Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

quote:

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Originally posted by eboychik
...I select all the files on the Visor, start to copy. Since nearly all of them are there, when it gets to the first one that is on both, and it asks if I want to copy it anyway, I answer yes. After the first one or two files, I gently pop the module out. 90% of the time, it goes back to my Visor screen, the other 10% it gets stuck and makes me do a reset with a paper clip. Either way, when I put the module back into the Visor, it tells me it's been corrupted and needs reformatting. I let it reformat, and then copy all my files. It's much quicker copying to an empty module than a full one.

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Northern New Jersey
Posts: 55

Scott,
That may be a great idea. I had only used FileMover with my CF card, not with the handspring module. I dropped my machine off with Tony this afternoon. When I get it back on Monday night, I'll check that out.

By the way, it took at least 2 hours to back almost 8MB of content on my Prism to the CF file when I gave up and halted the backup. I then installed JackBack (newest version -1.5, I think - posted yesterday on PalmGear), and based on their instruction manual, went to the Kopsis Engineering site to make sure I had a particular FA FileMover driver they said I needed. I saw that Kopsis had updated their FA FileMover software on 3/21 (and even have a beat of the next version available). I installed it all, but JackBack told me my FALib driver was too old - it needed to be at least version 1.2. I just emailed Brayder, asking how my software could be out of date when it was released a month ago, and there's wasn't released until yesterday.

It's always 2 steps forward, 1 step back with new software!

Anyway, I now have two days of NOT tweaking and obsessing over my Visor - a sort of enforced vacation!

Registered: Nov 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Posts: 63

From an outside observer...I think you dudes are talking about two different things: Scottster is talking about the Handspring Filemover app which comes with the Flash module, and (if I'm correct...) eboychik is talking about FAfilemover from kopsis. Meanwhile, he raises a good point: The compactflash/FAfilemover solution is really not viable--too damn long to backup/restore, and no compression. Tried it once, and gave up promptly.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 431

quote:

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Originally posted by StiMPy
... The compactflash/FAfilemover solution is really not viable--too damn long to backup/restore, and no compression. Tried it once, and gave up promptly.

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

Re: backUpBuddy

Stimp:

I was responding to eboychick based on the following:

quote:

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Originally posted by eboychik
FYI, I've found (and I'm sure I'm not the first) a quicker way to copy all my files to a regular 8 MB module. I select all the files on the Visor, start to copy. Since nearly all of them are there, when it gets to the first one that is on both, and it asks if I want to copy it anyway, I answer yes. After the first one or two files, I gently pop the module out...

...I also have a 64 MB CF card in the Matchbox module, along with the fileMover software...

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I'm pretty sure he was using that "pop out" method on the Flash Memory Module. Your point about the CF solution taking too long is on the money. I've heard that from ALOT of people. That's why I'm hoping SOMEONE comes out with a 16MB Backup Module just like the Handspring one. It's fast, simple and does only one thing: makes a mirror image of my Prism. I can carry that with me when I'm away from my PC and always have a recent backup available, unless, of course, I forget to the thing to make regular backups!

Registered: Nov 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Posts: 63

Huh...well I'm stumped then too...I guess I just can't wrap my head around this "pull it out" thing either. Kinda like Backupus Interruptus.

-Stimp.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Northern New Jersey
Posts: 55

Yes - I was speaking specifically about pulling out the 8MB Flash Module (Backupus Interruptus - I love that, StiMPy!. Here's why this may or may note be significant: with my machine with Tony (32 hours to go, but who's counting?), I ordered the 16 MB Hagiwara Flash module from PalmGear last night with next day shipping. Obviously, a 16 MB b/u module is what we all really want, but we're a pretty small market right now. The Hagiwara comes with its own FileMover software, which may allow for quick formatting or not - I won't know until I get it. If not, it will have to function as my b/u module, and so this Backupus Interruptus method may save quite a bit of time, since again, reading, erasing, and writing on a Flash module takes longer than just writing. Also, JackBack and the 16MB flash module may be fast, too.

