About Import/Export

Import/Export extends the built-in Schedule+ connectivity features by providing the means necessary to exchange information with popular mobile computers and PC applications.

The Import/Export feature of Schedule+ is accessible from the Other Systems menu item found on both the Import and Export menus.  To initiate importing data into Schedule+, choose the Other Systems command from the Import menu.  Similarly, select the Other Systems command from the Export menu to initiate an export of data from Schedule+.

See Also

Getting Started

How Do I?

Supported Systems

Glossary


Contents

The Import/Export features of Schedule+ can be used to exchange data with popular mobile computers and PC applications.  To learn how to use the Help system, press F1 or choose How To Use Help from the Help Menu.

Overviews

About Import/Export

Getting Started

How Do I...

Browse Data Files

Change Application Options

Change Date Range

Change Field Mapping

Change General Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Enter a Data File Name

Export from Schedule+

Import into Schedule+

Install Remote Server

Move Between Tabs

Order More Filters

Rename a Data Section

Resolve Data Conflicts

Select a Data Section

Select the Source System

Select the Target System

Use All Sections Option

Use Fields Tab

Use Main Tab

Use Options Tab

Use Popup Calendar

View the Log File

Supported Mobile Computers

HP 95LX

Sharp Wizard

Supported PC Applications

ACT! for Windows 1.1

ECCO

Lotus Organizer 1.0/1.1

Microsoft Schedule+ 7.0

PackRat Rev 4.1+

Windows Cardfile/Calendar

Miscellaneous

Troubleshooting

Glossary


View Mapped Fields

The View Mapped Fields dialog box is used to see the complete set of currently-mapped fields.  The list is sorted in ascending order by source field name.  The corresponding target field name appears on the same line as its associated source field.

You cannot remap fields using this dialog box.  Remapping of fields can only be achieved from the Options tab.  Press OK to return to the prior screen if you need to modify the field mappings.


Conflict Resolution

General

The Conflict Resolution dialog box is the main user interface component used for resolving data conflicts.  This dialog box appears during a data transfer operation whenever:

1.	The Conflict Resolution option for the target system is set to Prompt On All Conflicts, and

2.	The key field(s) for the given record match, but one or more fields differ between the source and target records.  In the case of appointments, an item is also said to be in conflict if it overlaps in date and time with other pre-existing appointments in the target data.

Header Information

The top portion of the dialog box identifies the source system name, the target system name, the item name (usually the key field used to determine the conflict), and navigation controls used when multiple conflicts exist.  If multiple items in the target data are found to be in conflict with the incoming item, the left and right arrow buttons in the top-right portion of the dialog can be used to iterate through each of the potential conflicts.

Field Values

The middle portion of the dialog box shows the target field name, the source field value, and the target field value.  Typically, only conflicting fields are shown, although some systems may show additional fields to assist in uniquely identifying the data item.  If the field value is longer than can be shown in the main dialog, you can select the View button to see the full contents of both From and To fields.

Action Types

When a conflicting item is shown, several possible actions can be taken to resolve the conflict.  You can either specify a unique action for each conflicting item, or check the "Apply action to all remaining items" box once to cause the specified action to apply to all conflicting items in the remaining of the transfer operation.

Add - Add the incoming item to the target data (insert new item).

Ignore - Disregard the incoming item (no impact on existing data).

Replace - Replace the incoming fields in the target data (change existing data).

Update - Update the incoming fields in target data (no impact on fields not included in source data)

Buttons

The Conflict Resolution dialog box includes the following buttons.

OK - Take the specified action and continue the data transfer.

Cancel - Take no action and terminate the data tranfer operation.

View - Show the full contents of the given field (both From and To values).

Help - Display this Help text

See Also

Change Application Options

Resolve Data Conflicts

Use Options Tab

Troubleshooting


Select Sections

The Select Section Name dialog box appears when the specified data section name does not exist in the source or target system.  Highlight one of the available section names in the displayed list, and press OK to continue with data transfer.  Select Cancel to terminate the transfer operation at this time.  If the given system supports modifiable section names, you may change the default section names using the Options tab.  From the Options tab, select the relevant system name at the top of the dialog box.  Then select the desired section name from the Supported Sections and press the Rename button to replace its name.


Enter File Password

The File Password dialog box appears when the data file name you have selected is locked with a password.  When prompted, enter the associated file password and press OK to continue.  You can terminate the data transfer operation by pressing Cancel.  Note that data translation will not proceed until the correct password has been supplied.


Select System

The Select Source/Target System dialog box is shown to allow you to choose from the list of supported systems.  Note that the content of the source list may differ from that of the target list.  This is because a translator module can sometimes be defined as "export-only", meaning that the given system can serve as a source but not a target for data transfer.

To select the source or target system, highlight the desired system in the list under Available Systems.  Select OK to accept the highlighted system and continue.  Select Cancel to exit without making a section.  Use the More button to obtain information about getting additional translator modules.

See Also

Getting Started

Order More Filters

Select the Source System

Select the Target System

Supported Systems


Specify Application Location

The Specify Application Location dialog appears whenever the selected application cannot be located on your system.  Import/Export uses Windows rules for finding the application on your system.  Specifically, it looks for the application executable file in the following locations (and in the order specified):

1.	Current working directory

2.	Windows directory

3.	Windows Systems directory

4.	Directory of executable file

5.	Directories listed in the PATH environment variable

6.	Network directories (if connected to a local-area network)

When Import/Export is unable to locate the specified application executable file in one of the above locations, this dialog box appears to allow you to re-specify its correct location.  Note that the executable file location is only necessary if Import/Export must start the application in order to access its data.  This is only required for a small number of supported applications.

To avoid this dialog box in the future, you may permanently change the location of your executable file using the Options tab.  To change the application file name or location, go to the Options tab and select the name of the application in question at the top of the dialog box.  The current application file name will then appear in the lower portion of the dialog in a box labeled Application Executable File.  You can modified the contents of the box directly or use the Browse button to browse existing directories.


Connect Handheld

This dialog box provides handheld-specific instructions for preparing your handheld computer for data communication.  The actual instructions displayed in the dialog vary depending on the direction of data flow (import versus export), and on the particular handheld computer selected.

Follow the precise instructions shown in the dialog to prepare your handheld computer for data transfer. Once the handheld computer is ready, press OK in this dialog box to initiate the data transfer operation. If using an HP or Psion palmtop computer, be sure to have specified a valid name for the data file on the handheld computer.  The HP palmtops use c: to reference the default drive, whereas, the Psion handheld uses m: for its default drive designation.  See the Help topic on your particular handheld computer for additional information concerning transferring data to/from your unit.

If the communication port indicated in the message text is incorrect, select Cancel to return to the Import/Export application.  You can change the communication port setting for your handheld computer from the Options tab.  From the Options tab, select the button corresponding to your handheld computer at the top of the dialog box.  The current communication port setting will then appear in the lower portion of the dialog box.  Choose an alternate communication port from the available list, and retry the data transfer operation to proceed.


Remote Installation

Using Import/Export with certain palmtop computers, like the HP LX series, requires that you first download a server program to your palmtop.  The installation operation need only be performed once, and need not be repeated again unless the program is later removed from your palmtop.  Once installed, the server program coordinates the communication between your palmtop and desktop computers.  After successfully dowloading the program to your palmtop, be sure to simultaneously press the Alt+Crtl+Del keys on your HP palmtop to cause the program to be properly installed.


Handheld File Overwrite

Import/Export will overwrite the specified handheld file, if a file with the same name already exists on your handheld computer.  If the file does not exist, then a new file with the given name will be created on your handheld computer.  You may wish to confirm that the file name being sent from your PC does not conflict with a pre-existing file on your handheld computer.


No Field Mappings

No fields are currently mapped.  This is an invalid condition that must be corrected before proceeding further.  Import/Export requires that a minimum of one field be mapped before it can transfer data between a source and target system.  If a field is marked with an asterisk (*) after its name, then it must also be mapped before data transfer can proceed.

Select OK to return to the Fields tab, and correct the field mappings before proceeding.


PC File Overwrite

The specified target PC file already exists.  If you proceed with this Import or Export operation, the file will be overwritten with new data from the source application.  To avoid overwriting the existing file, select Cancel at the prompt and re-specify the target application file name.


No Sub-Fields Mapped

The specified field must be mapped before proceeding.  This is a special kind of field that is sub-divided into several sub-fields.  In order to continue with data transfer, at least one of its sub-fields must be mapped.  Any field whose name is terminated with an asterisk (*) must also be mapped before Import/Export can perform a data transfer.  Typically, these are fields that must contain a value before the target application can accept the data.

Select OK to return to the Fields tab, and correct the field mappings before proceeding.


Field Not Mapped

The indicated field must be mapped before Import/Export can continue.  All fields whose names are terminated with an asterisk (*) must be mapped before proceeding.  Typically, these are fields that must contain a value in order for the target application to accept the data.

Select OK to return to the Fields tab, and correct the field mappings before proceeding.


Damaged Table

Import/Export has detected that one of its internal tables (stored on disk) may have been damaged.  This table is necessary for the operation of the application, and must be re-installed or recovered before proceeding.

If you select OK at the prompt, a backup copy of the table will automatically be restored.  Note that restoring a table from a prior backup version may result in certain application settings being lost.  For example, modifications which you may have applied to the default field mappings will be lost.

If you choose Cancel at the prompt, you will need to either re-install Import/Export to recover the damaged file, or select the Import or Export command again from Schedule+ to re-display the prompt (allowing you to restore from a prior backup).

An internal table can be damaged when you experience disk problems on your system, or if the integrity of the table is somehow compromised by an unexpected application error.  Be sure to use an available disk utility (such as CHKDSK) to verify the integrity of your disk drive.


Simon Connection

Import/Export uses a special program included with your PC link software to establish a connection with your Simon.  Be sure to have followed the instructions outlined in your Simon documentation before attempting to transfer data to or from your Simon device.

If your Simon is not properly configured for communication with your PC, Import/Export will be unable to proceed with the data transfer operation.


Lose Field Mapping Changes

Selecting the Reset button from the Fields tab will cause the field mappings to be reset to their installation defaults.  This means that any changes you may have applied to these field mappings will be irreversibly lost.  Select OK to proceed with the reset operation, or choose Cancel to leave the field mappings intact.

The Reset operation only applies to the currently-selected applications and data sections.  For example, if Schedule+ and HP 95LX Appointments are currently visible in the Fields tab, then selecting Reset will cause the default mappings to be restored for the Appointments data section only.  If you wish to reset all data sections for a given application combination, you will need to re-apply Reset for each individual data section.


Multiple Address Sections

Several possible address sections exist in the target system or application.  When exporting with the All Sections option set, certain rules are applied to prevent replicating duplicate data in the target system.

