How to Perform a Database Rebuild in VIGIL Client

Power loss can disrupt a DVR’s ability to properly record and index video data, such as an outage, surge, or electrical interruption. This can lead to inconsistencies in the VIGIL Client software, such as incorrect video dates or error messages. In these situations, performing a database rebuild in the VIGIL Client is the most effective way to address the issue.

With that said, this tutorial walks you through how to perform a database rebuild in VIGIL Client. This process helps realign your video indexes, restore search functionality, and get your system back to a stable state.

Watch the tutorial:

Why would you need to rebuild a database

A database rebuild is typically required when a DVR database becomes out of alignment with the stored video files.

This is often caused by unexpected power-related issues, such as:

• A sudden power loss or unplugged power cord
• Lightning strikes or power surges near the system
• Electrical fluctuations or brief power glitches

When this happens, you may notice symptoms like:

• The oldest footage date appears incorrect
• Playback searches return “frame not found” errors
• Video exists on disk but cannot be searched or played reliably

These issues indicate that the database indexes no longer properly reference the stored video data. A rebuild recalculates and realigns those indexes so footage becomes searchable again.

How to perform a database rebuild in VIGIL Client

If you’re experiencing the symptoms above, you’ll need to finish a database rebuild by following the steps below.

1. Open the database manager

Start by opening the Start Menu on the VIGIL DVR.

Navigate to the VIGIL folder and select Database Manager. You can also find it by typing “Database” into the search field.

Then, log in using system software administrative rights.

2. Locate the rebuild option

Inside the Database Manager, navigate to Tab 2: Data/Data Management.

Select the Rebuild option. This process realigns the database indexes and restores search functionality.

Important note: During a rebuild, the DVR will stop recording. Inform the customer ahead of time, or use a redundant recording solution if continuous recording is required.

3. Enable automatic reboot

Select the option to automatically reboot the server after the rebuild.

Choose the relevant storage locations.

Click OK to begin the rebuild.

Important note: Rebuild time varies depending on storage size, taking anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

4. Complete the post-rebuild reset and repair

After the system reboots and completes the initial rebuild, reopen the Database Manager.

Go back to Tab 2 and:

• Reset the Initial Footage Date
• Clear the Last Scavenge Folder Details
• Confirm Yes to both options

Then, go to Tab 3 and select Repair Index. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes.

Finally, click OK to confirm completion.

5. Final reboot

Perform one final server reboot.

Once complete, your footage dates, indexes, and playback functionality should be fully restored, with video aligned correctly and searchable again.

Learn more about VIGIL Client

A database rebuild in VIGIL Client is an important troubleshooting step when a power failure has led to errors in your system. To learn more about how to use VIGIL Client and other 3xLOGIC solutions, visit our YouTube channel for more tutorials.

Schedule a demo today to learn more about 3xLOGIC’s VIGIL solution.