By the way, I heard from JackBack's manufacturer, Brayder about the missing FALib file. Now this seems kind of silly to me but I mentioned in an earlier post that Kopsis has new FAFileMover software, as well as a beta (it came out "beat" in my post - the place where spellchecking no longer helps my bad typing!) of even newer FAFileMover software. So Brayder tech support wrote about where I could obtain the missing FALib 1.2 software, and guess what? It's downloadable ONLY from the BETA version! Why would they require you to use something that's not bug-free? Blows my mind. I've responded to them, and will post their reply.

So far this 16MB upgrade has cost about $300, not counting new software that I can fit on the extra 8 megs.The sad thing is, looking at programs likeTriv (1.5 MB), a bunch of ebooks, and so on, I've probably used up most of the extra 8 megs already!. it's like when I get my paycheck, and it's already spent.

I wonder if Tony could modify the Hagiwara 16 MB flash card to turn it into a b/u card? Hmmmmm......

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

I doubt Tony would do that even if he could. It would violate Hagiwara's copyright. See his FAQ #37 http://www.palmpilotupgrade.com/faq.html#37 If he did stuff like that, I'd ask him to modify what's in my ROM (remove Datebook and Datebook+ and add Datebk4 among other changes)

Last edited by Scottster on 04-23-2001 at 11:52 PM

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 65

Backup Buddy Restore and Springboard Modules

Just wanted to point out that while Backup Buddy is a great app and backs up springboard modules (incl. my 8 MB Flash module), it does not 'automatically' restore springboard modules. When I have to restore my 8 MB Flash module, I've got to hard reset my Prism (easier than freeing up 5 Mbytes), move my backup directory so Backup Buddy doesn't automatically restore everything, install the big files I keep on the Flash module, move them to flash, and then copy my backup directory back and let Backup Buddy restore the Prism.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 95

Has anyone tried installing any Handspring OS updates like Updater V1.1 successfully? I would hate to find out after the 16MB memory upgrade that I wouldn�t be able to update the Palm OS.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

This is a good question. I would imagine there should be no problem. The updater is just a file that is installed in memory that patches the OS. After the 16MB upgrade, you have more memory. I see no reason you shouldn't be able to install the file. Once it's downloaded from http://www.handspring.com/support/t...11_readme.jhtml, install the file on your Prism or Platinum. You can then verify that it "took" by following the Handspring instructions:

quote:

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Originally posted by Handspring
To verify that the update is installed, go to the Applications Launcher screen, tap the Menu icon and choose the Info menu. In the Info window, tap the Version box at the bottom. The Palm OS software version at the top will now display "Palm OS Software v. 3.5.2H1". You can further verify the update by scrolling down the data list and looking for "HsExtensions 3.5.2 v. 1.2".

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

I installed it originally. My Prism is being upgraded by Tony Rudenko from http://www.palmpilotupgrade.com/ as I type this. I'll have it back by Thursday. First thing I'm going to do is restore a backup. The updater file should be reinstalled during this restore. I'll let the thread know the outcome. WooooHoooo!! 16MB Here I Come!

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Northern New Jersey
Posts: 55

problems with restoring w/o a true 16 MB b/u module

I got my Visor back fromTony on Monday night, and it's amazing. He did a beautiful job, and there's plenty of room for new stuff. The BAD NEWS is that after carefully doing image memory backups to both a 64 MB CF card and tothe 16 MB Hagiwara module with JackBack, I had my first crash and hard reset today and tried to restore from the Hagiwara, and it didn't work. Oh, it restored all the files (except 4 - two minor DBs, MathLib, which I restored from BackupBuddy, and another one), but my Saved Preferences were gone! Which meant all my categories, all my hack preferences, and most of my passwords!

It's taken me 6 hpurs, trying both BackupBuddy restore - which took 4 attempts because they got cut off in the middle - and image memory restore from the Hagiwara, and I'm finally back to normal (or close to it). I had to reset nearly every password, and had to remember all my hack preferences. Luckily I keep all my passwords somewhere easy to get to, but I've got to tell you - life is too short.

I have an email in to Brayder (creators of BackupBuddy) asking how you restore saved preferences. I couldn't restore that file from either disc or b/u buddy.

What I ended up doing was going back to my (now old) 8MB backup module, restoring it to the Visor, and then using backupbuddy for the rest of the files, but I stil had most of the passwords, etc. to enter.

I take some small solace in the fact that every setback I've had with my Visor means I've learned something about it and how it works, but I'm stumped right now.