(1) If the field labeled Function Name is mapped in the Fields tab, then the content of this field is inspected to determine the placement of items in the target application.  For example, if the Function Name field contains the designation BC, then the item in question will be placed in the Business Card section of the target system.  Similarly, if the item has a tag of TEL1, the item is placed exclusively in the Telephone section (Tel 1 in the case of Sharp handhelds).  If an item has no such designation, it will be treated as though it was tagged with TEL1 and be placed in the Telephone section of the target system.

(2) If the Function Name field is not mapped, then all items will be exported into each of the supported address sections.  As a result of the export operation, redundant data will exist in each of the address sections in the target system.  Be sure to map the Function Name field if this is not the desired affect.


Missing or Damaged Table

Import/Export has detected that one of its internal system files (stored on disk) is either missing or may have been damaged.  This table is necessary for the operation of the application, and must be re-installed or recovered before proceeding.

A backup copy of this sytem table is created the first time you run Import or Export.  However, the backup copy of the file cannot be found in your execution directory.  Consequently, it may be necessary for you to re-install Import/Export before proceeding.  Reference the Setup instructions for Schedule+ to initiate re-installation of the Import/Export components.

An internal table can be damaged when you experience disk problems on your system, or if the integrity of the table is somehow compromised by an unexpected application error.  Be sure to use an available disk utility (such as CHKDSK) to verify the integrity of your disk drive.


All Sections Option

Option available in the Main Tab to request that all data sections be imported or exported.


Application Executable File

Qualified path of the executable file used by Import/Export to load a Windows application.


Translation

The process of converting, transferring, and reconciling data between the selected source and target systems.


Tab

A paradigm that uses "Folder Tabs" to logically group options and settings within a dialog box.  A tab refers to a single grouping of such options within the dialog.


System

Either a mobile computer or a desktop application that can serve as either source or target for a transfer operation.


Serial Port

A communication port on the back of a computer used to connect another computer or mobile device.


Serial Converter Cable

The cable used to connect a mobile device to a PC.


Section Name

The name of the data section containing a group of logically-related items in the selected system.


Section

A logical grouping of items of the same type in a system.  Examples of section types include appointments, addresses, to-do lists, and memos.


Remote Install

The process of downloading a program and associated files to a mobile device.  For example, remote installation is required before using the HP palmtops with Import/Export.


Relative Date Range

A range of dates to be processed during import or export.  A relative date range is specified as a number of days spanning before and after the current date.


Recurring Item

An appointment of to-do item that repeats at the same time over a specified period of time.


Record

A logical grouping of fields stored and processed by a system.  A record is typically used to represent a single item or event.


RAM Card

A Random Access Card installed on a mobile computer.  A RAM card is used to increase the amount of memory available to hold programs and data.


Multi-Item Field

A special kind of field that can contain multiple pieces of information.  A common example is Name, which typically consists of Last, First, and Middle name items.


Merge Option

An option that governs the treatment of conflicting items when sending data to a mobile computer.  Typical merge options are Replace and Merge.


Log File

A file containing a detailed record of the last import or export operation.  This file is not generally required unless transfer problems were encountered.  It is kept in the installation directory and named XLATE.LOG.


Key Field

The field or set of fields used to determine whether an incoming item conflicts with existing items in the target system.


Import

The process of merging data into Schedule+ from either a mobile device or another PC application.


Field

A smallest element transferred between source and target systems.  Fields can be remapped from the Fields tab.


Field Type

The type of data that a data element can hold.  Field mapping enforces certain mapping rules to prevent non-logical mappings.  For example, a field of type Date cannot be mapped to a field of type Time.


Field Mapping

The feature of Import/Export that allows source and target fields to be remapped.  The mapping directs the flow of data between source and target systems.


DDE

The Windows Dynamic Data Exchange facility which is sometimes used by Import/Export to communicate with a Windows application.


Date Range

The range of dates to include in processing appointments and other dated items.  The date range is specified from the Options tab.


Data Transfer

The process of exchanging information between the source and target systems.


Data File

A file directly accessed by Import/Export for the purpose of exchanging data between two systems.


Data Conflict

Two items sharing the same key fields but containing differences in the data are said to be in conflict.  Appointments with overlapping dates and times are also treated as possible data conflicts.


Conflict Resolution

The process initiated by Import/Export when two items are found to be in conflict.  Also called data reconciliation.


Completed To-Do Item

A to-do item which has been marked "done" or completed in the given system.


Com Port

The communication port on the back of the computer used to connect other devices (such as a mobile device).


Fanning

The process of breaking down a recurring item into individual items having unique dates.  This is typically done if the target system does not support the given repeating item.


Target

The system or section INTO which the data is added or updated.


Source

The system or section FROM which the data is retrieved.


Export

The process of merging data from Schedule+ into a mobile device or another PC application.


Absolute Date Range

A range of dates to be processed during an import or export operation.  An absolute date range is specified in the form of actual start and stop dates.


Glossary

Absolute Date Range

All Sections Option

Application Executable File

Com Port

Completed To-Do Item

Conflict Resolution

Data Conflict

Data File

Data Transfer

Date Range

DDE

Export

Field Mapping

Field Type

Fields

Import

Key Field

Log File

Merge Option

Multi-Item Field

RAM Card

Record

Recurring Item

Relative Date Range

Remote Install

Section

Section Name

Serial Converter Cable

Serial Port

Source

System

Tab

Target

Translation


View the Log File

You can select the Log button while in any of the available tabs to view the contents of the log file generated as part of the last Import or Export operation.

Import/Export generates a detailed log of activities to record actions taken during data transfer.  It is generally not necessary to visually inspect the log file after each data transfer.  However, the log may provide useful information if problems were encountered during the transfer.  The log may also used as a source of information whenever you call for technical assistance.

The log is a simple text file that can be viewed using any editor program.  The file resides wherever Import/Export is installed and assigned a fixed name of XLATE.LOG.  To view the log of activities corresponding to the last import or export operation, run the editor of your choice (Notepad is sufficient if you have no other editor) and specify XLATE.LOG as the file name (preceded by the applicable directory name).

The log file contains a header which includes a date and time stamp, Source Application name, Source File Name, Target Application name, Target File Name, Conflict Resolution setting, and Date Range in effect during data transfer.  The remainder of the file identifies the records read from the source application, and written to the target system.  A seperate line in the log defines the action taken by Import/Export in reading and writing each record.  The action may be one of the following:

ADD - The source item was added to the target data.

DELETE - The source item was removed from the target data.

FAIL RANGE - If the source item is an appointment, it has failed the date range check  If a to-do item, it is marked as completed and the "Include completed to-do items" option is not checked.

FAN - The source item is a recurring item that was "fanned" in the target data.

IGNORE - The source item was disregarded and not added to the target data.

IGNORE DUPLICATE - The source item is an exact duplicate of an existing target item, and was consequently disregarded.

READ - The source item was retrieved from the source application or handheld device.

REPLACE - The source item has replaced a matching target item.

SKIP - The source item was skipped because it is not applicable to the current type of data being transferred.

UPDATE - Only fields in the source item which differ from those found in the matching target item were updated in the target record.  All other fields that pre-existed in the target item are unaffected.


How Do I?

These topics provide step-by-step procedures for using the Import/Export features.

Browse Data Files

Change Application Options

Change Date Range

Change Field Mapping

Change General Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Enter a Data File Name

Export from Schedule+

Import into Schedule+

Install Remote Server

Move Between Tabs

Order More Filters

Rename a Data Section

Resolve Data Conflicts

Select a Data Section

Select the Source System

Select the Target System

Use All Sections Option

Use Fields Tab

Use Main Tab

Use Options Tab

Use Popup Calendar

View the Log File


Select the Source System

To import data into Schedule+, select the Other Systems command from the Import menu.  From the Select Source System dialog box, highlight the desired system in the list and press OK to continue.  If a source system was previously selected, it will automatically appear highlighted when the dialog box is displayed.

See Also

Select the Target System


Select the Target System

To export data from Schedule+, select the Other Systems command from the Export menu.  From the Select Target System dialog box, highlight the desired system in the list and press OK to continue.  If a target system was previously selected, it will automatically appear highlighted when the dialog box is displayed.

See Also

Select the Source System


Order More Filters

The Import/Export feature built into Schedule+ provides data transfer to and from popular mobile devices and PC applications.  Additional filters are available to further extend the Schedule+ connectivity.  Please call us for a full list of supported systems and information regarding the add-in translator package:

IntelliLink Corporation

Tel: (603) 888-0666

Fax: (603) 888-9817

See Also

Supported Systems


Import into Schedule+

Follow the steps outlined below to import data into Schedule+.  Note that Import provides default settings for all important options.  Therefore, it is not necessary to use the Fields tab (for changing the field mapping) or the Options tab (for changing default settings) before using this Schedule+ feature.

1.	Select the Other Systems menu item from Import menu.

From the Import menu in Schedule+, select the Other Systems menu item.  This will cause the list of supported systems to appear.

2.	Select the source system name.

From the Select Source System dialog box, highlight the desired system name and press OK to continue.  Once a source system has been selected, it will automatically be highlighted on entry to the dialog box.   The main Import dialog box will then appear, with the Main tab selected.

3.	Select the section names.

From the Main tab, select the source section to be processed.  If you would like all sections to be transferred, select the All Sections (not always available).  Depending on the system you selected, it may also be necessary to pick from a list of available target section names.

4.	Choose or enter the data file name.

If the source system you selected requires Import to access its data files directly, you will need to enter or choose a file name.  Use the Browse button to search for a source file, or enter the name of an existing file directly in the box provided under the source section name.

5.	Select the Import button.

Press or click the Import button to start the data transfer operation.  If you're transferring from a mobile computer, Import will prompt you to prepare and activate the device at the necessary time.  A progress dialog will then appear to reflect the status of data transfer.

6.	Reconcile data conflicts.

If Import detects conflicting items while adding or updating Schedule+ data, the Conflict Resolution dialog box will appear as needed to show the potential conflicts.  The dialog box shows the Schedule+ field name, along with both the "From" and "To" values.  Select the desired reconciliation action  and press OK to continue.

See Also

Browse Data Files

Enter a Data File Name

Resolve Data Conflicts

Select a Data Section

Select the Source System

Use All Sections Option

Troubleshooting


Export from Schedule+

Follow the steps outlined below to export data from Schedule+.  Note that Export provides default settings for all important options.  Therefore, it is not necessary to use the Fields tab (for changing the field mapping) or the Options tab (for changing default settings) before using this Schedule+ feature.

1.	Select the Other Systems menu item from Export menu.

From the Export menu in Schedule+, select the Other Systems menu item.  This will cause the list of supported systems to appear.

2.	Select the target system name.

From the Select Target System dialog box, highlight the desired system name and press OK to continue.  Once a target system has been selected, it will automatically be highlighted on entry to the dialog box.   The main Export dialog box will then appear, with the Main tab selected.

