DateBk5 Read-Me-First File

Make sure you also read the Device-Specific Release Notes in this Zip Archive!

First Time DateBk5 user, not very experienced with Palm Devices

  First Time DateBk5 user, and an experienced Palm User   DateBk5 User upgrading from DateBk4 or earlier version of DateBk5
Since you are reading this file, we assume you managed to unzip the archive (WindowsXP can view the contents of this file without "unzipping").

Extract the DateBk5.prc file and place it in the Palm Add-on folder (or any other folder you choose). Note that if you ran the EXE, this has already been done for you and the file was placed in the C:\Program Files\Pimlico\DateBk5 folder.

Run the Palm Install tool (Start button, Programs, Palm Desktop, Palm Install Tool), tap on Add button and navigate to the folder where DateBk5 is stored and select it for installation (Click on Done).

Put Palm in cradle and hotsync to copy DateBk5 to your palm device.

If you have a color device you will most likely want to install Icons-DATEBK5.prc which provides colorful graphical icons that you can assign to events. Install it the same way you installed DateBk5.

There are useful information tips available in all DateBK5 dialogs. You may well want to install these helpful tips. To do that, install the dbSetup.prc application, run it and just tap the Install Checked Items button (only the DateBk5 Help Database item should be checked).

There are other useful things in the zip archive, but you don't need to install them until you become more familiar with DateBk5. Do not blindly install all the PRC files in the zip archive! dbMemo, etc. will just generate an error if you do that.

Remember: for the most part DateBk5 does work like the built-in datebook application so try things out. Looking through the preferences is a good way to learn about all the features (tap on the info icon 'i' at top right) in each dialog too!

  Install DateBk5 and, if you have a color device, dbIcon, Icons-DateBk5 and any other icon collections you choose so you can create a custom icon collection.

To conserve space, the info tips for DateBk5 are in a separate database that you can install with Dbsetup. If you think these would be useful and you have the space, you can install them with dbSetup. dbSetup also allows you to install the timezone files. If you travel extensively in different timezones, you will definitely want to install them (they take virtually no space).

dbAddr, dbTodo, dbMemo, dbView are special applets that allow you to launch DateBk5 with a saved view (of the same name). If you prefer using those databases from DateBk5, these provide a convenient way to launch DateBk5 with pre-selected options (such as full screen display, day view, etc.). But they will only generate an error message until you create the associated saved view.

DateBk5 is an extremely powerful calendar program -- typically much more powerful than people think at first. To gain full use of this application, you will find it worthwhile to review the comprehensive, 100+ page  DateBk5 User manual which you can download from Pimlico's webpage (see below).

There may also be step upgrades posted shortly after the release of a new version. Check back with the Pimlico web page for the latest information on releases and beta previews.

 

If you have a prior release of DateBk4 or DateBk5 installed in Flash Rom, you must remove it first using your flash utility. 

In any event, leave your DateBk4DB or DateBk5DB preference database alone so DateBk5 picks up your preferences & registration.

If you have an earlier version of DateBk5 - just install this latest version on top of that older version. Any files you install will overwrite existing files (so don't install icons if you have modified your existing icons!).

If the program crashes or acts erratically, you will have to delete the DateBk5DB preference database and launch DateBk5 to create a new, clean set of preferences.

If you get monochrome icons and not your color icons, go into the memopad database and delete the old DATEBK3 memopad record. If necessary, use dbIcon to rename your working collection: Icons-DATEBK5.

If you use saved views, go through each view before making changes - this ensures the associated icons are updated properly.

Before using DateBk5, you will want to review the file: WhatsNewInVersion54a.htm which covers all the new features in DateBk5. Some features have been moved around, and others have been changed. Also read the Device Specific notes.

There may also be step upgrades posted shortly after the release of a new version. Check back with the Pimlico web page for the latest information on releases and beta previews. Note that dbMemo, dbAddr, etc. will generate an error message if you have not defined a saved view with the same name.

If you installed an older release of DateBk5 on a Treo-650 and the phone button got "hijacked" - you will need to run resetphonebutton.prc - in the AdvancedStuff.zip file - see note below.