Please, I could REALLY use some guidance as to how to get around this. Is the Hagiwara propietary FileMover software better than the JackBack/FAFilemover combo?

Thanks in advance,
eBoychik

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Northern New Jersey
Posts: 55

PS

By the way, it tok only 10 minutes to back up 13 MB to a memory image using JackBack, and about 15 to restore. That's not as bad as I thought, and not much worse than what I extrapolate it would be with a real b/u module.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

eboy -
I think that we sometimes get so caught up in 3rd party solutions, that we forget the basics. If you hotsync your Visor, a copy of your your Saved_Preferences.prc file is put in your backup folder. If you haven't performed a hotsync since your preferences were lost, you can install the file using the Palm Install Tool. If you HAVE performed a hotsync, your saved preferences file has probably been overwritten by the useless version. If it's been overwritten, once you get your Visor just the way you like it, do a hotsync and then copy the Saved_Preferences file from your C:\Program Files\Palm(or Handspring)\[USERNAME]\Backup folder to a safe location. If this ever happens to you again, after restoring your system, just reinstall the .prc file.

Of course, I don't use BackupBuddy. I rely on the Handspring Backup Module. The one tap backup and restore of the entire contents of memory is convienient, fast and foolproof. EVERYTHING gets copied, including hidden and system files. Unfortunately, it's useless for a 16MB Prism or Platinum. I think I can get by for now on my 16MB main memory and 8MB Flash Module. I plan on getting the 16MB Hagiwara Flash Module, but I'd really like to replace the FileMover app on the Hagiwara with the Backup app that's on the Handspring Backup Module. I'd own both, so I doubt there should be a copyright issue. This way, I'd have a foolproof backup medium. If I ever have to do a hard reset away from my PC, I'll be able to restore from the module. Anyone have any ideas on this? Anyone hear any rumors about a 16MB Backup module?

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 90

Backup software on 8mg back up - Beam it?

Is it not possible to beam the backup program from the 8mg backup module? Or is it written in the ROM like the datebook, memo, etc? I have the 16mg Hawigara and used Jack Back but have not tested the restore away from the PC yet. I am presently testing which programs work on the card and which I receive conflicts .

__________________

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

Re: Backup software on 8mg back up - Beam it?

quote:

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Originally posted by PDACPA
...I have the 16mg Hawigara and used Jack Back but have not tested the restore away from the PC yet. I am presently testing which programs work on the card and which I receive conflicts .

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Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 216

Won't work...

quote:

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Originally posted by Scottster
<snip>...I plan on getting the 16MB Hagiwara Flash Module, but I'd really like to replace the FileMover app on the Hagiwara with the Backup app that's on the Handspring Backup Module. I'd own both, so I doubt there should be a copyright issue. This way, I'd have a foolproof backup medium. If I ever have to do a hard reset away from my PC, I'll be able to restore from the module. Anyone have any ideas on this? Anyone hear any rumors about a 16MB Backup module?

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 63

Damn. I guess the best we can hope is that Handspring makes the Backup application available (for free or a price) that will work with any of the following:

Flash Modules (Handspring, Hagiwara, CardAccess, etc.)
SmartMedia (using the MemPlug)- PiBackup isn't reliable from what I hear.
Compact Flash (using any of the currently available CF to Springboard adapters)

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Northern New Jersey
Posts: 55

Excellent news!

I'm back in business! I heard back from Brayder, and was told that rather than use the "Restore" button on the main screen (which is what would make sense) you need to go into the pull down menu at the top of JackBack, under "Image," and select "Restore" from there. It seems that the main restore doesn't restore everything (!), whereas the pull-down restore does. According to the tech support person at Brayder, they agree that their current design is not the most intuitive, and it will probably be redesigned for the next version. So I restored that way, and my machine was good as new. Didn't take long, either.
I'm now all backed up on CF, 16MB Hagiwara Flash Module, my iMac at home, and my PC at work (where the corrupted preferences cuased my HotSync to stop functioning, and which led to an entire day of replacing serial port drivers and the Palm Desktop before I figured out it was the bad files on my Visor.
So so far, and with some caution, I CAN recommend the Hagiwara/FAFileMover/JackBack combo.