches"....  Even if the tool properly notices a version
mis-match and does not run, being without a runable and up-to-date
database tool is (at least at our site) unthinkable.....

:-) ,
Ken Sletten