Upgrade to Treo 680 from Treo 650

[royofsf]

I have some questions based on Dick Tracy's excellent "Upgrade to TX from previous Palm" (How to Upgrade to the TX from a Previous Palm. For the record, here is a list of most of my more important apps:

Adobe Reader, Avantgo, BackupBuddyVFS, Backup Plus, BibleToGo, Cleanup, Crash, DataViewer, DocsToGo, DateBk6, FileZ, KeyCaps 600, Easy Schedule (United Airlines), eReader, Mobipocket, Maltin Movie Guide, WorldMate, ResetEmu, Small Talk, SplashPhoto, Tracker Dog, Uninstall, ZagatToGo, ZLauncher.

1. Is there any reason that I can't use BackupBuddy2 to bring the files over one-by-one as opposed to my renamed Palm Backup folder (I call it Backup1)? BB2 has all the Backup1 files (about 100 of them) and many more (274 total) and is much easier to read, sort and understand. I understand that I would not do a complete restore. If I did use BB2, I would not only have to rename the Palm Backup folder to Backup1 but also disable the BB2 conduit (which replaces "system") for the first sync, when my PIMs are brought to the Treo 680.

2. The biggest challenge I have is identifying ALL of the files associated with an application that do not share the same CreatorID. I have used the following tools: BB2 sort by CreatorID, JRakes CreatorID listing, the Uninstall app, a copy of my RAM sent to Memo and converted to an Excel sheet for sorting, etc.

One of the reason that I've gone to this trouble is that I'd like to have the preferences for the apps brought over so I don't have to redo them. Of course, I know that I could recreate them if I had both Treo's open side-by-side. I know not to install the Saved Prefs and Unsaved Prefs files. And I assume that I would not bring over Uninstall's UnsavedPrefs (uHkt) because they are "unsaved".

But I note that a number of my apps have associated prefs files (IE, Avantgo's AFPreference, Uninstall's Saved PrefsUM, Vindigo"s VindigoPrefs, ZagatTogo's Zgat-0030-myfav (and four other similar Zagat files involving favorite and wish list restaurants). So, should I bring over these prefs files?

So, as understand it, here are my options-

a. Bring the files associated with these apps over from BB2 (or Backup1) one app/associated files at-a-time

b. Go to my Downloads Folder and use the original installation zipped folders or .exe files to bring each app/associated files over. Then, according to Dick Tracy, go to the renamed Backup folder for data files (IE, Backup1 or BB2).

c. Download fresh apps from the appropriate webpages and proceed.

It looks to me that only "a" will bring over the prefs files associated with some of the key apps. Correct or am I missing something?

3. Here is a paragraph from Dick Tracy's epistle: "You will have to know all of the associated files for an app in your OldBackup folder and install them together for proper functionality. Creator ID is useful for these associations, although not all apps have just one ID. If uncertain, re-download and then locate your data in the OldBackup folder. You will have to re-run the installers for those apps with their own conduits or desktop apps (AvantGo, Splash Money, Vindigo, Sunrise are examples). Whatever you do, never install any preferences files from your old device unless you are fond of reset loops and hard resets."

What is meant by "If uncertain, re-download and then locate your data in the OldBackup folder."? Does he mean to install the APPLICATION from a re-downloaded version, as in my "b" or "c' above, but go to the renamed Backup file only for the DATA files (including prefs, if any)?

Also, what is meant by "You will have to re-run the installers for those apps with their own conduits or desktop apps (AvantGo, Splash Money, Vindigo, Sunrise are examples)."? Does he mean what I just stated in the previous paragraph? I assume that I can follow "a" above which does not entail me re-running the installers. Correct?

When he states "never install any preferences files from your old device", does he mean ALL prefs files, including the ones that share the same Creator IDs as the app (as discussed under #2 above) or does he just mean the Save Prefs & Unsaved Prefs? Are all prefs files potentially dangerous on a new Palm?

4. I got SplashPhoto because at the time, the Palm version did not allow a slide show nor could categories be assigned when photos were stored on a memory card. Is there any reason to prefer SplashPhoto now versus Palm's Media?

5. Any reason to bring AutoSyncReg (ASnc) over to my 680? It looks to me to be a wireless hot sync tool.

6. Any reason to bring over two files with a PPur a Creator ID (PPur_key_48 & PPur_Data)? They look like they could be associated with BackupBuddyVFS and, if no one knows, I'll email Blue Nomad (the creator).

5. Same question about Graffiti ShortCuts (graf), the three Bluetooth files (Bluetooth Trusted Devices blth, Bluetooth Device cache btch & Bluetooth Prefs backup btse), CardSync_BB (CSnc), PhonecallDB (HsPh), PhoneFavorites2DB (HspH)? The latter would save me from having to recreate my phone Favorites buttons.

I realize that this is quite (too?) lengthy. However, it does include questions that I have wondered about. Thanks.