3.	Select the section names.

From the Main tab, select the source section to be processed.  If you would like all sections to be transferred, select the All Sections (not always available).  Depending on the system you selected, it may also be necessary to pick from a list of available target section names.

4.	Choose or enter the data file name.

If the target system you selected requires Import to access its data files directly, you will need to enter or choose a file name.  Use the Browse button to search for a target file, or enter the name of an existing or new target file directly in the box provided.

5.	Select the Export button.

Press or click the Export button to start the data transfer operation.  If you're transferring to a mobile computer, Export will prompt you to prepare and activate the device at the necessary time.  A progress dialog will then appear to reflect the status of data transfer.

See Also

Browse Data Files

Enter a Data File Name

Resolve Data Conflicts

Select a Data Section

Select the Target System

Use All Sections Option

Troubleshooting


Use All Sections Option

The All Sections option is accessible from the Main tab.  When checked, the option signals that all available sections are to be transferred as part of the import or export operation.  The option is a convenience that eliminates the need to initiate individual transfer operations for each desired data section.

The most common use for the All Sections option is to initially populate Schedule+ with all data contained in a single source file or mobile device.  We recommend that the option be turned OFF in all other cases.

The All Sections option is not available with all systems (it is hidden when not applicable).  For example, the option is not shown if the selected system uses unique file formats to hold data for different sections.  Since multiple file names would need to be supplied in this case, the All Sections option is not applicable.

See Also

Export from Schedule+

Import into Schedule+

Select a Data Section


Select a Data Section

A section defines the type of data to process.  Typical sections include appointments, to-do items, address information, and memos.  Each supported system includes one or more data sections, which are listed in the box labeled Section in the Main tab.  The complete list of available source sections always appears at the top of the Import/Export dialog box.

A list of target sections may also appear at the bottom of the dialog box, but only if the selected target system supports multiple sections of a given type.  For example, the Sharp Wizard provides multiple functions which can hold address information.  If you choose to export Schedule+ Contact information to the Sharp Wizard organizer, you will need to select from the list of possible Sharp Wizard sections that can hold address information (since Import/Export cannot infer the target section in this case).

To choose a data section, first select the desired source section at the top of the Import/Export dialog box.  If a list of target sections appears at the bottom of the dialog box, select one of the sections in the target list as well.  If you would like to transfer all supported sections, check the box labeled All Sections to the right of the section list.  This will cause all sections to be transferred when you initiate the import or export operation.

See Also

Export from Schedule+

Import into Schedule+

Rename a Data Section

Use All Sections Option


Browse Data Files

Select the Browse button to choose from a list of existing data files and directories.  A standard Windows dialog box appears to allow viewing and selecting an individual file name.  When selecting the source file name, the file name and directory must already exist.  If selecting a target file name, the directory must exist but the file need not pre-exist (Import/Export will automatically create the file if it does not exist).  Once selected, the file name will appear as the top item in the File Name box.  For convenience, Import/Export retains the last five (5) file names selected or entered in the File Name box.

From the Browse dialog box, navigate the Drives and Directories lists until the desired file location is found.  To select a file name, either pick an existing file from the File Name list or enter a new file name under File Name.  Select the OK button to make the selection or Cancel to return without selecting a file.

See Also

Enter a Data File Name

Export from Schedule+

Import into Schedule+


Enter a Data File Name

To manually supply a data file name, type the qualified path in the box labeled File Name.  When entering the source file name, both the file name and directory must already exist.  If entering a target file name, the directory must exist but the file need not pre-exist (Import/Export will automatically create the file if it does not exist).  If no explicit directory name is supplied, the current working directory will be used as the file location.  For convenience, Import/Export retains the last five (5) file names selected or entered in the File Name box.

See Also

Browse Data Files

Export from Schedule+

Import into Schedule+


Change Field Mapping

The flow of data between a source and target system is determined by the mapping of fields.  Import/Export provides reasonable default mappings for all systems and sections.  It also allows you to tailor these mappings to affect the movement and placement of data during import and export operations.

Data can only be transferred between fields that are mapped.  If a source field has no correspondence in the target system, it will not be transferred during an import or export operation.  The Fields tab shows the list of available source fields, list of target fields, and the current mapping between each of these fields.  As you navigate either the source or target lists, the currently-mapped field names appear in bold at the bottom of the dialog box.  If a field is not mapped, then <Not Mapped> appears in place of the associated field name.

Take the following steps to change the mapping between a pair of source and target fields:

1.	Select the section names.

From the Main tab, select the desired source and target sections.  This is necessary since the Fields tab shows only fields corresponding to the currently-selected systems and sections.

2.	Select the source or target file name (if applicable).

This is not strictly required but is highly recommended.  The reason is that for certain systems (like dBASE, Paradox, and ASCII), the actual list of field names may be retrieved from the actual file (if it exists).  Either enter the file name adjacent to the File Name box or select the Browse button to choose from a list of files.

3.	Move to the Fields tab.

Select the Fields tab to cause the list of source fields, target fields, and current mappings to appear.  You can either use the mouse to click on the tab name at the top of the dialog box, or use the tab and arrow keys to navigate to the Fields tab.

4.	Highlight the desired source and target field pair.

Use either the mouse or arrow keys to select the desired source field on the left and the corresponding target field on the right of the dialog box.

5.	Map or unmap the selected fields.

The selected fields can be mapped or unmapped (if previously mapped) by either selecting the Map/Unmap button between the two field lists.  Alternatively, you can press the Spacebar key to cause remapping to occur.  A third option is to double-click the mouse in either the source or target field lists.

See Also

Browse Data Files

Enter a Data File Name

Move Between Tabs

Select a Data Section

Use Fields Tab


Change Application Options

Import/Export provides reasonable default values for all system options.  It is also possible for you to change these default settings, provided that the given system includes such user-settable options.  For example,  Schedule+ permits changing the setting of the Conflict Resolution option from the Options tab when Import has been requested.  However,  no user-settable options exist for Schedule+ if Export was selected.  Only options which are relevant to the current operation are shown.

When the Options tab appears, the source and target system names will appear at the top of the dialog box.  The button adjacent to the system name will be enabled, provided that user-settable options are available for the given system.  If a system name appears disabled, this means that no options are available for the currently-selected operation.

Take the following steps if you wish to change the current setting of options associated with a given system:

1.	Move to the Options tab.

You can either use the mouse to click on the tab name at the top of the dialog box, or use the tab key and arrow keys to navigate to the Options tab.

2.	Select the system name at the top of the dialog box.

Look for the system name at the top of the dialog box.  If the desired system name appears disabled, no user-settable options are relevant for the current operation.  Select the desired system from the list to cause its options to be shown.

3.	Modify the necessary options.

Change the setting of the system options as required.  The setting of these options takes effect as each  change is applied.

See Also

Change Date Range

Change General Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Other System Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Move Between Tabs

Use Options Tab

Supported Systems


Change General Options

Import/Export allows you to influence the treatment of to-do items and recurring items.  From the Options tab, you can specify that unknown recurring items be fanned out into individual items, that handheld computers be disconnected from the PC as soon as data transfer completes, that completed to do items are to be transferred (as well as pending to-do items), and that to do items always be transferred at the same time as appointments.

Fan-out unknown recurring items

When a target system does not support a recurring item of a particular type (for example, a monthly recurring item), Import/Export can either create a single occurrence of the "unknown" recurring item or "fan out" the item into multiple items so as to maintain the repeating pattern.  If you prefer to conserve memory space in the target system and keep the time it takes to transfer data to a minimum, you should set the "Fan-out unknown recurring items" to unchecked.  If the option if OFF, then only the first occurrence of the recurring item will be transferred to the target system.  When ON, the option will cause individual items to be generated in the target system up to some system-specific maximum.  Reference the section on Supported Systems for details about the treatment of recurring items for your particular system.  Note that the fanning option will not affect the transfer of repeating items to a target system that supports the incoming repeating item type.  When both the source and target systems have equivalent recurring item types, the data is preserved without fanning items.

By default, the Fan-out unknown recurring items option is ON.

Auto-disconnect handheld after transfer

When transferring data to/from your handheld computer, the default behavior is to always disconnect the unit following the data transfer.  This is done mainly to conserve battery life on the unit, and to avoid tying up the communication port for a longer time period than necessary.  If you need to complete multiple data transfers with your handheld, you may wish to turn this option OFF and avoid having to prepare the unit for each individual data transfer operation.  When the option is OFF, the handheld computer will not be disconnected until you exit from Import/Export.

Include completed To Do items

By default, Import/Export does not transfer to do items which are marked done or completed in the source data.  If you wish to transfer all to do items in the source data, check the option labeled Include completed To Do items.

Transfer To Do items with Appointments

If you want the to do items to always be transferred along with appointments, check the option named "Transfer To Do items with Appointments".  When checked, the option will cause any to do items in the source data to be automatically transferred to the target system at the same time as appointments.  If the source or target system requires explicit data file names, then the file name specified for appointments will also be used to transfer the to do items.

Take these steps to change the setting of the General options:

1.	Move to the Options tab.

You can either use the mouse to click on the tab name at the top of the dialog box, or use the tab key and arrow keys to navigate to the Options tab.

2.	Select General at the top of the dialog box.

Select General at the top of the dialog box.  This will cause all options in the category to appear at the bottom of the dialog box.

3.	Change the options as desired.

To change the setting of the options, check or uncheck the box preceding the desired option.

See Also

Change Date Range

Change Application Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Other System Options

Change  Sharp Handheld Options

Move Between Tabs

Use Options Tab


Change Date Range

When transferring dated items between a source and target system, you can filter the range of dates to be processed.  This is done by setting the date range from the Options tab.  On subsequent Import/Export operations, the last date range type specified will automatically be restored.  When changing date information, you can either type a new or modified date or use the popup calendar to choose an alternate date.

The date range can be specified using one of the following date range types:

All -- All past and future items are transferred.

Today - Only items dated today are transferred.

This Week - Items spanning from the Sunday to Saturday of the current week are transferred.  You can change the default starting day of each week by selecting from the list titled "Weeks Starts On".

This Month - Items dated between the first and last day of the current month are transferred.

This Year - Items dated between the first and last day of the current year are transferred.

Relative Date Range - The specified number of days before and after today are transferred.

Absolute Date Range - Items within the specified date range are transferred.

Take the following steps to change the date range:

1.	Move to the Options tab.

You can either use the mouse to click on the tab name at the top of the dialog box, or use the tab key and arrow keys to navigate to the Options tab.

2.	Select Date Range at top of the dialog box.

Select Date Range from the top of the Options tab.  This will cause the date-related options to appear at the bottom of the dialog box.

3.	Select the Date Range type from the Type list.

Choose one of the date range types defined above.  If unchanged, the default type is set to "This Month", which causes only items dated in the current month to be transferred.  When you select "This Week", the list of days in the week will be enabled to allow you to specify the starting day of week to use in computations.  The default is to start the week on Sunday.