Where is the documentation? There is a very comprehensive, 100+ page user manual that you can download from: http://www.PimlicoSoftware.com/datebk5-v54a-manual.zip. The zip archive has the manual in PDF format. If you have difficulty reading the manual, download Version 5.0 of Acrobat Reader from www.adobe.com (it's a free download).

Handspring Device? Click here if you used Datebook+ and floating events or see a Blitter.c crash

Program acting strangely? Click here for some common installation-related issues

Trouble with data not synchronizing? Completely remove and re-install your conduit software - this has nothing to do with any flaw in  DateBk5, but sometimes happens when third party software is installed.

Duplicate Alarms? This problem should no longer occur in V-5.1a on OS 3.5 and later devices. On devices with OS's prior to 3.5 or OS 3.5 Samsung phone, you will still need to run DateBk5 after every hotsync, although the problem will now only occur if the next alarm to go off was newly added from the desktop.

Basic Tech Support: If you have problems with the basic installation, getting a permanent registration code after registering electronically or other 'setup' problem, send an email to: PimlicoSupport@bigfoot.com

Advanced Tech Support: If you are an experienced user and have run into a more advanced problem, you can fill out a tech report form (copy in archive) and send it to: SWSupport@PimlicoSoftware.com.

Ordering Information

Files in the DateBk5 Zip Archive

Where

FileName

Description
DateBk5-v51b.zip DateBk5.prc The main DateBk5 program file
DateBk5-v51b.zip
icons.zip
READ-ME-FIRST.htm
ReadMeFirst-dbIcon.htm
The file you are now reading
A read-me first file for the dbIcon color icon editor.
DateBk5-v51b.zip Icons-DATEBK5.prc A default, color icon collection that matches the DateBk3/4 monochrome icon collection
icons.zip
 
dbIcon.prc
IconDBSplitter.prc
An editor for color icons on color devices only (will not work on grayscale devices). IconDBSplitter is a utility that splits up large icon collections into manageable collections of 1-255 icons. If you do much work with icons, we suggest you now use the third party icon editor: Icon Manager which is now available as freeware from most popular Palm Software archives.
icons.zip Icons-TwoKidsInAGarage.prc
Icons-designsbybert.prc
lcons-ClieSource-demo.prc
Icons-UBI_Collection.PRC
Icons-DATEBK5-HI.prc
Icons-IconAClassic.prc
Color icon collections that you can use with DateBk5 on color or grayscale devices (you just can't edit them in grayscale mode with this version of dbIcon). Remember that DateBk5 will only use the collection called icons-DATEBK5, if you have 2 or more icon collections loaded, so delete the other icon collections, or rename the one you want to use as icons-DATEBK5.
DateBk5-v51b.zip dbSetup.prc Installs the DateBk5 help files, sets up monochrome icons and Timezones for you if you intend to use these features (see manual for details).

Remaining Items are not usually installed by most users

AdvancedStuff.zip Lefty.prc When run and checked, tells DateBk5 that you are a left-handed user and shifts some scroll bars from the right to the left side of the screen (Split-screen, note, help, etc.). On OS/4 and earlier systems, also install LeftHack for further left-hand enhancements.
AdvancedStuff.zip dbScan.prc A utility program that makes sure that your DateBook database has no corrupt records. Install and run if you suspect a problem with your database.
AdvancedStuff.zip dbView.prc dbTodo.prc dbAddr.prc dbMemo.prc These are four tiny launcher applications that will launch DateBk5 with a saved view invoked (dbView, dbTodo, dbAddr and dbMemo respectively). You have to create the saved view yourself, so only install these if you intend to make use of this special function. See page 56 of the DateBk5 User manual.
AdvancedStuff.zip timezone-resource.txt
timezone-resource-UNIX.txt
timezone-resource-MAC.txt
Contains more timezones that you can put into your World TimeZones memo (Windows platform). Includes versions specially formatted for UNIX and MAC platforms.
AdvancedStuff.zip Unix.txt Some Special notes for UNIX users (especially regarding HotSyncUser name)
 

