Recovering programmes after installing new OS 450

[nBfan]

The good news is the installation of the new OS 450 and the recovery of my nB Documents and Agenda was painless.

However, I am struggling to recover my Contacts and Programme Downloads (nConvert, PdfPlus, Presentation, RMRZip and XConverter) I backed up onto Compact Flash. For safety sake I also backed up any related file (from System ~ Apps, Data, Install and Printer folders).

I now need some hand holding as to how to re-instate the relevant bits without corrupting my new OS. What do I do next? I will not give more details here – see next paragraph.

Apologies to purist who have read this "cri de coeur" under “Disconnected e-mails” but my ancillary queries went unnoticed in a rather long thread so am trying again although I recognise it is bad form to post the same question more than once.

Many thanks.
P.

[wanman]

Best advice would be to reinstall them from their original .sis files and then copy accross and associated .ini files that would have been stored in the C:\system\apps\???\ folders. To copy anything else may place the bug back into your NB again (assuming that is why you had to reinstall you OS).

Regards

Si

[nBfan]

Si,
Um? Thanks. I am still struggling- sorry. When I downloaded these programmes I only had the nB – I am just returning to it after a couple of years “experiencing” XP after 3.1 – hence only upgrading to 450 now. And not knowing how to do it!! These threads are quite illuminating though. I am getting there slowly.

1. One of the folders I saved on the Compact flash has over 30 SIS files called INSTALL. Do I just copy or cut it and paste INSTALL into the new system 450 C drive? Will they end up in the correct place or do I need to “launch” them?
(Zip > SIS files just tend launch and end up wherever they should automatically.)

2. I have looked for .ini files – there are none in the INSTALL folder. They are with other files I backed up, but they all have a Word icon with a question mark through it – and a “cannot find programme” message when I click on one. Is there something wrong with them? If I do copy them where do I put them?

When I have seen these icons in the past I have always been tempted to delete them to save space if they have become redundant. What do they mean? Are they important?

3. A similar icon issue is that in My Document files I backed up, those which had been converted into RTF files now have an Opera logo next to them and when clicked on them get an error message – “unknown document type”. Is this correct? I thought it was a Nueon icon previously. However, it is over 2 years since I last opened them!

4. I have still to recover my backed up Contacts but I will return with a separate thread. One thing at a time!

Many thanks for your advice.

Cheers.
P.

[wanman]

Hi P,

I have added the replies below:

Originally posted by nBfan
Si,
Um? Thanks. I am still struggling- sorry. When I downloaded these programmes I only had the nB – I am just returning to it after a couple of years “experiencing” XP after 3.1 – hence only upgrading to 450 now. And not knowing how to do it!! These threads are quite illuminating though. I am getting there slowly.

1. One of the folders I saved on the Compact flash has over 30 SIS files called INSTALL. Do I just copy or cut it and paste INSTALL into the new system 450 C drive? Will they end up in the correct place or do I need to “launch” them?
(Zip > SIS files just tend launch and end up wherever they should automatically.)
The C:/System/Install folder only contains empty .sis files that are used by the operating system as uninstall instructions. When you install an application (using an original .sis file). It installs the application into it's own application folder (C:/system/apps/????). In addition to this an uninstall(.sis) file is added to the install folder. If you now go to the control panel and launch Add/Remove, you will see a list of all installed programs. This is pulled directly from the system/install folders on C, D & E drives (if installed).

In answer to your question, copying these across will not install the applications. You need to copy accross the application and associated files for this to be necessary. As recommended in my original post it will be better for you to find the original install files for all your applications and install these from scratch.

2. I have looked for .ini files – there are none in the INSTALL folder. They are with other files I backed up, but they all have a Word icon with a question mark through it – and a “cannot find programme” message when I click on one. Is there something wrong with them? If I do copy them where do I put them?

When I have seen these icons in the past I have always been tempted to delete them to save space if they have become redundant. What do they mean? Are they important?

.ini files will usually be found on your C: Drive in the System/App/???? folder. No matter if you have your application stored on your C: Drive (Internal), D: Drive (CF Drawer) or E: Drive (PCMCIA CF Adapter), the .ini file normally ends up in its own app folder on the C: drive. They are text files which contain a set of preferences data for the relevant application. This can include the buttons you have active on the app, is the toolbar displayed, what file you previously had installed, etc. If you delete these files, your preferences will be lost for that application. When you launch the application again it will start in default mode and a new .ini file will be created automatically.