4.	Change the date information.

If applicable to the selected type, change the relative or absolute date information as required to represent the desired date range.  Once a date range type has been chosen, the date information may be changed to contain a custom date range (with the exception of the All Dates range type).  When supplying an absolute date, it must be entered using the Short Date Format specified in the Windows Control Panel (under International).

See Also

Change Application Options

Change General Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Other System Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Move Between Tabs

Use Options Tab

Use Popup Calendar


Install Remote Server

Before transferring data to or from an HP palmtop, Import/Export requires that a server program to be downloaded to the unit.  This remote installation need only be performed once and is essential to coordinate communication between the palmtop and PC.

Take the following steps to install the server program on your HP palmtop:

1.	Move to the Options tab.

You can either use the mouse to click on the tab name at the top of the dialog box, or use the tab key and arrow keys to navigate to the Options tab.

2.	Select the HP palmtop at the top of the dialog box.

Select your HP palmtop model at the top of the Options tab.  This will cause the applicable system options to appear at the bottom of the dialog box.

3.	Select the Remote Install.

Press or click on the Remote Install button to initiate the remote installation of the HP server program.  You will be prompted with detailed instructions to guide you through the installation of the program and associated files.

See Also

Change Application Options

Move Between Tabs

Use Options Tab


Rename a Data Section

Certain systems provide the built-in ability to customize the section names.  When the selected system permits tailoring the sections, the list of supported sections and a Rename button appear in the Options tab.  Import/Export maintains a fixed number of sections, but does allow you to change the section names to correspond with those used in the actual mobile device or application.  Note that renaming a section in Import/Export has no effect on the section names contained in the system itself.  Section names must be changed in both the system and in Import/Export to produce the desired results.  For example, Lotus Organizer allows you to change or add section names in a data file.  If non-standard section names are used in the Lotus Organizer file, you must make the corresponding change in Import/Export to cause data transfer to succeed.

Take these steps to change a section name:

1.	Move to the Options tab.

You can either use the mouse to click on the tab name at the top of the dialog box, or use the tab key and arrow keys to navigate to the Options tab.

2.	Select the system name at the top of the dialog box.

Select the desired system name at the top of the Options tab.  This will cause the relevant system options to appear at the bottom of the dialog box.

3.	Select the section to be renamed.

From the Supported Sections list (if applicable), highlight the section whose name you wish to change.

4.	Select the Rename button.

Press or click the Rename button to cause the Rename Section dialog box to appear.  Replace the displayed name with the new section name and select OK to continue.  Select Cancel to return without changing the section name.

See Also

Change Application Options

Move Between Tabs

Select a Data Section

Use Options Tab


Resolve Data Conflicts

Data conflict resolution is the process of deciding which data to use when both source and target data have a key field in common, but have conflicting data in one or more fields within the record.  For example, if you are importing Contact information into Schedule+, a data conflict will exist when the Last/First Names match in the source and target data, but the City field differs between the existing Schedule+ record and the incoming data.  For most systems, the default behavior is to show the potential data conflicts at the time of data transfer, and let you decide the action to take for each incoming item that seems to conflict with existing data.

Import/Export allows you to influence the handling of conflicting items through the setting of the Conflict Resolution option.  The Conflict Resolution option for the currently-selected systems is accessible from the Options tab.  The precise options supported in a particular system may vary slightly, but involve one or more of the following:

Add Conflicting Item - The conflicting item is added to the target system data, provided that the item is not an exact duplicate.  Any existing records in the target system are unchanged.

Ignore Conflicting Item - The conflicting item is disregarded.  The existing records in the target application are unaffected.

Merge With Existing Data - This option is only relevant to selected mobile devices.  It causes records transferred to the mobile device (like the Sharp Wizard) to be merged with existing data.

Prompt On Each Conflict - This option will cause you to be notified of each conflicting item as data is transferred to target system.  This is the recommended option since it allows individual decisions to be made for each unique conflict.

Replace Existing Item - This option will cause the incoming item to replace the first conflict within the target data.  Note that only mapped fields will end up in the target record.

Skip Conflict Detection - No reconciliation is performed.  Conflicts are ignored and all incoming items are added to the target system data.

Update Only Modified Fields - This option will cause only the fields in the target record that differ from the data in the incoming record to be replaced.  Any new fields in the incoming record will also be added to the existing target record.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Other System Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Conflict Resolution Dialog Box

Export from Schedule+

Import into Schedule+

Use Options Tab


Move Between Tabs

Import/Export makes use of the popular "Folder Tab" interface which is becoming increasingly popular among Windows applications.  Folder Tabs allow for a logical grouping of options and settings within a single dialog box.

For ease of use, Import/Export includes three separate tabs:

1.	Main Tab - These are the main options that drive the data transfer operation.  From this tab, you select the data sections, data files, and initiate the data transfer operation.  Once Import/Export has been configured, this is typically the only tab required for repeated usage.

2.	Fields Tab - This tab contains the list of source fields, target fields, and currently-assigned mappings between them.  From this tab, you can view the existing field mapping, or change the association between source and target fields.

3.	Options Tab - This tab contains all remaining options having an impact on data transfer operations.  This includes the General options, Date Range options, as well as application-specific options.

If using a mouse, just click on the tab title to bring the desired options to the surface.  Keyboard navigation is also possible.  Pressing CTRL+TAB will cycle forward through the tabs.  Pressing CTRL+SHIFT+TAB will cycle backwards through the tabs.  In addition, when the tab title has input focus (the tab will be highlighted by a bounding rectangle), typing the first letter of another tab will cause you to move to that tab.  You can also make use of the left and right arrow keys to navigate among tabs.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Date Range

Change Field Mapping

Change General Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Other System Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Use Fields Tab

Use Main Tab

Use Options Tab


Use General Tab
Use Main Tab

The Main tab contains the most-frequently used Import/Export settings.  These options include the section names and the file names for both the source and target systems (when applicable).

Follow these steps for using the Main tab to move data between systems:

1.	Select the source section.

Select the source section to be processed.  If you want all sections to be transferred, select the All Sections checkbox (not always available).  Depending on the system you selected, it may also be necessary to pick from a list of target section names.

2.	Choose or enter the data file name.

If the system you selected requires data files to be accessed explicitly, you will need to enter or choose a file name.  Use the Browse button to search for a file, or enter the file name directly in the box provided under the section name.

3.	Select Import or Export button.

Press or click either the Import or Export button (depending on your original selection) to start the data transfer operation.  If transferring to or from a handheld computer, you will prompted to activate the device at the necessary time.  A progress dialog will appear to reflect the status of data transfer.

See Also

Change General Options

Move Between Tabs

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting

Use Fields Tab

Use Options Tab


Use Fields Tab

The Fields tab is used to view the existing mapping between source and target systems, or to tailor the mappings in order to redirect the flow of data during data transfer.

The Fields tab shows the list of available source fields, list of target fields, and the current mapping between each of these fields.  As you navigate either the source or target lists, the currently-mapped field names appear in bold at the bottom of the dialog box.  If a field is not mapped, then <Not Mapped> appears in place of the associated field name.

Take the following steps to change the mapping between a pair of source and target fields:

1.	Highlight the desired source and target field pair.

Use either the mouse or arrow keys to select the desired source field on the left and the corresponding target field on the right of the dialog box.

2.	Map or unmap the selected fields.

The selected fields can be mapped or unmapped (if previously mapped) by selecting the Map/Unmap button between the two field lists.  Alternatively, you can press the Spacebar key to cause remapping to occur.  A third option is to double-click the mouse in either the source or target field lists.

Several buttons appear between the source and target field lists in the Fields tab:

Map/Unmap - This button is used to either map or unmap the currently-selected source and target field pair.  Once mapped, data will flow between the named fields during an Import or Export operation.

Clear - This button is used to clear or remove all mappings between the source and target fields that appear in the lists.  This feature should only be used if you intend to replace all default field mappings.

Reset - This button is used to reset all field mappings to their installation defaults.  Any prior changes you may have made to the field mappings will be lost as a result of the reset operation.

View - This button is used to obtain a quick view of the currently-mapped fields.  When pressed, a separate dialog box will appear to show the mapped source and target field names.

See Also

Change Field Mapping

Change General Options

Move Between Tabs

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting

Use Options Tab

Use Main Tab


Use Options Tab

The Options tab is used to view or reset options affecting the behavior of Import/Export.  Three main categories of options can appear at the top of the dialog box:

Date Range: These options allow you to specify the range of dates to be transferred during data transfer operations.

General Options: These options govern the treatment of items such as completed to-do items and unknown recurring items.

Application Options: These options vary by system and provide the means needed to influence the behavior of data transfer for specific systems.  Note that not all systems have user-modifiable settings.  If no options exist, then the system name will appear disabled at the top of the Options tab.

One of the important application options available with many supported systems is the Conflict Resolution option.  The precise options supported by a particular translator module may vary slightly, but involve one or more of the following:

Add Conflicting Item - The conflicting item is added to the target system data, provided that the item is not an exact duplicate.  Any existing records in the target system are unchanged.

Ignore Conflicting Item - The conflicting item is disregarded.  The existing records in the target application are unaffected.

Merge With Existing Data - This option is only relevant to selected mobile devices.  It causes records transferred to the mobile device (like the Sharp Wizard) to be merged with existing data.

Prompt On Each Conflict - This option will cause you to be notified of each conflicting item as data is transferred to target system.  This is the recommended option since it allows individual decisions to be made for each unique conflict.

Replace Existing Item - This option will cause the incoming item to replace the first conflict within the target data.  Note that only mapped fields will end up in the target record.

Skip Conflict Detection - No reconciliation is performed.  Conflicts are ignored and all incoming items are added to the target system data.

Update Only Modified Fields - This option will cause only the fields in the target record that differ from the data in the incoming record to be replaced.  Any new fields in the incoming record will also be added to the existing target record.

Follow these steps to use the Options tab to view or modify settings:

1.	Select the option category at the top of the dialog box.

Choose the desired item at the top of the Options tab.  If looking to change options for a selected system, look for the system name adjacent to one of the buttons.  If the system name appears disabled, then no settable options exist for the selected system.  The user-settable options will appear at the bottom of the dialog box.

2.	Change the desired options.

Change the setting of the options as required.  The setting of these options takes effect as each change is applied.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Date Range

Change General Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Other System Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Move Between Tabs

Rename a Data Section

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting

Use Fields Tab

Use Main Tab

Use Popup Calendar


Change HP Handheld Options

A few options are available to support the HP 95LX palmtop computer.  From the Options tab, select the HP 95LX at the top of the dialog to see the handheld options.

From the options dialog, you can select the PC communication port used to connect your HP palmtop.  Note that only the currently-available communication ports appear in the list under Com Port.  For example, a communication port currently used by the mouse on the PC will not appear in the list.  By default, the communication port is set to COM2 at installation time.  It is not necessary to connect the HP palmtop to the PC (using a serial cable) in order to change the communication port.

