Outlook '03 and DB6

[JRakes]

I did some searching and found most of what I was looking for, but most of the threads were old and closed. So here I am, asking for some info / advice from the BrightMinders of Brighthand!

I've been using Palm Desktop v4.1.4 for years with my T3. I've got Outlook '03 installed and have migrated my email to that. Now I'm considering migrating my Palm PIM data to OL. If so, I'll be using Chapura's PocketMirror for syncing. But some questions...

1) Are there any changes in functionality I should be looking out for in DB6? (I'm using v6.1.) I use integrated tasks in DB6, tons of repeating events, repeating tasks, floating events, etc. I use all of the categories, lots of color coding, and icons, as well as links.

Now, obviously, most of those advanced features from DB6 don't carry over to PD, which I use mainly as an occasional "quick reference," and slightly less frequently to enter data. If I migrate to OL, I'll have to "adjust" to the features and functions there, which is fine, and really don't expect OL to have all of the advanced DB6 features. My question is if I should anticipate any changes in the migrated data within DB6. (Hint: The desired answer is, "No." )

2) The data migration... Our friend Hook has been very helpful in an OT thread and private emails with my email switch to OL. He's also been helpful in trying to plan my PIM data migration to OL. (And I thank him again!) He's only used OL, however, so doesn't have first-hand experience with the migration. Sooo... The question: Could I (or should I) install the PocketMirror conduits, switch my HotSync Manager settings to those instead of the PD PIMs, then do a "handheld overwrites" sync to dump my PIM data from Palmie to OL? I'm aware of PocketCopy, which looks to be a clean, fast, and easy way of migrating the data. But $25 for what's likely to be a "one shot" makes me wonder if there's a reliable workaround. If the integrity of my data (and avoiding lengthy future issues) is questionable, then I don't mind buying PC. But, as most folks I suspect, I'd rather not unless it's really necessary.

So, what say ye, Oh Great Fount of Knowledge, er... Brighthandian Friends? Good to go with DB6? Dump data from Palmie directly into OL? Stop relying on the advice of the cats?

Thanks in advance, as always!

Joe

[Josser]

Before you sync for the first time, go thru the PocketMirror conduits and set them up on what and how to sync.

Here is a good tutorial that is still relivant;
http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issu...mirror001.html
"A step-by-step guide to configuring PocketMirror and Microsoft Outlook."

[JRakes]

Thankie, Josser! I've downloaded the user manuals for all of the relevant Chapura products and started going through them. It seems that I should be able to install PM, then dump Palmie's data into OL on the initial sync. Providing I have the conduit settings configured appropriately for that "one-time" operation. Since I don't have anything in OL for Calendar, Tasks, or Notes at this point, the worst might be some duplication in Contacts (since I imported my Eudora address book when I migrated to OL.) But the contacts imported from Eudora only took the OL "Display Name" (which mapped to the Eudora "Nickname") and should be easily identifiable for subsequent cleanup.

I'll have a read through your linked article and see if things still look promising for that approach.

Thanks, again!
Joe

[RickAgresta]

if there is the chance for substantial duplication of Contacts (and thus substantial 'tweaking' req'd. to correct) think about, essentially, making a 2nd addressbook (okay, fine, 'folder'), copying all the existing contacts to it, and then deleting all your contacts in the first contacts folder. that way, you'd be syncing to an empty folder, and if it blew up, you'd have the 'backup' available.

[JRakes]

Oh, have no fear - I've multiple backup schemes in place to provide all manner of "fall-back" in the event of a problem.

After more reading in the Chapura docs and reviewing Josser's linked article, it seems that installing the PM conduits, setting the initial sunc appropriately, and just going for it, seems to be a reasonable way to migrate. If/when I decide to...

I do have some questions about categories / OL folders though, but need to re-read a bit before throwing them out here...

[Josser]

In OutLook, view any of the data in a List (spreadsheet-like) view, then click on 'Customize current view', then add creation date as a column, then click on it to sort by creation date. Then you can delete all the duplicates by date they were duplicated.

Have fun.

[JRakes]

Good idea again, Josser! I know when I moved the email stuff there, which put the address book in the Contacts. Since that's the only PIM data currently in OL, the searching and sorting and dumping shouldn't be to bad a chore.

Thanks!

Joe

[JRakes]

As I understand it, PM Std should work fine for my needs. I'll only be syncing my personal / local stuff (a single .pst file.) Just to be safe, can somebody confirm this?

Next step: Getting it. Anybody know of any "special deals" on PM right now? PalmGear is running some sort of 20% off special thing, but only on a handful of products (which doesn't include PM.) I think it's supposed to vary every few days, though. Anybody know of any other specials?

[JRakes]

So I got PocketMirror Std today (with the Handango discount which took several attempts.) Before I actually install it, could someone help me out with a couple more questions?
- I don't currently have the OL conduits installed, just the Palm conduits. There's no mention of having Palm's OL conduits installed before installing PM, just that Palm Desktop must be installed and working. So am I good to go for just installing PM "over" my current PD installation (with no OL conduits?)

- Once I install PM, my plan is to do an initial sync with the PM conduits set to "Handheld overwrites desktop" in order to dump the data from Palmie into OL. Is this a reasonable approach? From the documentation, I see no reason it shouldn't work, but would prefer some confirmation from those who might have done this already.

- Backing up to my initial post, any comments about what to expect regarding DB6? Any changes to be aware of?

Thanks, Gang!

[Josser]

Sounds like you are good to go. Don't forget to go thru the conduit options after install, thru the custom... selection of the Hotsync icon in the system tray, and setup what data to sync with which field.

Do a backup, just in case.

You do not need Palm OL conduits installed.

DB6 has nothing to do with any conduits, DB6 uses the std Palm calender database.