Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 64

best way to transfer data to new prism

OK, I just bought a new prism on ebay. So I need some advice- what's the best way to get my data and programs from the deluxe to the prism? I have the backup module, but my deluxe's contrast has been dark and streaky for about 4 months- maybe from a program? I don't want to load any problems on my prism. And if I do a hard reset on the deluxe, will it be clear of my data for a new user? Thanks for any feedback!

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

Well, if you can hang on to both devices, I would go ahead and use the backup module, it's the simplest and also to most likely to retain all of your data.

Sounds like the screen thing is a hardware issue. The best way to check is to do a warm reset (this turns off all of your hacks, extensions, plugin, etc). This won't kill data:

Hit the reset button while holding down the "UP" scroll button. If you still have the streaking problem from the get-go, I'd say it's a hardware issue.

Do a soft reset (hit the reset button w/o holding down any buttons), then backup, then restore to the Prism. Then, hack at the Prism with everything you've got, run everything twice. If you've got no problems, you've got no problems! If you've got problems, your data is still safe on the VDX.

And yes, a hard reset will kill the data you've got on any visor right quick. (although, if you've got gov't secrets on there, I suppose they're accessible to really smart folk).

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Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 64

Thanks for the advice. I think I will use the backup module since one of the programs I'm using has been discontinued and I can't download again (exerlog). OK- should I sync the prism first then restore from the backup module? Obviously some of the stuff on the backup module is lower versions than will be on the prism- datebook, palm OS, etc.. I assume all that pre-loaded software will not be affected by the backup?

Thanks for all the help!!

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 242

Ooh. I don't know about using the backup module to go from VDX to Prism. Prism has a big difference: color support. If you write the image from the VDX to it, will that wipe out some critical software or OS upgrade? Also, Prism comes with things like color world date/time. That will get wiped out too.

Hot sync the VDX. Make sure it is backed up with module, too so you can start over if need be.

Use the same hot sync id with Prism. Sync it. I've basically succeeded, mostly, in several upgrades,from Palms to Visors this way. Nothing more should be required. You'll get prompts asking you to identify file to assign if need be.

One warning: when I last did this from VDX to Prism, I did have one problem: a lot of my MEMO/NOTEPAD files didn't sync. I sync to Lotus so this may not be an issue with you. I manually compared what didn't sync and I found that if I made a slight change in them on Lotus (like calling it "Inventory Page" instead of "Inventory" in the title) it sync'd next time I tried it. But make sure all your data is there. I had no problems with contacts/calendar, but there were also some "to dos" that didn't sync.

There are several solutions to the program you're concerned about that cannot be redownloaded. First, I'll bet that if you check in your Palm folder in your hardrive, you will find that the *.prc for this program has already been backed up somewhere. So, just reinstall it by using the INSTALL tool in Palm Desktop.

If you use a program like Launch It or Backup buddy, etc, you can always set your VDX to back up every last program and database to your harddrive. Sometimes, normal sync backups miss third party programs, to be sure. But with that type of instruction, it backs up everything, and then you'll find the *.prcs on your harddrive.

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Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 708

You may or may not encounter problems when upgrading from a Deluxe to a Prism. The problem lies in the OS upgrade. You are going from OS3.1 to OS3.5. Should you have software that does not support OS3.5 then it may cause conflicts. However, you will run into this regardless of the method you use to transfer your data.

Here is my suggestion:

1. HotSync the Visor Deluxe.
2. Backup the Visor Deluxe to the Backup Module
3. Insert the Backup Module into the Visor Prism
4. Perform Restore

_OR_

1. HotSync the Visor Deluxe
2. Backup the Visor Deluxe to the Backup Module
3. Install the Palm Desktop for the Prism
4. HotSync the Prism using the User Name from the Deluxe

This should install all software onto your new Prism. This is the method that I used when upgrading. At the time, I did not own the Backup Module.

Everything should now be set. I would leave the Deluxe and the Backup Module unchanged until you have used the Prism for a couple days. You should normally be problem free.

The only consideration is you will now have two devices with the same user name. After confirming your Prism is stable, I would do a HardReset on the Deluxe. This will erase all data and the User Name.

Nothing on the Prism's ROM will be overwritten. There is no way that the Core applications can be overwritten by the Backup Module. In other words, CityTime will still be color. The backup module only backs up RAM, not the ROM.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Here is a link to another thread covering the same topic:

Thread

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Registered: May 2001
Location: NY metro area
Posts: 219

When I got smart and upgraded from a Palm III to my VPR all I did was to sync the Palm and then sync the VPR. All of my info transfered w/o any problems and I have had none since then.

Good Luck and welcome to the colorful world of the Prism.

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Jonathan

Registered: Aug 2001
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 227

You need to go into the DLX with a program such as FILZ or similar file manipulation program -- Set ALL the backup bits to on -- then do a hot sync. Then from a Hard reset Prism -- you should get both all the old programs as well as the new Prism stuff--

OR

I don't know if this is too obvious --BUT

Did you try just beaming the app from the DLX to the Prism?
If it's not copy protected, this seems like the easiest and safest answer--

Beaming will transfer only the program(s) desired and change nothing else on your properly set up Prism --Is there any reason why you don't or can't do it this way? If I'm not missing something that woulebe the way to go!!

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 242

One problem is that beaming will take a lot longer, and apps that are registered shareware will not transfer properly. Beaming an entire database of contacts might be a chore.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 227

YES--BUT
She seems to have a problem with one app---missing
and the rest of the Prism seems to be fine--

For one app --and I believe this is a small one at that --
beaming should just take a few seconds and solve the problem with no additional complications -- much easier than total hard resets and full restore(s)--

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 64

Thanks!

Thanks for all the input! Unfortunately it was a copyrighted program that did not sync over intact. I found the exerlog install file on my PC and installed on my prism. Although I lost all data previously entered, it did work and functions fine now!

And I do really love my Prism!! When I look at my deluxe now to double check a program or data- its a world of difference!!