In order to communicate with an HP palmtop, it is first necessary for you to download a few files to your handheld computer.  The Remote Install button is provided for this purpose.  If you have not yet installed the necessary communication program on your HP palmtop (need only be done once), select Remote Install to initiate the remote installation.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

HP 95LX

Install Remote Server

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting


Change Other System Options

The number and type of application-specific options shown in the Options tab based on the current system selection.  One or more of the following options may appear for the selected application:

Conflict Resolution Option

This option informs Import/Export of the action to take whenever a conflict is detected in the target application during data transfer.  See Resolve Data Conflicts for a full list of supported conflict resolution options.

Supported Sections

Some applications allow the user to modify the default names of data sections.  For example, Lotus Organizer permits the sections to be given a user-supplied name which differs from the default names.  In such cases, Import/Export presents the list of default section names, and allows them to be modified so that they may correspond with the names in the Lotus Organizer data file.  Note that changing the section names in Import/Export does not cause a corresponding change to be applied to the Lotus Organizer file.  It is necessary for the sections to be renamed in both Import/Export and Lotus Organizer.  See topic Rename a Data Section  for further details.

Application Executable File

In some cases, Import/Export must communicate directly with the selected application in order to gain access to its data.  For example, both PackRat and ECCO require the application to be running in order for Import/Export to exchange data with the application.  If the application is not loaded at the time a data transfer operation is initiated, Import/Export will attempt to automatically start the application.  If the given application cannot be found, a common dialog box will appear to prompt for the name and location of the application executable file.  To avoid recurrence of these prompts, you can modify the name and location of the application execution file using the Options tab.  Select the Browse button to the right of the default file name to choose from any available disk drives and directories.

Export Calendar day notes as events

This option only appears when Windows Calendar is selected.  If set, the option will cause day notes in the Calendar file to be passed on to the target application as events.  When the option is OFF, day notes are skipped and not passed to the target application.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change HP Handheld Options

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Rename a Data Section

Resolve Data Conflicts

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting


Use Popup Calendar

When selecting the range of dates to be included in a data transfer operation, you can use the popup calendar as a means of choosing alternate dates.

Select the Calendar button adjacent to either the From or To date to cause the popup calendar to be displayed.  To choose a date, either double-click the mouse on the desired day of month, or use the arrow keys to navigate to the desired day and press the Enter key.  To change the month using the mouse, you can either click on the left and right arrow icons in the titlebar, or click in the blue areas preceding and following the days in month to shift the month backward or forward.  The following mouse operations and keys are supported in the popup calendar:

Down Arrow Key	Move to next week (same day of week)

End Key	Move to last day of month

Enter Key	Accept currently-selected date

Home Key	Move to the first day of month

Left Arrow Key	Move back one day (change month if necessary)

Mouse Click	Select a date

Mouse Doubleclick	Select and accept the date

Page Down Key	Move to next month (same day of month)

Page Up Key	Move to prior month (same day of month)

Right Arrow Key	Move forward one day (change month if necessary)

Up Arrow Key	Move to prior week (same day of week)

See Also

Change Date Range


Change Sharp Handheld Options

When using a Sharp handheld computer, several options are accessible from the Options tab.  To modify the options for your handheld computer, go to the Options tab and select the button at the top of the dialog corresponding to the selected Sharp handheld.  The following options are available for the Sharp family of handheld computers:

Com Port

The communication port option allows you to modify the PC serial port that is used to connect your handheld computer.  Import/Export defaults the communication port setting to COM2 at installation.  Use this option to change the default setting to the communication port of your choice.  Note that only available communication ports appear in the Com Port list.  For example, if your mouse is currently connected ot COM1, then COM1 will not appear in the list since it is already in use (and therefore not available for connecting your handheld computer).  It is not necessary for your handheld computer to be connected to the PC when re-selecting the communication port.

Merge Option

When exporting data to a Sharp handheld computer, you have the option to indicate whether the source data should be merged with existing data, or if the incoming data should replace all existing data on the Sharp handheld.  Choose Merge with Existing Data if you wish to retain data on the unit, and simply add incoming items.  Choose Replace Existing Items if you wish to replace the existing data on the Sharp handheld with incoming items.  By default, the option is set to Replace Existing Items.  Note that the Merge Option does not appear in the Options tab when the Sharp handheld computer is the source application.  This is because the merge option is only applicable when the Sharp handheld functions as the target system.

Use RAM card data

If your Sharp handheld computer is equipped with a RAM card, you can specify that all data be transferred to/from the RAM card rather than main memory.  By default, this option is set to OFF at installation time, resulting in the main memory on the Sharp unit being used for all data transfers.  When the RAM card option is ON, Export will cause all data to be placed on the RAM card.  Likewise, Import will take all data solely from the RAM card if the option if checked (no data from main memory will be transferred).  To import the contents of both main memory and the RAM card, separate import operations will need to be performed (one with the RAM card option checked and another with the option unchecked).

Note that, if the All Sections option is ON, all data sections will be transferred to either the RAM card or main memory, depending on the current setting of the RAM card option.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

Sharp Wizard

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting

Use Options Tab


Getting Started

Follow the steps outlined below to start using the Import/Export features accessible from the Import and Export menus in Schedule+.  Note that Import/Export provides default settings for most options.  Therefore, it is not necessary to change the field mapping and system options to get started.

1.	Select the Other Systems menu item.

From either the Import or Export menu in Schedule+, select the Other Systems menu item.  This will cause the list of supported systems to appear.  Note that the list of systems may be different for import and export operations.

2.	Select the source or target system.

From the Select System dialog box, highlight the desired system name and press OK to proceed.  On subsequent requests, the last-selected system will automatically be highlighted.   The main Import/Export dialog box will then appear.

3.	Select the source section.

From the Main tab, select the source section to be processed.  If you want all sections to be transferred, select the All Sections checkbox (not always available).  Depending on the system you selected, it may also be necessary to pick from a list of target section names.

4.	Choose or enter the data file name.

If the system you selected requires data files to be accessed explicitly, you will need to enter or choose a file name.  Use the Browse button to search for a file, or enter the file name directly in the box provided under the section name.

5.	Select Import or Export button.

Press or click either the Import or Export button (depending on your original selection) to start the data transfer operation.  If transferring to or from a mobile computer, you will prompted to activate the device at the necessary time.  A progress dialog will appear to reflect the status of data transfer.

See Also

How Do I?

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting

Glossary


Supported Systems

These topics give details about the support provided for each system.  A system may be either a handheld computer or a PC application.  Reference the system-specific topic below for each system that you use.

Mobile Computers

HP 95LX

Sharp Wizard

PC Applications

ACT! for Windows 1.1

ECCO

Lotus Organizer 1.0/1.1

Microsoft Schedule+ 7.0

PackRat Rev 4.1+

Windows Cardfile/Calendar


HP 95LX

Local Files

If you have selected the HP 95LX Local Files system, Import/Export will not communicate directly with the palmtop, but requires that the data files be accessible locally from the PC.  This can be achieved by using other connectivity software to actually transfer the file to/from your palmtop, or using redirector software on your PC to permit the palmtop to be accessible as a logical disk drive.  All other considerations for using the HP 95LX Local Files system are the same as for the HP 95LX palmtop, except that the Remote Server Program need not be installed on your palmtop.

Remote Server Program

Before merging to or from the HP 95LX palmtop computer, Import/Export requires that you have downloaded a server program and associated files to the HP 95LX itself.  Following the remote installation, the palmtop computer must be "re-booted" (by pressing the CTRL+ALT+DEL keys) to cause the server program to be recognized on the HP 95LX.  If the HP 95LX emits a beep when you attempt to run the server program, this indicates that the server program has not been properly installed on the palmtop or that the HP 95LX has not been re-booted after the installation.

The Import/Export server program is called ILS.EXM and occupies approximately 30K characters of space on the HP 95LX.  By default,  the ALT+FILER key combination is assigned to the server program.  When prompted by Import/Export, press these two keys simultaneously to activate the remote server program.  You can change this default key assignment by modifying the standard HP 95LX file called "APNAME.LST".  Reference the HP 95LX documentation for further information concerning this configuration file.

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports transferring data to and from the HP 95LX data sections listed below.  Note that Appointment Book files (containing Appointments and/or To Do Lists) must use a file extension of ABK, whereas, Phone Book file names must have an extension of PBK.

Appointments

Phone Book

To Do List

To export to an HP 95LX Appointment Book file containing both appointments and to do items, be sure to check the "Transfer to do items with appointments" box from the General Options on the Options tab.

Conflict Resolution

The HP 95LX does not support conflict resolution.  When exporting data to the HP 95LX, the target file(s) will be overwritten with the source data, if the files already exist.

Format Conventions

You must use a consistent format when entering Name and Address information into the HP 95LX Phone Book section to ensure proper treatment of the fields.  Since the HP 95LX Phone Book includes only a Name, Address, and Phone field, a convention is necessary for Import/Export to properly interpret the contents of these fields.  When entering Name data into the HP 95LX Phone application, you should follow this format:

<Last Name>, <First Name> <Middle Name>

Note that the First Name and Middle Name fields are optional.  However, they must be entered using the above convention when they exist.  Similarly, you should use the following convention for entering Address information into the HP 95LX Phone Book:

1st line:	<Street Address 1>

2nd line:	<Street Address 2>

3rd line:	<City>, <State> <Zip Code>

4th line	<Company>

5th line	<Fax Phone>

6th line	<User Defined>

7th line:	<User Defined>

8th line:	<User Defined>

For data transfer to or from the HP 95LX to work as expected, you must use this format convention.  For example, you might enter the following information into a single Address field on your HP 95LX:

14 South Main Street

Suite 14A

Penobscot, ME 01345

General Products, Inc.

918-234-9898

Recurring Items

The HP 95LX provides bi-directional support for most types of recurring items.  This means that the HP 95LX accepts recurring items from Schedule+ (as long as the HP 95LX supports the repeating item type), and sends repeating items to Schedule+.  If you attempt to merge a repeating item of a non-supported type, the item loses its repeating characteristics, and is fanned-out into individual items.  Once an item has been fanned into multiple items, there is no automatic means of restoring its recurring characteristics.

Certain customized types of repeating items, however, may not be recognized.  For example, the HP OmniBook super-portable computer supports a number of custom repeating item types that the HP 95LX does not support.  If you try to merge these custom repeating items to the HP 95LX, they will be fanned-out into separate items.  The HP 95LX does not support recurring to do items, either on import or export operations.

A maximum of one hundred (100) items will be generated as a result of fanning a single recurring item.  You can prevent the fanning of non-supported recurring items by unchecking the "Fan-out unknown recurring items" option under General Options from the Options tab.