[holvoetn]

1. yes , you could do that if you know EXACTLY what you are doing
2. all could work but same remark as above (preference to a) in your case).
3. You are correct in your assumptions as far as I can see. Preferences files definitely to avoid are saved_ and unsaved_preferences. (Oh and BTW: DT is a she ! )
4. Undecided for me. I am not that thrilled with Media but it integrates so nicely with Camera, so ... I just haven't reinstalled SplashPhoto yet.
5. Doesn't ring a bell to me and Google does not reveal anything relevant either. Better stay clear.
6. No idea.
7. (not 5. again ). Is the Favorites application on 650 the same as 680 ? If so, you could transfer the file. If you are not sure I would not do it and just put both devices side by side to transfer the settings manually...

[royofsf]

Holvoetn: I only sent that 10 seconds ago. You have a lightning-quick trigger-hand. And, so, one of my favorite people, Dick Tracy, is actually Jane Tracy! I'll choose my pronouns more carefully. Thanks for your help.

[holvoetn]

Holvoetn: I only sent that 10 seconds ago.

Actually it was 11 minutes

Glad to be of assistance

[Dick Tracy]

Hello Roy (and wife and cats), happy holidays, and congrats on your new 680(s?). I wrote the upgrade directions assuming that the vast majority of readers don't have a backup application and, if they did, may not be familiar with with selective restore.

holvoetn has a new 680 so I trust his meticulous methodological approach and experience. I'm happy with my TX for now.

From what I understand the 680 has an improved install process (still waiting on SF to get the ball rolling on MuniWiFi--if Mountain View can do it in short order with Google, what's the [graft] holdup at Van Ness & McAllister?) and will quarantine any third-party apps not compatible on the first sync. I've also read of some Zagat issues over at TreoCentral so you may want to check the compatibility list/matrix at palmfocus.com (thanks Lance) and the compatibility thread in the 680 forum over at TreoCentral.

What I mean by "if uncertain (about CreatorID) re-download and compare" is to compare the filenames in the re-downloaded application with those in the BackupOld folder to find all files related to an app. It is generally obvious which are the data files associated with an app.

The saved and unsaved preferences files could be an issue going Treo-to-Treo and most definitely will be when going from one screen sized device to another and with non-NVFS to NVFS.

No experience with SplashPhoto or BackupBuddy (NVBackup is fine for me). I am not certain moving the Bluetooth files is advisable as the 680 has BT 1.2 vs. 1.1 in the 650.

Hope this helps.

[royofsf]

Dick Tracy wrote: The saved and unsaved preferences files could be an issue going Treo-to-Treo. Just to be clear...do you mean only the Saved Prefs and Unsaved Prefs (which I know are risky and would not re-install in my 680) or did you mean to include the other app-specific prefs files that I alluded to:

Avantgo's AFPreference, Uninstall's Saved PrefsUM, Vindigo"s VindigoPrefs, ZagatTogo's Zgat-0030-myfav (and four other similar Zagat files involving favorite and wish list restaurants)?

Thanks for the Zagat heads-up. I'll be very disappointed if they take as long to straighten out any possible 680 compatibility issues as they did for the 650. I like that product in that they have, as you probably know, ranked restaurant lists for every major US and most European big cities as well as a added listings for ranked US & European hotels. In my opinion, this is a real gem. I wouldn't leave home without it, as well as Vindigo and WorldMate...good travel tools.

Even Mobipocket's New Reader allows painless daily downloads of sites like the International Herald Tribune's Dining plus Arts and Leisure as well similar sites for the NY Times and SF Gate. They've taken a big step forward IMO.

[Dick Tracy]

I meant those two specific files.

[threephi]

I'd recommend just biting the bullet and re-doing all the prefs for your apps from within the programs. My experience with this sort of thing is that it will take at least the same, and probably a greater, amount of work to transfer the prefs over in the way you propose, as it would just doing it the normal 'hard' way.

By just bulk-transferring all the associated files and what not you are also running a risk that there are sub-prefs for a given program with hardware-specific settings. The differences between a 650 and a 680 are slight in the grand scheme of things, but DT's points about the screen size and NVFS vs. non-NVFS are good ones.

Given the (IMO) larger hassle factor of identifying, sifting through, and reinstalling prefs files one by one as compared to just reinstalling the programs normally, I personally would go with the latter. That way you are guaranteed a clean install without the risk of any crash-inducing leftovers.

[royofsf]

I've also read of some Zagat issues over at TreoCentral so you may want to check the compatibility list/matrix at palmfocus.com (thanks Lance) and the compatibility thread in the 680 forum over at TreoCentral.

I couldn't find anything on Zagat. The TreoCentral 680 thread had no reference and, unfortunately, it's apparently too early for Lance's compatibility list to have anything but a yellow alert. In fact that list has 595 yellows (unknown/caution), 17 greens (OK) and only 4 reds (No), if I'm reading it correctly. Zagat states that they are compatible. Well, I'll find out when I try the little fellow within the next few days.

[royofsf]

Thereeseems to be some difference of opinion on this: do I uninstall the old Palm Desktop before installing the new one?