File compatibility from upgrade

R

rufusredcoat

New member
Do the DAT files such as "memopad", "address", "datebook" etc go through some sort of conversion when one updates Palm OS and Desktop? Or are they the same? Thanks....
 
Assuming you go from a non-enhanced PIM Palm - IE one that doesn't have the Palm Outlook conduits but used the Chapura Pocket Mirror conduits - then the files are updated to handle the additional fields that are no present in the new device.

These fields are "blank" until you add the appropriate data but they do go through a conversion on the desktop. The handheld now actually has two databases that sync to this upgraded "dat" file. This allows for backward beaming of addresses to older devices from new ones. You'll see two files on the handheld: Address and Contacts that make up the new "contacts" data etc for the other files except memo's.

Normal installation of the palm desktop will convert the files as needed. If you simply overwrite these older files to the Palm desktop - you might get issues. I've never tried to take an older type and just by using Windows Explorer copy them to a new device from an older device.......I would assume that Palm wrote some conversion so that if the aforementioned was done that opening the Palm Desktop would convert it upon first launch. But.....we all know what assume means.

I would recommend updating a new device per the instructions provided with the Palm Desktop for your device during installation. I've upgraded two devices from older ones with no issues on a personal basis. And at least 7 other units without issue for colleagues.
 
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