Still Can't Connect to PosgreSQL? Try This!

[PCP Poker]

So like many of you, I've been pulling my hair out for days because I could not get a connection to my database. After hours upon hours of research and failed attempts, I finally figured out a method that has worked on both of my comps and a friend's comp as well. Hopefully it will work for you as well. This worked for me on an XP PC, an XP laptop, and Vista Basic PC. Without further ado:

1. Do the standard step of fixing your host file
Instructions can be found here.

2. Uninstall any antivrus, anti-spyware, and firewall programs you may have.
This includes disabling windows firewall and windows defender, although you cannot uninstall them.

3. Follow steps 1 through 6 in FAQ 171
When you get step 6, stop after you have uninstalled PostgreSQL. DO NOT REINSTALL IT YET.

4. Find your PostgreSQL Data directory on your computer.
By default, this should be at C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\8.3\data or something similar. Make note of its exact location and the exact name of the folder. You will need this info later. Now you need to Rename this Folder to something like data_original.

5. Now do a clean install of PostgreSQL.
Make sure you install the proper version number. If you were using 8.2, make sure you install 8.2. If you were using 8.3, install 8.3. Follow the instructions in FAQ 176. In step 5 of that FAQ, make sure you set up the data directory to match the info you wrote down in step 4 of this guide. Once you have PostgreSQL installed, verify that HoldemManager can connect to this new, empty database. You don't need to create a HoldemManager database, just verify that you can get a connection.

6. Now you need to copy some files from your new data directory to your old one.
Go to your newly created data directory and copy the following files:
pg_hba.conf
pg_ident.conf
PG_VERSION
postgresql.conf
and postmaster.opts
DO NOT COPY postmaster.pids

Go to your data_original folder and paste these files. They should already exist in that folder, so make sure you overwrite the exisiting ones. Also, delete the postmaster.pids file that should be in your data_original folder.

7. Uninstall PostgreSQL again.
After the uninstall has completed, go delete your data directory folder. Rename data_original so that it matches the name and location of the folder you just deleted.

8. Reinstall PostgreSQL using the steps in FAQ 177

9. Now Holdem Manager should be able to connect to your original database.
If you still can't connect, guess you're S.O.L.

10. Now reinstall and enable your firewalls, antiviruses, etc one by one.
After each one that you install or enable, make sure you test Holdem Manager to make sure it can still connect. If after installing or enabling something you can't connect to your database, then you have found the program that is most likely the cause of all this headache. Consult that programs support for ideas, or try another similar program.

[bandin]

this worked for me. took a while but obv worth it. thank you sir

[K4SIUS]

Hello, I suddenly can not run holdem manager, problem would probably me in connection to postgress but I tried everything from FAQ and your new advice, but nothing changed...I even do not want to connect to my old databese, it is not problem to make a completely new database, but even after I unistall holdem manager and postgres and delete remaining folders and then make a new instalation of both programs...stil sam problem...please help

[langejan]

I have two computers. And only one of them HEM works.

Can I copy any of the files from the working computer to the non-working computer to make HEM work instead of going through this long process?

[morny]

Anyone having issues with this email me morny@holdemmanager.net and well do a teamviewer session, make sure you have steps 1-3 completed before we start the teamviewer session which includes completely uninstalling all antiviruses/firewalls/spyware etc

[PCP Poker]

Originally Posted by langejan

I have two computers. And only one of them HEM works.

Can I copy any of the files from the working computer to the non-working computer to make HEM work instead of going through this long process?

Most likely not. The problem is that the postgres service can't be restarted, and just changing a couple files isn't going to fix that. Only a full blown reinstall got it working in the end for me. But, your situation may be different, never hurts to try. The files contain information specific to the computer they are stored on, so unless the hardware profiles of your 2 computers are very similar, I doubt it would have any effect.

[WikiBruce]

Wow that hurts big time.

I have that problem on my other PC and I really wish there would be another (easier or faster) way to get it back working...

The whole process will prob. take two hours?
I really hope its worth it.

Oh and: "2. Uninstall any antivrus, anti-spyware, and firewall programs you may have."

- Are you serious?

[PCP Poker]

Originally Posted by WikiBruce

Wow that hurts big time.

I have that problem on my other PC and I really wish there would be another (easier or faster) way to get it back working...

The whole process will prob. take two hours?
I really hope its worth it.

Oh and: "2. Uninstall any antivrus, anti-spyware, and firewall programs you may have."

- Are you serious?

Depends on how fast your hardware is and your level of computer experience. By the 4th pc I did this on, it only took me 20 minutes or so. First couple times an hour tops.....

As far as uninstalling antivirus and firewall programs.....unfortunately that is a very necessary step. These programs monitor and block network traffic. Even though the database is located on your computer, PostgreSQL functions just like a web server. All communication between PostgreSQL and any program that attempts to access it goes through a port on your Network Card. These programs can get in the way of that communication happening.

My advice to keep your computer safe during this process is to download all of the necessary files ahead of time and then completely disconnect your computer from the internet before starting this process.

Also, if you have an antivirus or firewall program that you paid for, make sure you find out how to renew your license for that program once you uninstall and reinstall it. Some programs have limits on how long after purchase you are able to reinstall. Consult that progams support before uninstalling anything just to make sure you're not going to lose access to it.

[PCP Poker]

Also, please keep in mind guys that this whole situation was in no way a defect or fault in Holdem Manager. Most of this was all caused by a patch to Micro$oft Windows that interfered with the ability of PostgreSQL to communicate with the rest of your system.

Also, FWIW, I'm also not affiliated with the programmers of Holdem Manager in any way. I'm just a paying customer like the rest of you, but I really love this program and the effect it has had on my game....

[karimdaniel]

Originally Posted by PCP Poker

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7. Uninstall PostgreSQL again.
After the uninstall has completed, go delete your data directory folder. Rename data_original so that it matches the name and location of the folder you just deleted.

Could you be abit more specific? What folder are we talking about that I should delete?

I am so desperate and frustrated that my head is going to blow up!

Hold'em manager not working is ruing everything for me. I use about 3hours each day to get it working.

If someone could fix this problem for me I would be over my head