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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