Transfer "database" files from X30 to X51?

09-30-05, 01:11 AM

I'm thinking about eventually upgrading from my X30 (running Windows Mobile 2003 SE) to an X51 (windows mobile 5).

Here's the trouble. A couple of the applications I have use databases (which are stored in the database logical drive).

How can I transfer these databases from the X30 to the X51? I don't think I can use ActiveSync's backup feature -- because it's a different version of Windows Mobile.

How is this done?

kiwiruss · 10-05-05, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by stocktiki

I'm thinking about eventually upgrading from my X30 (running Windows Mobile 2003 SE) to an X51 (windows mobile 5).

Here's the trouble. A couple of the applications I have use databases (which are stored in the database logical drive).

How can I transfer these databases from the X30 to the X51? I don't think I can use ActiveSync's backup feature -- because it's a different version of Windows Mobile.

How is this done?

copy the databases to a sdcard or back them up with an app like sprite backup pro to the sdcard on the x30 and then put the sdcard in the x51v to copy over.

pretty simple really.

10-05-05, 02:56 PM

Is there a way other than buying a $30 software program?

Also, I believe Sprite is not compatible with Windows Mobile 5...

kiwiruss · 10-06-05, 08:25 AM

Good point about sprite Backup.
I forgot about the OS being different. I'll be in the same boat going from my ipaq 5455 to the X51v when I get one.
I'll look around and see what I can find out.

kiwiruss · 10-06-05, 09:34 AM

I Looked and couldnt find a premade solution for this.
So hers my last thoughts...
See if the data be exported to a common format, like comma delimited, and coppied to the
sdcard, then transferred and imported on the new dell.

I think I'll be in tyhe same boat also soon. But its worth it to me to get a vga pocket pc with the latest os.

FallN · 10-06-05, 08:16 PM

You can't use a backup from another OS regardless if it's Sprite or not.

The only way to transfer over info from your database is to store it on your PC or on a storage card.

There's no way of getting around it to my knowledge.

10-06-05, 11:54 PM

Yes. But, how do you copy or store a database file (other than using the "backup" feature in ActiveSync?) Keep in mind that WM5 cannot read a backup made in WM2003SE, I believe.

Thanks!

kiwiruss · 10-07-05, 07:34 AM

The Database File itself should not be "operating system specific" but rather "application specific" so you should be able to copy it to a SD card and then onto a new Axim.
As an example I can copy a Handbase Database from My Ipaq 5455 to the SDCARD and then put that card in a Axim X51V and copy it to the X51V. As long as the Handbase Application is compatible and can be installed on the X51V Im good as gold.

ironhelix · 10-07-05, 09:04 AM

get HEX editor out , hack you way into the db.

LoL

10-07-05, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by stocktiki

Yes. But, how do you copy or store a database file (other than using the "backup" feature in ActiveSync?) Keep in mind that WM5 cannot read a backup made in WM2003SE, I believe.

Thanks!

With your X30 synchronised with ActiveSync click on "Explore" then click on "My Device". This will open up a window showing all the storage locations on your X30. Find the database files and copy them to a temporary file on your PC using Copy and Paste (possibly drag and drop will work too).

Then transfer the file copies to your X51 using the same procedure in reverse. :approve:

10-07-05, 11:00 AM

ActiveSync will not allow you to "cut and paste" any of the database files. Seriously, try it. The only option you have available to you is "properties." The other options, including "copy" are greyed out and not available, both in the standard pull-down menu AND in the right-click button.

I didn't believe it at first, either. But try it, and you'll see.

10-07-05, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by stocktiki

ActiveSync will not allow you to "cut and paste" any of the database files. Seriously, try it. The only option you have available to you is "properties." The other options, including "copy" are greyed out and not available, both in the standard pull-down menu AND in the right-click button.

I didn't believe it at first, either. But try it, and you'll see.

I can't understand your problem. I have done this many times. I have just tried it again (as you suggest) using the right click menu and it worked perfectly !!

Edit: My apologies. You are right. It does not work with files in the Databases folder. Heaven knows why. What is even stranger is that a File Explorer (Resco 2003 in my case) does not show any Databases Folder.

DoDoubleGeo · 10-07-05, 01:05 PM

Can you export the databases using ActiveSync (Tools>>Export Database Tables...). It should save them to your Profile (same folder used for ActiveSync backups). I can't get it to work; it returns "The system cannot open the device or file specified."

Menneisyys posted a link the other day to dbExplorer, which claims to allow you to "View, Edit, Copy, Rename, Delete, and Transfer via IR any system or application database located in Databases folder on the mobile device." No idea how much it costs, but there is a 30 day trial available.

Good luck!