Troubleshooting Archive Issues

Overview

This guide helps resolve common problems encountered when archiving games, from error messages to unexpected behaviors.

Common Error Messages

"The UPDATE statement conflicted with the REFERENCE constraint"

Problem: Game has penalty reports that prevent archiving 

Solution: 

1. This issue has been resolved in recent updates
2. Try the archive operation again
3. Contact support if error persists

Technical Details: The system now properly handles cascading deletes for penalty forms

"Mass Archiving Games Gives False Error"

Problem: Error message appears when no actual conflicts exist 

Solution: 

1. Review the confirmation message carefully
2. Proceed with archive if no real conflicts exist
3. Check archive tab to verify successful completion

Background: This was a display issue that showed warnings unnecessarily

"Unable to Archive Game Due to Forms"

Problem: Associated forms preventing game archive 

Solution: 

1. Check if forms are actually preventing archive
2. Verify form attachments are properly handled
3. Use individual archive if mass archive fails

Archive Operation Issues

Mass Archive Doesn't Start

Symptoms: Clicking "Begin Archive" has no effect 

Troubleshooting: 

1. Check Selection: Ensure games are selected
2. Verify Filters: Confirm filter captures intended games
3. Browser Issues: Try refreshing page or different browser
4. Permissions: Verify assigner access rights

Archive Process Takes Too Long

Symptoms: Archive operation seems stuck or very slow 

Solutions: 

1. Wait Patiently: Large operations can take hours
2. Check Email: Look for completion notification
3. Review Background: Process runs in background
4. Contact Support: If no progress after reasonable time

Partial Archive Success

Symptoms: Some games archive, others don't 

Investigation Steps: 

1. Check Dependencies: Review individual game attachments
2. Error Logs: Look for specific error messages
3. Game Status: Verify which games succeeded/failed
4. Retry Individual: Try archiving failed games individually

Permission and Access Issues

Archive Option Not Visible

Problem: Cannot see archive buttons or menu options 

Checks: 

1. User Role: Confirm assigner permissions
2. Group Access: Verify access to the specific group
3. Game Ownership: Ensure games belong to your group
4. System Updates: Check if interface has changed

Cannot Access Archive Page

Problem: Archive page doesn't load or shows errors 

Solutions: 

1. Direct URL: Try direct link to archive page
2. Browser Cache: Clear cache and cookies
3. Session Timeout: Log out and log back in
4. URL Format: Ensure proper URL structure

Data and Dependency Issues

Unexpected Archive Type

Problem: Game archives differently than expected 

Analysis: 

1. Review Dependencies: Check all game attachments
2. School Involvement: Verify team participation
3. Official Status: Confirm assignment status
4. Date Classification: Ensure game date is correct

Cannot Restore Archived Game

Problem: Restore option not available or fails 

Investigation: 

1. Archive Type: Confirm game can be restored
2. Game Number: Check for numbering conflicts
3. Data Integrity: Verify game data is complete
4. System Status: Check for ongoing maintenance

Missing Data After Archive/Restore

Problem: Some information missing after operations 

Common Causes: 

1. Expected Behavior: Some data intentionally removed
2. Report Deletion: Associated reports may be deleted
3. Form Removal: Penalty forms handled separately
4. Status Reset: Official status may change

Performance and System Issues

Slow Archive Operations

Optimization Tips: 

1. Filter Strategically: Use specific filters to reduce load
2. Off-Peak Timing: Perform during low-usage hours
3. Smaller Batches: Break large operations into smaller ones
4. Monitor Progress: Use archive logs to track completion

Browser Compatibility Issues

Common Problems: 

1. JavaScript Errors: Try different browser
2. Cache Issues: Clear browser cache
3. Cookie Problems: Enable cookies for site
4. Version Compatibility: Update browser if needed

Network and Connectivity

Symptoms: Operations fail or timeout 

Solutions: 

1. Stable Connection: Ensure reliable internet
2. Retry Operations: Attempt operation again
3. Different Network: Try from different location
4. VPN Issues: Disable VPN if causing problems

Specific Error Scenarios

Games with Financial Data

Issue: Paysheets or invoices blocking archive 

Resolution: 

1. Current System: Should allow archive regardless
2. Legacy Restriction: Old behavior required deletion first
3. Contact Support: If restrictions still appear

Games with Evaluations

Issue: Evaluation data causing archive problems 

Handling: 

1. Preserve Data: Evaluations should be maintained
2. Archive Type: May influence archive category
3. Access After: Verify evaluation access post-archive

Multi-Group Games

Issue: Games involving multiple groups have problems 

Considerations: 

1. Primary Group: Identify which group controls game
2. School Dependencies: Consider all group involvement
3. Coordination: May need coordination between groups

Prevention and Best Practices

Before Archiving

Preparation Steps: 

1. Review Games: Understand dependencies
2. Backup Data: Export important information
3. Communicate: Inform affected parties
4. Test Small: Try with single game first

During Archive Operations

Monitoring: 

1. Stay Available: Monitor for issues
2. Document Problems: Note any errors for support
3. Verify Progress: Check completion status
4. Be Patient: Allow time for completion

After Archive Completion

Verification: 

1. Check Results: Verify expected outcomes
2. Test Access: Confirm archive page functionality
3. Validate Reports: Ensure reports work correctly
4. Follow Up: Address any user concerns

Getting Additional Help

When to Contact Support

• Persistent Errors: Same error occurs repeatedly
• Data Loss: Important information appears missing
• System Behavior: Unexpected archive outcomes
• Access Issues: Cannot perform expected operations

Information to Provide

1. Error Messages: Copy exact error text
2. Game Details: Specific game IDs and numbers
3. Operation Type: Single vs. mass archive
4. Timing: When error occurred
5. Environment: Browser, group ID, user details

Alternative Solutions

• Manual Workarounds: Individual operations if mass fails
• Timing Changes: Try during different hours
• Different Approach: Alternative archive strategies
• Temporary Solutions: Interim steps while awaiting fixes

Related to

• Assigner