What's the safest way to transfer data from PalmDesktop to Clie?

[marito17]

I just purchased my first PDA (Sony Clie SL10) and I am afraid of loosing the information I have stored in the Palm Desktop software (Version 4.0.1).

I downloaded the Palm Software over a year ago and I have added a lot of information on my laptop. I REALLY don't want to loose any data so please advice on the safest way to HotSync or transfer the info.

Thanks for the help

Mario

[DrMud]

This being your first PDA tells me you have never done a HotSync with your Laptop. That being the case the first thing I would do is make a copy of the entire Palm/Pilot folder as a saftey backup.
If you have put any info into the SONY I would do a hard reset on it to remove all. Read the hand book to see how that is done. Then go to the desktop and in the "Tools" menu "USERS" I would add a new user. The name you intend to use with the SONY as your HotSync ID. If you were unable to do the Hard Reset go into the HotSync manager (right click the ICON) click Custom and set all to Desktop overwrites handheld. Next I would try the hotsync of the SONY to the Palm Desktop. Some of the SONY units will, some will not (they want the SONY version).

DrMud
PS: With a little luck a SONY owner will see your post and tell you if your unit is one that agrees with the PAlm Desktop.

[marito17]

Thanks for the info. If the Sony to Palm Desktop HotSync does not work, then there is the possibility that I may not be able to transfer my data to the Clie. That would suck!

I ordered the Clie SL10 from Amazon for $129 - $25 rebate. I should receive it next week. If I get the HotSync working I will post with the details.

Thanks again.

[Asynchra]

Hi,

perhaps this is a bit late, however I was in a similar situation, I bought a T665C, but the palmdesktop i'd been using wouldn't sync with it.

so, I backed up my palm folder, uninstalled the previous palmdesktop, and then installed Sony's 'Palm Desktop for Clie'. Then I just substituted the memopad.dat, datebook.dat etc. into the appropriate sony handheld folder in my programs folder. All the data sat where it should, no problem.

cheers,
asynchra:)

[DrMud]

Good news! Thanks for the reassurance.
Doc

[marito17]

Thanks for the info. I was able to transfer the data fine.

1) I created a backup of the entire Palm folder
2) I unistalled the Palm version of the Desktop Software
3) I installed the Palm Desktop Software that came with the Clie
4) I created the same username that I used in the Palm version of the Desktop software
5) I copied the following files from my backed files to the newly installed Sony Clie Desktop software folders:
- address.dat (Address Book information)
- datebook.dat (Date Book stuff)
- memopad.dat
- todo.dat

When I opened the Clie version of the desktop software it was all there.

6) I did my first HotSync using the USB cable and it worked like a charm.

Thanks for the info

Mario