Directory Structure

The HP 95LX uses a DOS file system.  Although not required by Import/Export, you should generally transfer data files to and from directory c:\_dat on the handheld computer.  Also, all Appointment Book files should use a file extension of .abk and  Phone Book files should use a file extension of .pbk.

Special Notes

When entering recurring to do items to be transferred to an HP 95LX, it is important to note that these items are fanned out and become individual To Do items on the 95LX.  If the user has "carry forward" set on the recurring item being translated, each item that has not been completed will carry forward to the next day, which may make it appear as though Import/Export sent multiple copies of the to do item.  You may choose to turn "carry forward"  off to change these results.

Be sure to check the "Transfer To Do items with Appointments" option from the Options tab if you wish to export both Appointments and To Do Lists to the same HP 95LX file.  Otherwise, the resulting file will only contain either appointments or to do items.

Before performing an import or export operation, be sure to close all data files on the HP 95LX that are involved either as source files or as target files (select CLOSE or QUIT from the application menu).  Otherwise, Import/Export will be unable to access the data file(s), and your data will not be transferred.  When instructed to do so by Import/Export, press ALT+FILER on the palmtop to start the remote file server.

When exporting to the HP 95LX, if an incoming Appointment or To Do "Description" field contains more than 27 characters, the extra characters are preserved by inserting them into the "Note" field.

See Also

Change HP Handheld Options

Install Remote Server

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting


Sharp Wizard

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports transferring data to/from the Sharp Wizard functions or sections listed below.  Note that not all sections are available on all Sharp organizers.  Reference your Sharp manual for details concerning supported applications on the organizer.

Schedule

To Do

Tel 1-3

User 1-3

Business Card

Import/Export will support transferring data between the supported Sharp sections and the corresponding sections in Schedule+.

Conflict Resolution

The Sharp Wizard does not support data reconciliation, but does allow limited control over the treatment of data when sending to the organizer.  In particular, the Merge with Existing Data and Replace Existing Items options are available to govern the treatment of data.  You can change the conflict resolution option from the Options tab.  When Merge is set, all  incoming data is added to any existing data on the Sharp Wizard.  If Replace is selected, then all data in the given section will be removed before inserting incoming items.  The conflict resolution option is defaulted to Replace Existing Items at installation time.

Serial Communication

You must use a serial converter cable to connect your Sharp Wizard organizer to the PC.  If your organizer includes an infrared port and you have a compatible infrared port installed on your PC, you may alternatively use infrared as a means of exchanging data between your organizer and PC.

If your organizer is equipped with a RAM card, you can also check the "Use RAM card data" option from the Options tab to cause all data to be transferred to/from the RAM card instead of main memory.  The default is to transfer data to and from main memory.

Note that the actual speed of communication between the Sharp organizer and PC will vary depending on the specific organizer model, type of serial connection used (cable versus infrared), type of data transferred, and volume of information.  For example, transferring Business Card data to a Sharp organizer tends to be significantly slower than transferring Telephone items.

Secret Mode

When transferring data from the Sharp Wizard, items that are marked secret will not be transferred if the Secret function is on.  To transfer all items including those marked secret, first turn off the Secret function on the Sharp organizer prior to initiating the import or export operation.  When transferring data to the Sharp OZ-9600, all items will be added as non-secret data regardless of the setting of the Secret function.  If transferring to other Sharp organizers, be sure to turn off Secret mode before initiating the data transfer operation.

Format Conventions

You must use a consistent format when entering Name and Address information into the Sharp Telephone functions to cause Import/Export to properly interpret the content of these multi-line fields.  When entering Address information into the Sharp Telephone application, you must enter the data in the following format:

1st line:   <Street Address 1>

2nd line:  <Street Address 2>

3rd line:   <City>, <State> <Zip Code>

4th line:   <Company>

5th line:   <User Defined>

6th line:   <User Defined>

In order to merge data predictably to and from the Sharp Wizard, you should enter data using the above default format.  Here is an example of the correct way to enter an address field in the Telephone function of a Sharp Wizard:

14 Main Street

Suite 31

Oak Bluffs, MA 12345-6789

Sample Software, Inc.

The "Number" field on the Sharp organizers consists of up to four positional phone numbers, with each line containing a separate number as follows:

1st line:   <Business Phone>

2nd line:  <Home Phone>

3rd line:   <Fax Number>

4th line:   <Other Phone>

The "Name" field on the Sharp Wizard is also a multi-item field consisting of the following three fields:

<Last Name>, <First Name> <Middle Name>

Note that the First Name and Middle Name components are optional, but must be supplied using the above format if they are present.

Recurring Items

All Schedule+ recurring items are represented as individual items on import to the Sharp Wizard organizer.  This is because the Schedule and To Do applications do not inherently provide support for recurring items.  If the Schedule+ data consists of a recurring item, then it will be fanned out into individual items on the Sharp organizer.  Note that once an item is fanned, there is no way of reconstructing its repeating characteristics upon transfer back out of the Sharp Wizard.  To prevent consuming excessive memory on the Sharp Wizard, Import/Export generates a maximum of fifty (50) individual items from any single incoming repeating item.

Supported Sharp Models

Import/Export supports all Sharp organizers which have the capability to be connected to a PC via serial link.  This includes the following models:

Sharp YO-600

Sharp YO-610

Sharp Wizard 5000 Series

Sharp Wizard 7000 Series

Sharp Wizard 8000 Series

Sharp Wizard 9500/9600 Series

Function Name Field

You may notice that the Sharp field list corresponding to telephone data (Tel, Business Card, and User functions) all include a special field called "Function Name".  This field is mappable to any other field in Schedule+.  When data is transferred to Schedule+ from the Sharp Wizard and this field is mapped, a short function name (BC, TEL1, TEL2, TEL3, USER1, USER2, USER3) is placed into the corresponding field in Schedule+.

When transferring data to the Sharp Wizard from Schedule+, only records having a value (in Function Name) matching the selected section will be transferred, provided that the Function Name field is mapped.  In addition, any records not matching any of the supported Sharp sections will only be transferred to Tel 1 to prevent replicating duplicate data on the handheld.  All records explicitly encoded as belonging to a different section will be ignored.  Note that all records will be transferred if the Function Name has been left unmapped (since the system has no basis for determining exclusions).

The Function Name field ensures that the origin of each item is retained when transferring data to and from the Sharp organizer.  For example, this means that a Tel 1 item imported from the Sharp organizer will be returned to the Tel 1 category upon export back to the Sharp Wizard.  If you are performing a one-time transfer of data to Schedule+ and have no need to retain the origin of each item, use the Fields tab to unmap the field called "Function Name".  When entering new items on the PC, place the short section name in the mapped Schedule+ field to cause the item to be placed in the specified function (or section) on the Sharp organizer.

All Sections Option

The All Sections option (selectable from the Main tab) can be used to transfer all data to and from the Sharp handheld computer.  When importing data into Schedule+ from the Sharp handheld, the All Sections option will cause all supported data sections to be read from the organizer.  However, to prevent replication of redundant data on the handheld computer, the special rules outlined above under Function Name Field will be applied during the export of data to the Sharp handhelds.  When the All Sections Option is checked, items not tagged as belonging to a particular Sharp section will only be placed in the Tel 1 function on the handheld (phone items will not be replicated in all address sections on the Sharp handheld).

Using Tel 3 for To Do Items

Several Sharp Wizard models do not provide a built-in To Do function.  In response to user feedback, Import/Export provides you with the option of using the Tel 3 function on your organizer to hold a to do list.  This option is only applicable to organizer models such as the Wizard 5200 that have no built-in To Do feature.

Field mapping defaults have been provided to accommodate the transfer of to do data with the Tel 3 function.  To Do data can be easily transferred between Schedule+ and the Sharp Wizard, provided that the data is formatted using the following convention on your organizer:

To Do Information	Sharp Field	Sample Data

Priority & Description	Name	2-Test item

Due Date	Number - line 1	04/13/94

Start Date	Number - line 2	04/13/94

If the data is formatted as suggested above, Import/Export will be able to correctly transfer to do lists between your Sharp organizer and Schedule+.

See Also

Change Sharp Handheld Options

Sharp Wizard

Supported Systems

Troubleshooting


ACT! for Windows 1.1

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports importing data into Schedule+ from the following ACT! for Windows 1.1 "activities" or data sections:

Contact

Meeting

To Do

Format Conventions

The ACT! field named Contact (included in multiple sections) is a multi-item field consisting of a Last Name and First Name.  To ensure its proper transfer when importing into a Schedule+ data section, the Contact field should be entered using the following format convention in ACT!:

<Last Name>, <First Name>

Recurring Items

ACT! provides no programmatic access to its recurring items.  Although you can enter recurring meetings in ACT!, these cause individual meetings to be generated in the application.  When importing into Schedule+, all items entered as recurring items in ACT! will consequently be "fanned"  into individual items.

Data Transfer Requirements

Import/Export communicates with ACT! for Windows by directly accessing the application data files.  To avoid any potential problems during import or export, be sure to explicitly close the selected ACT! application file before initiating the data transfer operation.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

Troubleshooting


ECCO

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports importing data into Schedule+ from the following ECCO data sections:

Appointments

Phone book

To Do

Format Conventions

The Name field in the ECCO Phone book section consists of a multi-item field which comprises a Last, First, and Middle name.  To ensure its proper treatment during data transfer, the following convention must be used in entering the Name field in ECCO:

<Last Name>, <First Name> <Middle Name>

For example, a properly formatted value in the Name field might appear as follows:

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

Data Transfer Requirements

Import/Export communicates with the ECCO application using a memory-based scheme.  As a result, it is necessary for ECCO to be running before Import/Export can exchange information with the application.  If ECCO is not already running when data transfer is initiated, Import/Export will automatically attempt to start the application on your behalf.  If Import/Export is unable to locate the ECCO application on your system, you will be prompted to provide the explicit location of the application at the time it attempts to load it.  To change the default location of the ECCO executable file, go the Options tab and select ECCO from the top of the dialog box.  You can then enter a new location for the ECCO application under Application Executable File, or select the file from a list by selecting the Browse button.

Although ECCO must be loaded for the duration of the data transfer operation, the source file being accessed need not be pre-opened in the application.  If ECCO is unable to satisfy the request to initiate data transfer, you will receive a "busy" indication from the application.  If this occurs, you will need to retry the operation again.

Recurring Items

When importing data into Schedule+, recurring items will remain intact (as repeating items) provided that the given type of recurring item has a correspondence in Schedule+.  ECCO supports a wide variety of recurring items which do not necessarily correspond to recurring items in Schedule+.  In such cases, the item will be fanned into individual items in Schedule+ to represent the repeating pattern.  However, if the "Fan-out unknown recurring items" option is unchecked in the Options tab, only the first instance of the recurring item is created in Schedule+.

Version #

Import/Export supports ECCO version 1.1 or greater.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

Troubleshooting


Microsoft Schedule+ 7.0

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports transferring data to/from the Schedule+ data sections listed below.