The reason they have an icon of a text doc with a question mark over them is that the operating system has not associated the file to an application. This means when you double click on it, the operating system confirms 'cannot find program'. If you launch a new Word document and select the drop down menu (File/More/ Import text file...) you can load up a .ini file and you will see the settings.

Alternatively, you can get hold of an application called plOpen and this enables you to associate files with applications. So you can set it up so that when you double click on a .ini file, it will launch the application selected.

3. A similar icon issue is that in My Document files I backed up, those which had been converted into RTF files now have an Opera logo next to them and when clicked on them get an error message – “unknown document type”. Is this correct? I thought it was a Nueon icon previously. However, it is over 2 years since I last opened them!

The new operating system has Opera 5.14 (+java) pre installed. All text files (.txt) have been associated with Opera as the recommend viewer. Opera may not be able to view .rtf files (Rich Text Format) as they are not plain text.

The fact that you previously had a Nueon icon for these files makes me thing you had a Neuon application such as NConvert 1.01. This application allows for normal windows files like .doc, .rtf, .xls to be converted to Psion acceptable files. Download the application from their website and resintall it on your netBook. This is shareware so you will need to register it unless you still have your original registration code. Once up and running you should be able to see all your My Document files again. If you don't want to install that, copy them to your PC and you can view them there.

4. I have still to recover my backed up Contacts but I will return with a separate thread. One thing at a time!

First launch your contacts application on your netBook. Select the drop down menu (Tools/Preferences). The last option is "Disk for contacts Store". This should be set to C but if you keep a CF Card in the drawer, it would be safer to change this to D as if you loose all battery power you will not loose your contacts. (You can do something similar with the email application aswell). Now you have the contacts file in the location of preference, locate the following folder C or D:/system/data. If you cannot see the System folder on either your c or d drives, from the main screen press ctrl+k and place a tick in the Show System folder check box. When you are in your system/data folder there should be a Contacts.cdb file. Go to your backup and find the matching file. Copy this onto your Psion replacing the one you just created. Now launch Contacts and your old contacts should be displayed.

Many thanks for your advice.

Cheers.
P.
No Probs, let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

Cheers

Si

[nBfan]

Si,
Thank you for your full reply. Some progress has been made. Re the paragraph numbers above:

#4: Contacts have been reinstated successfully. When I copied what I thought were the various programme files (for nConvert, PdfPlus, Presentation, RMRZip and XConverter) that was how I had hoped to do it. As you have explained it is not that simple!

#4.1 May I just query what to me seems very sensible advice of keeping Contacts, and also Agenda, on the CF disc in case of loss of power. I read somewhere in the last 60 or 90 days of threads that this was not a very good idea because the file structure(?) of CFs were liable to corrupt data files as they were not compatible. Can you (or anybody else reading this) clarify whether this is indeed correct.

#4.2 I renamed Agenda to My Agenda so I could easily identify the one I am using. If I re-name Contacts.cdb to My Contacts.cdb, so I can easily identify it as the file with the data in it, am I going to cause problems for myself?

#1: I deleted the e-mails from the CF to make room for the the new OS and the what I thought were the backed up programme files – that was before I realised I had a PCMCIA slot in my PC and could have moved them to my desktop. However, I did use PsiWin to back up my nB when I got my PC a couple of years ago.

I have looked into the file structure on my PC and come up 2 locations for the old nB e-mails which hopefully should contain the ZIP>SIS files you suggest I need to reinstate for the above 5 programmes. However, as always clarification is needed.

1.1 Under My Computer on my PC > Local Disk C > EPOC > netBook 1 > I have three legs in the file structure. Arc 001 (with Properties date 11/10/02), Arc 002 (6/3/03) and Backup (11/10/02). What does Arc mean?

The e-mails were stored on the CF disc that was pretty full before I had to deleted them. Of these three legs only two refer to > netBook Disc > System > Mail. Under Arc 001 leg > … > Mail (with Properties dated 6/3/03) there are 2 files , Index and 00001000. Under Backup (with Properties date 11/10/02) , there is an Index file and 7 other files similar to 00001000. There are also two folders 00001000_S with a lot of attachments and 00100006_F with just an UIDLS file.

1.2 Now I assume I am correct in saying I cannot read or install these e-mails in Outlook Express? If that is correct, I will need to copy them to the nB. Because there is more stored under the Backup leg I could presume I only need to copy this Mail folder. However, this being a computer I have learnt that could be a dangerous presumption! Do I need to copy the Arc 001 leg Mail as well?

1.3 Finally, there is the issue of copying the folder. If I right click on Mail I can “Send” it to various locations. The intention is to use the CF disc in the PCMCIA slot. BUT, I do not wish to “Send” as I want to leave these back-up files on my PC. Presumably Clt + C and then Paste into the PCMCIA drive will work?

