Default ERMIE catalog

[DavidR]

I am just now, at long last, discovering ERMIE. What an amazing tool!

I realize that it's possible to create, save, and import specialized ERMIE catalogs, but that's not really my interest at the moment. I'd just like to add one or two things to the default catalog and have them load each time. Is that possible? When I added an item and went to save the catalog, there were no .erm files already present. I created a new one, and it is now listed along with [BW default catalog] in the drop-down list of catalogs. But where is the [BW default catalog] located? Is it possible to add items to it?

[Jim Wert]

The name of the default ERMIE file is "BibleWorks 9/init/BWERM.erd". You can look at it, and I assume you can edit it with something like Notepad. Your changes would then be wiped out when BW issues an update for ERMIE.

It is generally easier (and less vulnerable to keying errors) to do the changes in the ERMIE window and, as you did, save the new creature as a .erm file.
This has the added advantage of not being replaced if BW issues an update for the default file.

--Jim

[DavidR]

Ah, I see. It's a little counterintuitive for me (and could use a lot better explanation in the Help system), but I understand the reason for keeping user modifications separate from the BW-updated default file. I suppose one could save one's modified catalog as "BWERM.erd", but then, as you say, it'd get wiped out in an update. Of course, if BW updates the default file, and I then want to merge my modifications into it from their separate file, I can foresee a tedious process. But as I say, I've only just looked at it, and I'm sure I'll come to understand it better. Thanks.

[calvary]

Yes, the ERMIE resource is excellent. I've loaded mine up with many customized sites. You can also load in local files from your hard drive.

I just rename mine and save it into a custom location. Then I reopen it from that location and it will continue to open from that custom local.

If there's an update and it defaults to the BW local, just go to the little "catalog" window on the upper left and your custom ermie file should appear in the drop down menu. Click on it and your back in business.

Hope this helps (or makes sense)

Blessings,
Dave

[DavidR]

Very clear, David, thanks. My only question would be, if BW updates the default ERMIE catalog, could I merge new items from that into my customized catalog? But I see on the More button the option "Import ERMIE catalog file into current catalog." Sounds like that would do the merging. But do you know whether that would duplicate existing entries or not?