Appointments

Contacts

To Do

Conflict Resolution

All conflict resolution options are supported when importing into Schedule+.  In order for conflict resolution to occur, a lookup table must be built just before import operation takes place.  This process may take some time, depending on the particular section and the number of records that it contains.  The creation of a lookup table will be reflected in the progress bar.

Recurring Items

All recurring appointments and tasks are supported in Schedule+.  Recurring items can be exported to any other system.  On import, a recurring item will only be created if it was stored as a recurring item in the source system.  For example, exporting a recurring appointment to the Sharp Wizard and then importing it back would produce a series of fanned appointmnets.

Special Fields

Support for the Task section includes an extra field in the field list labeled "Done flag".  This field is not in the Schedule+ application, but is created by the Import/Export mechanism for the sole purpose of setting the completion status on a to do item.  The value of this field is obtained by checking the value of field called "Percent Completed".  If percent completed is 100%, then the done flag is set to TRUE.  Otherwise, the field value is set to FALSE.

Unsupported Fields

The Attendees information which is part of the Appointments section is neither imported or exported.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

Troubleshooting


Lotus Organizer 1.0/1.1

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports importing data into Schedule+ from the following Lotus Organizer data sections:

Calendar

Address

To Do

Lotus Organizer permits you to add new sections to a data file.  Although you cannot add new sections directly in Import/Export, you can re-specify the names of the various sections to use during data transfer operations.  If your data files use data section names other than the default Lotus Organizer names shown above, then you should go to the Options tab and change the appropriate section names.  From the Options tab, select Lotus Organizer at the top of the dialog box.  Select the section name you wish to change from Supported Sections, and press the Rename button to provide an alternate section name.  Note that the specified section names must already exist in your Lotus Organizer file in order to successfully import data into Schedule+.

Format Conventions

The Address field found in the Lotus Organizer Address section is actually a multi-item field which may comprise some eight (8) lines of information.  To ensure the proper treatment of information when importing into Schedule+, the Address field should be formatted using the following convention in Lotus Organizer:

Line 1	<Street Address 1>

Line 2	<Street Address 2>

Line 3	<City>, <State>

Line 4	<Street Address 3>

Line 5	<Street Address 4>

Line 6	<User defined>

Line 7	<User defined>

Line 8	<User defined>

In order to import data predictably into Schedule+, the first three lines of the Address field should be formatted using the convention outlined above.  Note that Address Lines 4-8 can be mapped from the Fields tab to any available Schedule+ field.  A sample Address field which is properly formatted  would appear as follows:

14 Main Street

Suite 31

Oak Bluffs, MA

Data Transfer Requirements

Import/Export accesses Lotus Organizer data files directly.  This means that the data files required during import into Schedule+ must be closed prior to initiating the transfer operation.  If the required data file is not closed, the  operation will not succeed.  If Import/Export detects that the Lotus Organizer file is open, you will be prompted to close the file and continue with data transfer.  You will be prompted twice to close the data file, before the transfer operation is canceled.

Recurring Items

Lotus Organizer allows recurring items to be entered but stores them internally as individual items.  As a result, importing items into Schedule+ that were entered as recurring items in Lotus Organzier will result in "fanning" the items into individual appointments.

Version #

This version of IntelliLink supports Lotus Organizer versions 1.0 and 1.1.

Special Notes

If you import data from an Lotus Organizer section that does not exist in the selected data file, Import/Export will prompt you to select from the list of available sections in the actual Lotus Organizer file.  When the selected data file is password-protected in Lotus Organizer, you will also be prompted to provide the file password before proceeding with the import operation.  You will be given two opportunities to supply a valid password before the data transfer operation is canceled.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

Troubleshooting


PackRat Rev 4.1+
PackRat Rev 4.1

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports importing data from the following PackRat data sections (called "facilities" in PackRat):

Agenda

Phone Book

To Do

Data Transfer Requirements

Import/Export communicates with the PackRat application using Windows Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE).  This means that Import/Export does not directly access the PackRat data files, but rather retrieves data from PackRat using a standard memory-based protocol.  In order for the import operation to succeed, the desired data file must already be opened and active in PackRat.  PackRat and the source data file must remain open for the duration of the data transfer operation.

If Import/Export detects that PackRat is not already running, it will attempt to start the application.  If started in this way, the default data file that is open following the application load will be used for data retrieval.  If you wish to control the specific data file to use for the import operation, be sure to start PackRat and explicitly open the desired file before initiating the transfer operation.  To avoid the possibility of error, we strongly recommend that you start the PackRat application and open the appropriate file in the application before the import operation.

You can change the default location of the PackRat application from the Options tab.  Choose PackRat from the top of the dialog box list to see the current setting.  To change the location of the executable file, enter a new path under Application Executable File, or select the Browse button to pick from a list.

Recurring Items

Import/Export does not have access to recurring items in PackRat.  All items entered as recurring items in PackRat will be "fanned" out as individual items in Schedule+.

Network Use

PackRat allows you to specify a password that controls user access to the application.  If you use PackRat on a local area network that requires a password, Import/Export will prompt you for the password at the time it loads the PackRat application.

Version #

This version of Import/Export supports Packrat versions 4.0x and 4.1x.  However, versions before 4.107 have problems that may affect the use of PackRat with Import/Export.  If you experience difficulties with your version, you can correct them by upgrading to Packrat version 4.107.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

Troubleshooting


Windows Cardfile/Calendar

Supported Sections

Import/Export supports importing data into Schedule+ from the following applications included as part fo the Windows Accessories:

Calendar

Cardfile

Calendar Options

By default, all day notes (text at bottom of each day) contained in Windows Calendar files are exported as daily events (appointments without a start and end time).  If you wish to avoid generating these daily events, you can turn off the option explicitly from the Options tab.  Go to the Options tab and select Windows Cardfile/Calendar from the top of the dialog box.  An option titled Export Calendar day notes as events will then appear at the bottom of the dialog.  Check or uncheck the option to control the generation of events from the Calendar day notes.

Format Conventions

The Cardfile application contains only two fields:  "Name" and "Card".  Each of these is split into multiple items.  The "Name" field corresponds to the "Index" in Cardfile, and is assumed to contain the person name.  The default field map in Import/Export assumes "Name" to be in the following format:

<Last Name>, <First Name> <Middle Name>

This is the format you should use when entering data in the "Name" field.  For example:

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

The "Card" field contains the body of the Cardfile item.  It consists of multiple items, in the following default format:

Line 1	<Company>

Line 2	<Business Phone>

Line 3	<Fax Phone>

Line 4	<Street Address 1>

Line 5	<Street Address 2>

Line 6	<City>

Line 7	<State>

Line 8	<Zip Code>

Line 9	<User Defined>

Line 10	<User Defined>

The following example shows the appropriate format for entering Cardfile "Card" data:

General Products, Inc.

918-234-0938

918-234-9898

14 South Main Street

Suite 14A

Penobscot

ME

01345

Data Transfer Requirements

Import/Export access Windows Cardfile/Calendar data by directly accessing the data file.  For this reason, you should be sure to close the Cardfile/Calendar application file involved in an import before initiating the transfer.  If you do not close the application files, the data transfer will be unsuccessful.  It does not matter whether the Cardfile/Calendar application itself is open or closed.

Recurring Items

Windows Accessories does not support recurring items.

Special Notes

Cardfile is a very "free-form" application, with few fields to restrict the placement of data items.  For this reason, it is important that you comply with the default formatting conventions described above before importing data from Cardfile.  Otherwise, the results may not be as expected.

See Also

Change Application Options

Change Other System Options

Troubleshooting


Data file in use message

When I try to transfer data to my PC application, I get a message stating that the data file may be in use.

This error message typically appears if you have attempted to transfer data to a file that is currently opened in the application.  It may also be the result of a prior error in your application which caused the specified data file to be improperly closed (for example, following a software crash).  When the error dialog appears, you have the option of selecting Retry to reset the file and attempt to open it again.  Select Cancel to terminate the transfer operation.  Note that you may be able to manually force the file to be reset by opening and closing the file again from the PC application.


Error messages related to system table

When I try to run import or export, I consistently get a message indicating problems with a "system table".

Import/Export keeps most of its parameters and settings (including field mappings) in a single file.  If this file (also called the system table) becomes corrupted due to disk problems or serious software crashes, the table may need to be re-installed .  When Import/Export is run for the first time, a backup copy of the system table is automatically created in your installation directory.  To restore a fresh copy of the system table, copy the file named TABLES.BAK in your installation directory over file TABLES.ITB (in same directory).  Note that refreshing the system table will cause all options to be reset to their installation defaults.  If copying the backup system table has no effect, try to re-install the Import/Export facility to create a fresh set of program files.


HP palmtop beeps when I press ALT+FILER

My HP palmtop beeps everytime I press the ALT+FILER shortcut keys to initiate a connection with my PC.

The HP palmtop will beep if you press ALT+FILER but the associated server program is not found or properly configured on the unit.  If using one of the HP palmtop computers (HP 95LX, HP 100LX, HP 200LX) with a serial cable, you need to have successfully downloaded the server program on the palmtop before using Import/Export.  This needs to be done only once in order to prepare the palmtop for communication with your PC.  Remote installation of the required files is initiated from the Options tab.  Move to the Options tab and select your HP palmtop button at the top of the dialog.  Select the Remote Install button and follow the step-by-step instructions to successfully download the program files to your palmtop.  Note that remote installation is not needed if you have selected a "Local Files" version of the HP palmtop computer from the system list.

Once the server program has been downloaded to your palmtop, you must press the CTRL+ALT+DEL keys simultaneously on the HP palmtop to force the newly-downloaded server program to be configured.


Not all data was transferred

The import operation finished but it appears that not all records were transferred, or that changed records were not all updated.

Several system options affect the data that gets transferred to the target system.  First, verify the setting of the Conflict Resolution option (if applicable for the given system).  If the option is set to Ignore Conflicting Item, all incoming conflicts will be disregarded.  Ensure that the missing records were not omitted due to the setting of this option.  To determine the actions taken on each of the incoming records, you can inspect the contents of the last log file generated in your installation directory.  The file named XLATE.LOG contains a record of actions taken against each incoming item.  If an item name is preceded with the words SKIP, IGNORE, or RANGE, then the item was not transferred.

Another possible cause of the problem may be due to the setting of the Date Range.  The date range specifies the range of dates to process during a data transfer operation.  You can verify the setting of the Date Range option from the Options tab.  Select the Date Range button at the top of the dialog and ensure that the selected range is what you expected.

In addition to the above, the setting of the General Options may also impact the data that gets transferred.  For example, if the option called "Include completed to-do items" is unchecked,  only pending or incomplete to-do items will be transferred.


Not notified when conflicts exist

If I import into my PC application, I am not notified of conflicts even though some conflicts exist in the data.

