PokerTracker

I've been using the trial version of PT3 for a little over a week without problems (on Windows 7, for reference), but today when I started it up I got a "Configure PostgreSQL Database" dialog box. The three options are Cancel, which tells me PT can't continue without it; Browse Databases which gives the error:

"Unable to login to database (template1). Reason: server closed the connection unexpectedly
This probably means the server terminated abnormally before or while processing the request."

and Create, which gives a very similarly worded error. I tried googling but didn't find much other than the suggestion to stop/restart the PostgreSQL server, which hasn't changed anything. Also, when I exit PT because of these errors, the application doesn't actually exit and I have to use taskmanager to close it manually before trying again - this is new, and hasn't happened with PT in the time I've been using it. I found the guides for reinstalling PT2 and PostgreSQL, but I haven't done either of those things yet in the hope that someone here can give me a shorter solution. So, can you?

If you haven't already please try rebooting - that can often resolve issues with the PostgreSQL service.
If that doesn't help click Start and type 'services' and open the Services window. Find PostgreSQL in the list - is it started? Can you start it?

I knew I was going to forget something! Yes, I've tried rebooting, to no avail. PostgreSQL is in the list on Automatic start, but when I go into properties it is stopped. Attempting to start brings up a progress bar, which runs to about 75%, then gives an error:

"The PostgreSQL Database Server 8.3 service on Local Computer started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if they are not in use by other services or programs."

Firstly, please check the Firewall Guide as sometimes security software can interfere with PostgreSQL.

Also check the Event Viewer for errors related to PostgreSQL. If you see any post them here.
(Click Start and type 'event'.)

Well, I went to change firewall settings, but apparently Windows Firewall has completely turned itself off, and is unable to retsart. On top of that I'm getting ad popups every 5 minutes, so although my AV software isn't picking anything up I'm going to assume my system's just infected with something. I'm going to reinstall Windows, and hopefully everything will work as it should when I know it's clean. Thanks for your help - I'll be back if the problem doesn't go away

The faqs/guids on how to backup a database to move from one system to another all detail how to do so from within PT or PGAdmin - given I can't get either operational, this is an issue. Can I just copy my hand histories from PT's Processed folder and manually import them later? Also, will the fact that I'm currently only running the trial version interfere with any of this?

Backup is one of the few things which is restricted in the trial, but you'll be able to re-import from your hand history files just fine, and that will probably be the simplest solution in this case.
Good luck getting sorted!