Registered: Jan 2000
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Posts: 107

Transferring Files???

I own the VDL, but am seriously considering upgrading to either the Palm m505 or the Sony Clie. How would I go about transferring *all* of the software and data that's on my VDL to one of these newer non-Handspring PDA's???

Also - will is matter that these newer PDA's use the 4.0 OS???

Thanks.

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"Work is theatre and every business a stage."

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 65

While I haven't moved between vendors (Visor Deluxe upgraded to Prism), it theoretically doesn't make a difference.
You hot sync to get everything off of your old device to the Palm Desktop.
You copy the <where palm desktop is installed>\Palm\<your user folder> somewhere as a backup in case something goes wrong
You modify your <user folder>\Backup as necessary (see gotchas below)
You upgrade the palm desktop to whatever version you get with your new device and it locates your user folder with all your file in it.
You hot sync your new device and it asks you if you want to use an existing user account or create a new one.
You choose your old account.
Hot sync loads everything from your old unit to your new one.

OK. Now for the gotchas
You should manually remove items from your <user folder>\Backup directory that are specific to your old machine; like any programs you've added that access springboard modules.
I would also remove the Saved_Preferences.PRC file. This means you'll have to set up all your Preferences and register all your applications, but I think it is safer than wiping out the one delivered with the unit [more knowledgable individuals reading this, feel free to set me straight:]


P.S. There are some applications that do not normally set the backup bit on themselves (which is what causes something to get copied at hotsync into the <user folder>\Backup folder. I, and many others on this forum, recommend Backup Buddy as a cheap insurance policy against data/application loss. I've lived through many hard resets with no data loss. [What can I say, I do a lot of alpha/beta testing.]

Have Fun and Good Luck.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

dessa - thanks TONS for the advice! I cut and pasted, and then printed your post. Once I get the m505 or Clie - still haven't decided - I'll definitely refer back to your notes!

Thanks again.

__________________
"Work is theatre and every business a stage."