Document 588

Error while attempting to execute BibTeX or MakeIndex

Version: 5.0 - Scientific WorkPlace

Problem

Generating a BibTeX bibliography in SWP Version 5.0 prior to build 2570 fails and the program displays this error message:

Error while attempting to execute C:\swp35\TCITeX\SWTools\bin\BibTeX.exe

Also, generating an index fails and the program displays an error dialog containing this message:

Error while attempting to execute C:\swp35\TCITeX\SWTools\bin\MakeIndx.exe

Explanation

Installing Version 5.0 prior to build 2570over an existing Version 3.5, thus replacing Version 3.5 with Version 5.0, causes a problem with the BibTeX and MakeIndex configuration so that these typesetting tools cannot be started from SWP.

Solution

Edit the SWP initial configuration file:

1. If SWP is running, exit the program.

2. Use an ASCII editor to open the initial configuration file swp-pro.ins in the program directory

   The default program directory for SWP 3.5 is c:\swp35.

3. Read through the quickly to identify the group header lines, which are enclosed in square brackets, and the group content lines.

4. Find the group with entries similar to these:

   [BibTeX]

   BibTeXStyleDir=c:\swp35\TCITeX\bibtex\bst

   BibTeXDataDir=c:\swp35\TCITeX\bibtex\bib

   BibTeXexe=c:\swp35\TCITeX\SWTools\bin\BibTeX.exe

   and change the last line of the group to:

   BibTeXexe=BibTeX

5. Find the group with entries similar to these:

   [MakeIndex]

   MakeIndxExe=c:\George\swp35\TCITeX\SWTools\bin\MakeIndx.exe

   and change the last line of the group to:

   MakeIndxExe=MakeIndex

6. Find these lines:

   [Installation]

   MoveToIniDbase=0

   and change them to:

   [Installation]

   MoveToIniDbase=1

7. Save the file configuration file.

8. Start SWP. The information in the configuration file will be moved to the appropriate location in the Windows registry.

Added 09/03/03

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