Before you apply any of the following steps, it is strongly recommended to create a backup of the damaged database (.wsw file) and the related Cache folder (_WSW folder). This ensures that you can return to the original state if one of these steps fails.

If your Bookmark database is physically damaged, restore or repair it using one of the following procedures.

1. Restore a backup

If you have a working and up-to-date backup of your Bookmark database, restore that backup. This is the most reliable solution. By default, WebSite-Watcher creates an AutoBackup once per day, which can be restored using "Tools + Backup/Restore".

Steps:
1.  Click "Tools" in the main menu.
2.  Select "Backup/Restore".
3.  Select "Restore AutoBackup" and follow the assistant.

2. Run the command "Repair database"

If you do not have a working backup, or if your backup is outdated, run the command "Repair database". This command repairs the database and restores as much data as possible.

After running this command, the next check may produce false update notifications, especially if the special filter "Ignore all HTML tags" is disabled.

Steps:
1.  Click "File" in the main menu.
2.  Select "Database".
3.  Run the command "Repair database".

3. Run the command "Re-Create database from cache folder"

Use this command if "Repair database" fails and no working, up-to-date backup is available. This command re-creates the entire database from files stored in the Cache folder.

After running this command, the next check may produce false update notifications, especially if the special filter "Ignore all HTML tags" is disabled.

Steps:
1.  Click "File" in the main menu.
2.  Select "Database".
3.  Run the command "Re-Create database from cache folder".

After performing any of these procedures, you can run the command "Optimize database", which also performs an integrity check.

Database Repair Tool

If WebSite-Watcher can no longer be started, or if a database cannot be opened due to corruption or crashes, use the application "dbtool.exe", which is located in the WebSite-Watcher installation folder.

With this tool, you can execute the procedures described above at a lower system level.