China Energy
Databook
v. 7.0, October 2008
ReadMe File
This document describes the contents of the China Energy Databook CD and provides
instructions for transferring files to the user’s computer and on the installation of the
appropriate Access database version.
1. What is on this CD
The CD contains a complete set of the Databook data tables, and an Access 2002 version of the database along with the associated User Guide. The files are stored in the following folder structure:
\(root)
\XLS
\PDF
\Access2002
ReadMe files (Word, PDF), Table of Contents files (Word, PDF),
and User Guide files (Word, PDF)
Excel-formatted data tables
Adobe Acrobat-formatted PDF files of data tables, and duplicate
copies of the User Guide, ReadMe, and Table of Contents files in
PDF format
Access 2002 standalone version files
2. Installation
2.1.Installation of Databook Data Table Files
The Databook Data Table files are available in XLS and PDF format, and each set of files
is located in its own folder on the CD. It is recommended that the same folders be
created on the user’s hard drive by dragging/copying the entire folder to the hard drive.


To use the XLS files, Microsoft Excel (97, 98, 2000, 2002 (XP), 2003, 2007) or
compatible software is required.
To view and print the PDF files, Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. Owing to
the more complex print formatting required for the data table chapters, these files can only be read by Adobe Acrobat v. 4 or higher. To
get a free copy or to upgrade your current version of Acrobat, connect to:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/alternate.html.
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These files can also be run directly from the CD without copying to a local hard drive,
but they will open as “read-only” files, so any changes would need to be saved to a local
hard drive.
2.2.
Installation of Database Files
Because Access creates temporary files during the operation of the program, the Access
database files must be installed on a local hard drive and cannot be run directly from the
CD. Given the size of the database application, a Pentium-class machine or equivalent
with at least 128MB of RAM is recommended.
2.2.1. Installation of Access 2002 Standalone Database
Using File Explorer, select the CD folder named Access2002, and drag it to a location on
the local hard drive. This will create a folder named Access2002 containing the standalone files (ce.mbd and cedata.mbd) needed for use with Access 2000, 2002 (XP), 2003,
or 2007. Be sure to follow the steps shown in “Required Step to Turn Off
Read-Only File Status” below.
To start the program, double-click the ce.mbd file, or open the ce.mbd file from within
Access The file format is not compatible with Access 97 or earlier versions.
2.3.
Required Step to Turn Off Read-Only File Status
Data files written to a CD have the “Read Only” attribute turned on. This attribute remains set when the files are copied directly to the local hard drive. In the case of the XLS
and PDF files, the attribute setting does not interfere with opening or browsing the files,
though changes to the file cannot be saved without saving as a new file name or in a new
location. For the Access files, turning off the Read Only attribute for the files copied to
the hard disk is required before running the files the first time. (This step is usually done
automatically for programs using installation routines.)
In the File Explorer, it is easy to turn off the Read Only attribute by selecting the ce.mbd
and cedata.mdb files, right-clicking, selecting “Properties” on the right-click menu, then
unchecking the Read Only attribute box at the bottom of the form.
For the PDF and XLS files, choose Select All in File Explorer, or hold down the Ctrl key
when selecting files to select more than one file at once; all can be changed simultaneously with the same routine as described above for the Access database files.
For those comfortable using DOS commands, the Read Only attribute of all files can be
turned off with one command. In a DOS window, navigate to the folder location of the
databook files on the hard drive (e.g. XLS, PDF. Access2002), and type the command
attrib *.* /s –r
This will turn off the Read Only attribute for all files in the current folder and any subfolders.
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3. Technical Assistance and Troubleshooting
At present, we have very limited ability to provide technical assistance. It is assumed in
this document and the User Guide that users are familiar with the basics of operating
system commands, folder nomenclature, and that Access owners using the standalone
version of the database are familiar with Access functions and operation. Please check
the operating system user manual or the Access user manual for questions of this type.
1. Part of the database screen is not viewable: To the extent possible, scroll
bars have been added in cases where data screens extend beyond what is viewable
at 1024 x 768 resolution, but some cropping may still occur. It is recommended to
run the database at no less than 800 x 600 resolution, preferably higher.
2. Database bugs: The China Energy Database is a complex application and has
been developed and tested over the course of nearly two years. If bugs or error
messages appear, please report them in detail to the email address shown in Contacts below.
3. Databook errors: The creation of this version of the Databook has involved
the entry of over 120,000 data points into the database and data tables combined. Despite thorough proofing and testing, errors are bound to appear. Please
notify us at the email address shown in Contacts below if any errors are found.
Check the China Energy website at http://china.lbl.gov for corrections, updates,
and other material.
4. Printing the Databook
The entire Databook (including the database pivot table reports and the standalone data
tables) can be printed from the individual PDF files. A complete set of all PDF files are
stored in the PDF folder.
5. Disclaimer
The data are provided “as-is”, and the authors bear no responsibility for damages arising
from the use of these data or the database application. Responsibility for errors in the
Databook is ours.
6. Contacts
For questions or errors regarding the database, please email DGFridley@lbl.gov
For questions or errors regarding the data tables, please email NTAden@lbl.gov
For further additional information, updates, corrections, and other materials related to
energy in China, please visit http://china.lbl.gov.
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