Very new to the SD and CF card thing..

[jj4nu]

I have purchased both, I have used the CF card very little and am getting confused on what to do. I have not used the SD card at all. I need a step by step instructions on how to use these things. I would like to be able to run apps from the card if possible. I am in the dark on the directories and such. Please someone help me......

jj

[genoahous]

To run applications from a flash card you need a VFS aware launcher.

To load databases from the card the app needs to be VFS aware. In other words knows how to access the card.

The above two issues can be "faked" with programs like AutoCard (from Handera) or msmount (see below). These programs allow you to setup a directory to "dump" apps and data into so that they'll appear to be in RAM (but are really on the card). Be careful as some apps crash and burn with these two solutions.

-----FYI-----

Programs that help when using files/folders on expansion cards. The following are all freeware, except as noted.

VFS - means something like "virtual file system" - Palm's name for system used to access flash expansion memory cards.

Launcherx, VFS aware launcher (shareware), shortcuts are REAL handy to allow hotsync to still work for apps living on card:
http://www.launcherx.com

Launcher III, VFS aware launcher (parent of Launcherx):
http://www.freewarepalm.com/utilities/launcheriii.shtml

msmount, makes files in VFS folder(s) appear to Apps as if they're in RAM (I have not tried msmount, as I own a Handera 330):
http://www.palmgear.com/software/sh...fm?prodID=29216


filez, VFS file/folder explorer:
http://www.palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?prodID=9992

GentleMan, VFS file/folder explorer:
http://www.mulliner.org/palm

Note: filez and gentleman can reside on VFS if you use VFS aware launcher.

[jj4nu]

If I use autocard, can I still have apps on card and will be updated during hotsync's? Apps like avantgo?

thanks
jon

[genoahous]

Originally posted by jj4nu
If I use autocard, can I still have apps on card and will be updated during hotsync's? Apps like avantgo?

thanks
jon yes and no...depends on app specifics. Some work properly with VFS launcher, some find data properly via VFS, some work if put in AutoCard directory, some don't....

May I suggest you backup RAM to flash with Handera's backup program before trying too many things. This is the fastest way to restore. But after restore watchout for duplicates in RAM and AutoCard dir (/AUTOCF), as this is potential crash and burn. Also bad apps in AutoCard dir is potential crash.

"on the card" - below means in a directory controlled by a VFS aware launcher (I use LauncherX), NOT the AutoCard directory. But I believe that they will work from AutoCard dir also (for this don't use shortcuts)... You'll need to try to see.

You cannot put avantgo data on the card, as this breaks avantgo viewing/hotsync...

You CAN put avantgo app on the card, as this DOES NOT break avantgo hotsync. or modem sync. "AG Connect" can go on the card, IF you ALSO setup a shortcut.

For Vindigo moving anything from RAM breaks it, and then you'll need to re-install

Some apps, like Acrobat Reader, live fine on the card and hotsync normally (with NO shortcut). Note you CAN put the Acrobat .pdf.pdb files into the /PALM/LAUNCHER directory, as this app is VFS aware.

Other apps, like quickword, will not hotsync if placed on the card. This can be "fixed" by using the shortcut feature of LauncherX/III. A shortcut is a "pointer" in RAM to the app on the card so that hotsync can see the app (for the conduit[s] that needs to talk to the app[s]).

If you move an app to the card and it no longer hotsyncs, then you'll most likely need to setup a shortcut.

NOTE: Don't move libraries to the card, as this is asking for problems.

NOTE: To restore from backup on flash card first do the **DANGEROUS** hard reset (press power & reset pin at same time, then page up [to say "yes delete RAM"]). Otherwise restore may crash due to OS extensions made by some apps. If you're going to overwrite RAM, you might as well start with "clean" RAM (but be certain you REALLY want to do this, as hard reset is **DANGEROUS** in the wrong hands).

Let me know if you have more questions.