Import only notifies you of conflicts if the Prompt On Each Conflict option is set as the Conflict Resolution option.  To change the Conflict Resolution option, move to the Options tab (while in Import) and select the application name at the top of the dialog.  If your application does not appear in the list of option categories, then no user-settable options (including conflict resolution) are available for you to change.  This may be the case if the application translator does not include data reconciliation features.  From the Conflict Resolution box, select Prompt On Each Conflict to cause Import to prompt you of conflicts during data transfer.


Restoring original file after transfer

I accidently overwrote data in my target data file.  Is it possible to restore it or reverse the effect of the data transfer?

Once the changes have been applied to a target file, it is not possible to undo them automatically.  However, before updating an existing file, Import usually creates a backup of the file and places it in the same directory as the original.  The backup file retains the same base name but is assigned a file extension of .BAK.  Look for a file name with this extension to determine if you can restore the data file to its original content.  If so, you need only copy the .BAK file over the original file to effectively remove all changes applied during data transfer.


Unable to connect to handheld device

I get message "Unable to connect to handheld device" when attempting to exchange data with my handheld computer.

This message typically appears when your handheld computer is not prepared to communicate with your PC.  Check the cable connections at both ends of the link to make sure that the serial cable is firmly seated in its socket.  Also, verify that the selected communication port for your handheld device is not already connected to an internal modem or some other device (other than your handheld device).  On the handheld computer, verify that the baud rate has been set as specified in your handheld documentation.

If necessary, use the Microsoft Diagnostics (or a similar utility) to verify that your communication port is properly configured.  Try rebooting your computer and retrying the data transfer operation.  If none of the above steps have been successful, the serial cable may be defective.  If you have access to an alternate cable, attempt the transfer operation again using a different cable.


Unable to load Windows application

I get message "Unable to load Windows application to initiate data exchange" when trying to transfer data with my PC application.

Import/Export has attempted to automatically load your Windows application and has either failed to locate it on your computer, or has received an error when it attempted to initiate communication with the application.  Verify the location of the application executable file  from the Options tab.  To view or reset the location of your application executable file, select the Options tab and chose your application name at the top of the dialog box.  Under Application Executable File, either enter a fully-qualified path (including the executable file name) or use the Browse button to pick the file from a list.  Exit your application and retry the import or export operation.


Unable to send data to handheld device

I get message "Unable to send data from handheld device" while transferring data to my handheld computer.

Check that the connection between your handheld computer and PC has not been disrupted in some way.  Make sure that the cable connection at both ends of the link is still intact and that the serial cable is firmly seated in both the handheld and PC sockets.

If the connection appears intact, verify that you have not exceeded a space limitation on the handheld device.  Some handheld devices have built-in restrictions surrounding the size of data files or the quantity of information they can hold (usually based on available memory).  For example, the HP 95LX imposes limitations on the maximum size of data files that can be stored on the device.  It is also possible to exceed the memory available for storing data on the handheld unit.  Verify that sufficient memory or disk space exists on the handheld device to hold all the data being sent from the PC.  Reference the user guide for the particular handheld computer for additional information on device restrictions.


Unable to transfer data with Sharp Wizard

I am unable to successfully transfer my data to or from the Sharp Wizard 9600.

Verify through "2nd Peripherals" on the Sharp 9600 that the "Set PC Link Path" option is set to "VIA Direct Cable".  The Sharp 9600 defaults the choice of communication port to the infrared link.  This prevents the handheld device from communicating with the PC using a serial cable.  Also, check that you are not using "Secret Data Mode" on the Sharp 9600, as this mode can halt communication when using Import/Export.  Lastly, verify through "2nd Tools" on the Sharp 9600 that the LOCK/UNLOCK option is set to UNLOCKED.

Also, check the cable connections at both ends of the link to make sure that the serial cable is firmly seated in its sockets.  Verify that the selected communication port for your Sharp organizer is not already connected to an internal modem or some other device (other than your Sharp Wizard).  Use the Options tab to verify or change the communication port to use for connecting your Sharp organizer.


Unable to use selected communication port

When I try to exchange data with my handheld computer, I get a message stating that Import/Export is unable to use the selected communication port.

Import/Export defaults the communication port setting for all handheld devices to COM2 at installation time.  If your computer either does not have a COM2 port or the default communication port is already used to connect another device (like a modem), Import/Export will be unable to communicate with your handheld computer.  You can change the communication port to use for your handheld computer from the Options tab.  Move to the Options tab and select your handheld name at the top of the dialog box.  From the Com Port box, choose an alternate communication port number.  If no other ports appear in the list, then Import/Export has been unable to detect the presence of additional communication ports on your computer.  Use the Microsoft Diagnostics (or a similar utility) to verify the your communication ports are properly configured.


Warnings on file overwrite

Everytime I send a data file to my palmtop, I get a warning message that the file will be overwritten on the device.  Is there a way to reconcile against existing data?

Data reconcilation is not supported for some handheld computers.  For example, no reconciliation is currently available for the Sharp Wizard, Casio B.O.S.S., and HP 95LX devices.  However, full data reconciliation is supported for the HP 100LX and HP 200LX.  When reconciliation is not supported, this warning message will appear so as to prevent inadvertent loss of data on your palmtop.  A similar warning also appears if the target file on the PC will be overwritten as a by-product of the data transfer (for example, when overwriting an ASCII file).


Why are recurring items fanned during data transfer?

When transferring recurring appointments from my system, the items are "fanned" into individual appointments in the resulting file, even though the target system seems to support equivalent repeating items.

Import/Export will always transfer recurring items intact between two systems, provided that both systems provides the means necessary to read and write the recurring items.  For example, when transferring repeating items between an HP 100LX and ECCO, recurring items that have a equivalence in both systems will be transferred intact and without "fanning" into individual items.  However, several supported systems provide you with the means necessary to enter recurring items, but may not allow programmatic access to the repeating information.  For example, this is the case with Lotus Organizer 1.1 and Schedule+ 1.0.  These applications do provide support for entering and managing recurring items within the application, but provide no means for Import/Export to extract that information.  In such cases, the items are fanned into individual items to represent the repeating pattern.  If you want to avoid the fanning effect, uncheck the option "Fan-out unknown recurring items" in the General options.  The result of unchecking this option will be to create a single occurrence of each repeating item in the target data rather than fanning into multiple items.


Why do I get asked for my application location?

Everytime I try to exchange data with my PC application, I get a prompt to specify the application location.

Import/Export must sometimes use memory-based schemes to exchange information with a PC application.  In such cases, the application must be running in order to access its data.  If the application is not already loaded, Import/Export will attempt to locate and load the application on your system.  However, if it cannot find it using the normal Windows search rules, it displays this dialog box to allow you to specify its exact location.

You can supply an explicit location for your application from the Options tab.  To reset the location of your application executable file, select the Options tab and chose your application name at the top of the dialog box.  Under Application Executable File, either enter a fully-qualified path (including the actual file name) or use the Browse button to select the file.  Once the correct application location has been specified, the prompt will stop appearing on subsequent data transfer operations.


Conflicts are sometimes flagged on exact duplicates

I sometimes get the Conflict Resolution dialog box even when the source and target data appear to be the same

When transferring data between disparate systems, the data format or content may undergo some subtle changes that can result in conflicts.  For example, some applications strip field values of any leading and trailing spaces.  When the same data is transferred again to the target system, it causes the Conflict Resolution dialog box to appear because spaces exist in one place and not the other.  This kind of conflict will only appear once if you choose the Replace action in the dialog box.

Another common reason for conflicts appearing on duplicate items is when the target system automatically changes the content of particular field values.  A typical example involves the treatment of phone number fields.  Some systems automatically prefix all phone numbers with a country code, if one is one explicitly provided.  This means that a phone number such as "(603) 888-0666" may become "[1] (603) 888-0666 in the target system.  When this same data is transferred back to the system of origin, it will appear as a conflict because the content of the phone number has changed.  Choose the action Replace from the Conflict Resolution dialog box to prevent the conflict to re-appear in subsequent data transfers.


Why is data transfer sometimes slow?

The speed of data transfer seems to vary between systems.  Why is it slower to exchange data with certain systems?

Import/Export always uses the fastest means available for exchanging data with the selected system.  For handheld devices, the highest "safe" speed is used to communicate with each device.  The speed of data transfer to and from the handheld units varies greatly depending on the specific handheld type and, sometimes, based on the type of data transferred.  For example, transferring Business Card data to the Casio B.O.S.S. is visibly slower than transferring Telephone data due to the rate at which the B.O.S.S. can process the incoming items.

Concerning the speed of data transfer for PC applications, this also varies greatly due to the various mechanims provided by the application vendors for accessing data.  With some PC applications, Import/Export accesses the application files directly.  For others, memory sharing facilities must be used to exchange data (such as DDE and OLE).  Each of these unique mechanisms has different performance characteristics that are not directly controlled by the Import/Export mechanism itself.  Note that retrieving data from a system is almost always faster than sending data to an application or mobile device.


Transferring both to-do items and appointments

How can I transfer both appointments and to-do items to the same data file on my palmtop?

One of the General options available from the Options tab is called "Transfer to-do items with appointments".  When this option is checked, it will cause any to-do items to be automatically transferred at the same time as appointments.  If the target system involves explicit data files, the to-do items are placed in the same file as that specified for appointments.  When the option is unchecked, the appointments and to-do data sections must be individually imported or exported between the source and target systems.  Note that for some systems such as the HP 95LX, this is the only means available for placing both appointments and to-do items in the same palmtop file.


Troubleshooting

This topic defines the more common errors you may experience in the use of the Import/Export feature.  Please review the information below prior to calling for technical support.

Before Calling Technical Support

1.	Review Help topic Getting Started to be sure that you've correctly followed all the steps necessary to use Import/Export for the first time.

2.	Review Help topics contained under main topic Supported Systems  for the selected systems.  At times, the behavior of Import/Export may vary depending on the particular system in question.

3.	Look over the troubleshooting tips that follow.  You will find the answer to the more common problems, and to some not-so-common problems as well.

If you have followed the previous steps and are still experiencing difficulties with Import/Export, contact us for technical assistance.  When calling for technical support, please be prepared to provide information about the available communication ports on your computer, the make and model number of your handheld computer (when applicable), and the version numbers of the PC applications you are using.

Troubleshooting Tips

Conflicts are sometimes flagged on exact duplicates

Data file in use message

Error messages related to system table

HP palmtop beeps when I press ALT+FILER

Not all data was transferred

Not notified when conflicts exist

Restoring original file after transfer

Transferring both to-do items and appointments

Unable to connect to handheld device

Unable to load Windows application

Unable to send data to handheld device

Unable to transfer data with Sharp Wizard

Unable to use selected communication port

Warnings on file overwrite

Why are recurring items fanned during data transfer?

Why do I get asked for my application location?

Why is data transfer sometimes slow?