1.4 Then the question is having inserted the card into the nB will it work! I think I have to rename the mail folder, move message store to D drive and rename the mail folder back again.

1.5 At which point I can start searching for the e-mails with Zip / SIS attachments!

Sorry, all my threads seem rather long. I trust you can understand my areas of concern and hopefully others who are also feeling their way will benefit as well.

Once again many thanks for your advice.
Cheers.
P.

[wanman]

Wow !! Now we are getting deep. OK Mate here goes. If I struggle with any I am sure other people will fill in the gaps:

Originally posted by nBfan
Si,
Thank you for your full reply. Some progress has been made. Re the paragraph numbers above:

#4: Contacts have been reinstated successfully. When I copied what I thought were the various programme files (for nConvert, PdfPlus, Presentation, RMRZip and XConverter) that was how I had hoped to do it. As you have explained it is not
that simple!


Aye, unfortunately even if you find the relevant system/app files, there may be associated OPX', data files etc that you may miss. Always best to install using original .sis files and then re-apply the registration codes. If you are missing any .sis files and you cannot download them anymore, post up on the software thread as I am sure someone will have the original install somewhere.


#4.1 May I just query what to me seems very sensible advice of keeping Contacts, and also Agenda, on the CF disc in case of loss of power. I read somewhere in the last 60 or 90 days of threads that this was not a very good idea because the file structure(?) of CFs were liable to corrupt data files as they were not compatible. Can you (or anybody else reading this) clarify whether this is indeed correct.


Not sure where you heard this but believe me when I say that CF cards are a very safe storage medium. Please note that any storage medium can sometimes go wrong. In view of this it is always wise to backup your data regularly, whether this be on your Psion, a CF Card or even a PC. I have never had any of my CF cards corrupted by a Psion device. I have had them corrupted by my PC in the past. But I still have never lost any data because of this.


#4.2 I renamed Agenda to My Agenda so I could easily identify the one I am using. If I re-name Contacts.cdb to My Contacts.cdb, so I can easily identify it as the file with the data in it, am I going to cause problems for myself?


If you rename contacts.cdb to my contacts.cdb, the file will no longer be recognised by the contacts application. You cannot rename it as the application only looks for one file. Agenda files can be called anything as they are loaded into Agenda like any normal file.


#1: I deleted the e-mails from the CF to make room for the the new OS and the what I thought were the backed up programme files – that was before I realised I had a PCMCIA slot in my PC and could have moved them to my desktop. However, I did use PsiWin to back up my nB when I got my PC a couple of years ago.

I have looked into the file structure on my PC and come up 2 locations for the old nB e-mails which hopefully should contain the ZIP>SIS files you suggest I need to reinstate for the above 5 programmes. However, as always clarification is needed.


Doh !!!!. When you launch your email application, all settings and mail objects are stored in the /system/mail folder. This defaults to your c: drive although as per the contacts file it can be moved to d: drive. To do this launch EMail and select the drop down menu Tools/Move Message Store. Select the drive and click OK. This will then move the email store (which can take a little while). Once complete you will note that the /system/mail folder will have completely moved from C to D. Once you have your mail store in the correct place - delete it. Locate your backup mail folder and copy it to this location. Make sure email app is closed when doing this. Once your backup is in place, launch email and hopefully everything should be restored.


1.1 Under My Computer on my PC > Local Disk C > EPOC > netBook 1 > I have three legs in the file structure. Arc 001 (with Properties date 11/10/02), Arc 002 (6/3/03) and Backup (11/10/02). What does Arc mean?
[quote]

These are archieve files. Launch Psiwin and connect to your Psion. In My Psion on your PC select the drop down list File/Properties. This will launch the My Psion Properties. Click on the backup tab and at the bottom of this should be a setting called "Number of file versions to archieve". Default is three. When you backup your psion for the first time, it takes a full image of all files and puts them in your Backup folder. When you backup for a second time, it compares your backup with your Psion. Any file which has been changed or deleted on your Psion since the last backup is copied to the Arc001 folder from the backup folder. It then performs the backup as normal. This continues until you have 3 archieve folders. Then on the forth backup it will replace arch001. This enable you to rollback changes to a certain point.

[quote]
The e-mails were stored on the CF disc that was pretty full before I had to deleted them. Of these three legs only two refer to > netBook Disc > System > Mail. Under Arc 001 leg > … > Mail (with Properties dated 6/3/03) there are 2 files , Index and 00001000. Under Backup (with Properties date 11/10/02) , there is an Index file and 7 other files similar to 00001000. There are also two folders 00001000_S with a lot of attachments and 00100006_F with just an UIDLS file.


