Dear Rafael,

> is there any chance in fixing a database that reports 'Error while
> trying to read from file. End of file reached'

Try to check it with IBFirstAID Diagnostician.

> Any consecutive gifx attempts result in the above. If I leave off the -i
> it complains about a bad checksum.

Try gbak -b -g -v -ig ... to backup your database.

Sincerely yours,
Alexey Kovyazin
www.ibsurgeon.com