Lotus Notes Errors and Their Solution

Lotus Notes is a desktop email application of IBM. Lotus Notes stores all information and data on NSF file. Like user of other email applications, Lotus Notes users also face errors which interrupt smooth functioning of this application. Common errors that occur while working with lotus Notes are:

•    Error due to corruption of database file

•    Unexpected MIME Error

•    Error due to missing entries in INDEX

•    Object variable not set

•    Invalid character in file name

•    Error due to truncation of NSF file

•    Error due to missing directory parameter

Above mentioned are the common problems that a Lotus Notes user may face while working with the NSF files. The main reason behind the occurrence of error is:

•    Corruption in header part of files,

•    Inappropriate hardware installation

•    Virus attacks,

•    Mismatch in checksum.

 Above mentioned are the common reasons that make a NSF file out of order. Here, I am describing in brief about what are the reasons behind the error occuring due to missing of directory parameter along with its solution . This error is coded as Error 0X1a5.

It’s a common scenario while working with Lotus Notes that user tries to start the Domino Server but unable to start the server. The reason behind this error is missing  of “Directory=” parameters from one of the important file of Lotus Notes named as “.ini” file. Another reason behind this error is due to access of maintenance tools on partitioned server. To resolve this problem user must reset the directory parameter of the server. Before proceeding further let's have a look on .ini file.

Lotus Notes .ini file: .ini file are fundamental file of Lotus Notes email application and recognized as Client Configuration file. This file contains almost every setting of Lotus Notes. This file needs special attention while editing because one wrong step will make Domino server work improperly. So handle this file with proper guidance of technical expert. To check the current listing of ini file user may click on URL:

http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/lotus/documentation/notes-ini/.

Efficient ways to do modifications in .INI Settings are:

With the Help of Text Editor (Note Pad/World Pad):

• Open the NOTES.INI file
• Edit the files using text editor. Text editor may be word pad/ notepad, it completely depends on user's OS.
• Open documents entitle as Configuration Settings
• Now, by using Configuration Settings documents user can add or modify the settings of .INI file.
• Before doing this user has to keep following points in mind:

• User can not edit or modify few files as there is no option provided to modify that files.
• User can apply these setting to Domino Servers file only by using Set Configuration server Command.
•  User can not perform editing operation on NOTES.INI file of Notes Client.
•  It is advised to use text editor to perform editing on NOTES.INI file.

                         Now, set the “Directory=" parameter by following underwritten steps.

• Using NOTEPAD open the server's notes.ini file.
• Proceed to "Notes Program=" line
• Perform add operation "Directory=<full path to your domino data directory>". e.g.
• Directory=C: \Lotus\Domino\Data
• Close the .ini file but before closing save the changes.
•  To see changes start Domino Server

By applying above mentioned steps user can easily resolve this problem. It is also advised to user to maintain their Lotus Notes Database at regular intervals and avoid problems. To perform maintenance task user can use commands like fix up, compact etc. I hope the information provided in this article will be helpful in resolving the error.