It will be pretty much impossible to restore your emails using these fragmented archieve files. The only mail folder you should copy accross is the one in the Backup folder (which will be the latest). If you cannot find this then I think you may have lost the lot. In the backup folder there should be a C & D drive. Always backup your Psion with the CF card inserted.


1.2 Now I assume I am correct in saying I cannot read or install these e-mails in Outlook Express? If that is correct, I will need to copy them to the nB. Because there is more stored under the Backup leg I could presume I only need to copy this Mail folder. However, this being a computer I have learnt that could a dangerous presumption! Do I need to copy the Arc 001 leg Mail as well?


You cannot open these emails using Outlook express but you can sync between the two devices when you have restored them to your Psion. Re the second part of this, yep, copy the mail folder (deleting the one on your Psion first) and this should reset your mail app to the position it was in when you last backed up. The archieve files are pretty much useless due to the way mail is stored. The good news is that if you are just looking for attachments on emails, they are stored in their original file format so you just need to search through the Mail sub folders e.g. if you have an email with an attached word document, if you browse the sub folders in system/mail, you will find that .doc file in one of them.


1.3 Finally, there is the issue of copying the folder. If I right click on Mail I can “Send” it to various locations. The intention is to use the CF disc in the PCMCIA slot. BUT, I do not wish to “Send” as I want to leave these back-up files on my PC. Presumably Clt + C and then Paste into the PCMCIA drive will work?


The send to option will not remove the original files, but ctrl+c will work just as well. Before copying these to your CF Card, if you intend your CF card to become your permenant email storage place then you need to update email application first. (as per the instructions above).


1.4 Then the question is having inserted the card into the nB will it work! I think I have to rename the mail folder, move message store to D drive and rename the mail folder back again.
[/quote

I am going through these in order so my answer is up there somewhere ;) Yep, rename your backup folder mail1, move current mail folder and close email. Now rename or delete this moved mail folder and rename mail 1 back to Mail. Launch email and your backed up emails should be seen again.

[quote
1.5 At which point I can start searching for the e-mails with Zip / SIS attachments!


Yes you can, although you can do this on the PC too. Just browse the mail folder in your backup directory and search through all the sub folders. Any attachments on these backed up emails will be found. As I said if you are still missing any, you should be able to find them on the web again or post in the software section as most of us have the Psion back catalogue ;)


Sorry, all my threads seem rather long. I trust you can understand my areas of concern and hopefully others who are also feeling their way will benefit as well.

Once again many thanks for your advice.
Cheers.
P.

No worries...anything you can do and all that. Let us know if you need any other help or if I have not explained the above properly.

Cheers

Si

[nBfan]

Si,
Phew!! With all your efforts, a cold towel and a large malt I think I am there!! I owe you a very large one – the malt that is! I now know why I don’t venture under the bonnet – so many thanks for all the time you took in replying and your patience for answering what must have seemed rather basic questions. I have learnt a lot and hopefully others will benefit as well.

Reinstating the e-mails brought back a folder with what I now know is a non-associated file icon at he bottom of e-mail folders column that I thought I had got rid of by upgrading the OS. Now you have introduced me to the software threads I think I will raise the question there. You have more than earned your “oak leaves” for this week.

Many thanks.
P.

[wanman]

No Probs ;)

If you have any probs, just post em up.

Regards

Si

[ohsix]

Si, earlier in this thread you said, If you launch a new Word document and select the drop down menu (File/More/ Import text file...) you can load up a .ini file and you will see the settings.

I'd never heard this before, so tried it. I'm unable to find any system files in the import window. I do have my preferences set to show hidden and system folders. Am I missing someting?

Keith

[wanman]

Aye, Word cannot view the system folder, whether displayed or not. You will need to find the .ini file you wish to view/edit and copy this to your route C or D directory. This is quite a good idea anyway so that you do not accidently alter or delete the original file and loose your settings.

When you have loaded the .ini you can then view and edit at your hearts content. To save changes, select Export as text file and ensure the filename is *****.ini.

If you need any other help, let me know.

Regards

Si

[ohsix]

Thanks for the info. I don't want to edit, I was just curious as to what an .ini file looked like.

Keith

[wanman]

Don't worry about changing anything as your original should be still in the system folder. If all else fails copy the file to the route director and rename it file.in to file.txt. Double clicking on it will open opera and you can browse it.