Editing the DBF files

[Andrew]

Fairly soon I will be updating the DBF editing guides from previous versions of NBA Live to suit the updated DBF files of NBA Live 2003. Until then, some information from the NBA Live 2001 guides can be used if anyone is interested.

Although you can open and edit the DBF files with Excel this is not recommended, as it often results in corrupted files. Instead, use a DBF editor such as DB Commander, which you can download here.

You can also edit some of the files with the NBA Live 2001 Toolkit for MS Access 97/2000. However, you won't be able to edit the new fields or DBF files (such as teamgear.dbf and coaches.dbf).

Hope this is some use to others who are working on roster patches.

[Full Surface]

Yo, how come when I try to edit stuff on player.dbf it says the "recordset is not updateable". How do I fix this?

[Andrew]

That's never happened to me. What are you using to edit the DBF files?

[Full Surface]

MS Access 2000

[Andrew]

I've got MS Access 97 and DB Commander, so I can't really help you there, except to suggest using a DBF editor such as DB Commander to avoid problems viewing and modifying the DBF files.

[pHiL :)]

I downloaded the DB Commander and I follow directions on how to change information in the fields, but when i leave DB Commander, nothing changes.

I dont see any type of "save" option on DB Commander. Can you help me learn how to save the things i change? Also, I have a demo version that says its fully functional. Does anyone have the full version? Thanks for your help. Peace

[Kijana]

I also have the same problem. I want to change the player dbf file but nothing happens.

[Andrew]

Changes should be saved automatically. There's no Save button/menu command to use, changes are saved as you work.

[Little_Big_Man]

This is probably obvious, but is your file stored as read-only?? just a suggestion

[Andrew]

None of my files are read-only, but if you're trying to edit a read-only file, then naturally you will encounter problems.

[nrosos]

just a question to u guys, I can't seem to make the dreads I added for Rip Hamilton appear on the game even if I use the custom art feature or database editing. Any ideas where the problem could be and how I could resolve them?
Thanks

[Nick]

With DBcommander, you have to click on another record so that it puts the last thing you changed on record (like a way of saving).
You'll notice the little 'tick' icon on the bottom toolbar become unpressable when you do this...that means it's on record and you can quit.

[ZeroRush]

It might be an annoying question but, what format is the DBF files? I mean, is it foxpro, access, or whatever. I'm trying to load it to VISUAL DATA MANAGER in Visual Basic and I can't so thats why I'm asking.

[Andrew]

I believe Excel calls it "Database File Version 4.0" or something. It's not a directly supported file format of any MS Office application.

[ZeroRush]

I see, thanks Andrew!

[jjshankshaft]

I have trouble REMOVING PLAYERS COMPLETELY!!!!! from the DBF file. For example, Greg Anthony is retired, so I need to remove him from the DBF file. What should I do? Also, I need to ADD a guy such as Giricek or whatever the spelling of his name is, he was on Memphis and just got traded to Orlando. I could send out my roster update for people. I updated all the DSTATS of all the guys, so they play the numbers they are currently putting up in the NBA and not some bogus ones based on previous years I.E. Grant Hill hasnt AVGed 26 ppg in a few years. I also updated the ratings of guys and positions so not every guy in the nba hits 3 pointers over guys all night. Help me out guys. I need to make these changes to my files. Thanks.

[Andrew]

To remove a player:

1. Change his Created attribute to True. In a DBF editor, look for the ISCREATED field, and change the value to True. In the Toolkit, check the Created box.

2. Start the game, load the roster.

3. Go to the Created Players List. Delete the appropriate player.

Gordan Giricek is a player that was present on the default roster, so you shouldn't need to add him.

[Andrew]

In case you've missed the other post, I have completed the bare bones DBF editing guides for NBA Live 2003:

Players.dbf Editing Guide
Teams.dbf Editing Guide
Teamgear.dbf Editing Guide
Coaches.dbf Editing Guide
Teaminfo.dbf Editing Guide

In-depth guides (editing the All-Star teams, adding custom teams etc) are on the way.

[bornok]

andrew the links on the "refer to chart" are broken

[Andrew]

Sorry about that. The files have now been uploaded, thanks for the note.

[hoopscitylive]

On the HCL patch, to remove players, I just changed their team id to 32 (retired)... that works as well.

[hetoft]

On the HCL patch, to remove players, I just changed their team id to 32 (retired)... that works as well.

Yeah, that's the best method. Because, that way, you can still play with the players in 1-on-1 (i think so...)

[raptors6thman]

how do u remove actual teams? im working on a league and we have 16 teams available. i would like to remove all allstar teams plus those other 13 nba teams we wont be using. how do i do that?

[lakergreat85]

when editing coaches, which file do u edit?? For example, I am trying to move Pat Riley to the Lakers, and Phil Jackson to Miami, but there are a few different folders with the same files, which am I suppose to change, Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanx

[Andrew]

The best way to edit any aspect of the rosters is to save the roster to a new slot (eg 010). You can then edit the files in the appropriate folder (010) as desired. The edited rosters can then be reloaded from the Load/Save screen.

The file you need to edit is coaches.dbf. For more information, see my Coaches.dbf Editing Guide.