ASA Database Administration Guide
Database Administration Utilities
The Write File utility
Creating a write file using the dbwrite command-line utility
Create a new write file (-c) If an existing write already exists, any information in the old write file will be lost. If no write file name is specified in the command, the write filename defaults to the database name with the extension wrt. If no transaction log name is specified, the log file name will default to the database name with the extension wlg.
Change the database file to which an existing write file points (-d) If a database file is moved to another directory, or renamed, this option allows you to maintain the link between the write file and the database file. This option is available only when you run this utility from the command prompt.
Specify encryption key (-ek) This option allows you to specify the encryption key for strongly encrypted databases directly in the command. If you have a strongly encrypted database, you must provide the encryption key to use the database or transaction log in any way. For strongly encrypted databases, you must specify either -ek or -ep, but not both. The command will fail if you do not specify a key for a strongly encrypted database.
Prompt for encryption key (-ep) This option allows you to specify that you want to be prompted for the encryption key. This option causes a dialog box to appear, in which you enter the encryption key. It provides an extra measure of security by never allowing the encryption key to be seen in clear text. For strongly encrypted databases, you must specify either -ek or -ep, but not both. The command will fail if you do not specify a key for a strongly encrypted database.
Force a write file to point to a file (-f) This option is available only when you run this utility from the command prompt. This option is for use when a write file is being created and the database file is held on a Novell NetWare or other network path, for operating systems on which they cannot be entered directly. By providing the full Novell path name for the database file (for example: SYS:\asademo.db), you can avoid dependencies on local mappings of the NetWare path. Unlike with the -d option, no checking is done on the specified path.
Set mirror name (-m) Set the name of the transaction log mirror file. This can only be used in conjunction with-c.
Log output messages to file (-o) Write output messages to the named file.
Operate quietly (-q) Do not display output messages. This option is available only when you run this utility from the command prompt.
Report the write file status only (-s) This displays the name of the database to which the write file points. This option is available only when you run this utility from the command prompt.
Set the transaction log filename (-t) If you are creating a new write file (-c), you can use this option to set the name of the transaction log file.
Operate without confirming actions (-y) Choosing this option replaces the existing write file without prompting you for confirmation.