Other  Items that may be of Interest

DateBk5-v51b.zip WhatsNewInVersionXXX.txt (Where XXX is the version of DateBk5) is a comprehensive list of every addition and modification incorporated in this latest release. Of primary interest to power users or people upgrading from prior versions.
DateBk5-v51b.zip TechReportForm.txt Is a form that you should fill out whenever you report a problem to SWSupport@PimlicoSoftware.com 
AdvancedStuff.zip ForcePIMs.prc Use this only if you are a power user and have disabled the DataManager patch and want DateBk5 to use the classic PalmSource databases on a PalmOne device (prevents DateBk5 from auto-selecting the PalmOne databases).
AdvancedStuff.zip DeletePIMs.prc Install this applet (and keep it installed) on a Treo-650 or Tungsten T5 to automatically delete the redundant PalmSource mirror databases (Datebook and memo) created by the DataManagerpatch and which can take up a lot of unnecessary space on your device.
AdvancedStuff.zip resetphonebutton.prc Install and run this applet once to fix the problem of the phone button getting assigned to DateBk5. You can remove it after you run it once.
AdvancedStuff.zip datebk5on1stbutton.prc You can run this applet once to assign DateBk5 to the first hardware button - The Treo-650 and T5 no longer have this option in the Palm OS, but if you decided you do want to run DateBk5 off the first button, this applet will let you do that!

Finding More Color Icon Collections

There are several sources of color icons. These collections are featured as samples in the zip archive - and full versions are available from these sources. TwoKidsInAGarage and DesignsByBert are very supportive of the Dewar Wildlife Trust Inc./Gorilla Haven, and donate a portion of their profits to wildlife conservation (All proceeds from the sales of Pimlico's products go to wildlife conservation).

TwoKidsInAGarage (icons-TK)
DesignsByBert (icons-designsbybert)
also
ClieSource (lcons-ClieSource-demo)

There are also two, small icon collections included:

Umberto Uderzo - Icons-UBI_Collection
Pimlico Software - Icons-DATEBK5 - this collection is a perfect match for the standard monochrome collection which may be handy if you are transitioning from monochrome to color icons (i.e. use this as your base set so current icon assignements are preserved, and then add new icons at the end.

To find other icon collections, you can try a search in a standard search engine (such as www.google.com) for: Icons + color + Palm + DateBk5 which will likely provide links to several other icon collections.

You must be using at least V-1.2e of dbIcon in order to properly modify icon collections on an OS5 device. You may also want to look at Chris Antos's IconMgr which looks a lot like dbIcon but adds a lot of useful functionality such as the ability to edit and create grayscale icons, manage collections up to 2,600 icons (maximum # that DateBk5 can handle) high-density icons, generate half-size icons for high density icons and also remap the resource ID's which, in conjunction with an option in DateBk5 (Advanced Settings dialog in the DISPLAY OPTIONS menu of the main preference panel) allows you to delete and insert icons without losing any existing icon assignments.

Handspring Users

There are some special considerations for Handspring users, so just quickly check the list below to see if anything here applies to you.

Handspring OS v-1.4 is Flawed. There is a significant bug in Handspring's OS 1.4 update which can cause a crash with a "Blitter.c" error.If you are using this 1.4 update, you should download the OS 1.5 update that fixes this bug:.HS Updater 3.5.2v1.5 

Caution about Floating Events. If you used floating events with DateBook+, there used to be a potential problem if you used earlier versions of DateBk4/5 and then went back to using Datebook+. In that case, your completed, floating events could under some circumstances all get advanced to today's date. This issue no longer exists in V-5.1a. If you have a prior version of DateBk5 installed, however, you will have to synchronize just one time with the desktop overwriting the handheld in order to "prep" the database so this new feature works properly...

Program Acting Strangely

There are some hacks with bugs that are known to cause problems with DateBk5 (and other applications too). These bugs can cause unexpected crashes (such as when alarms go off), or screen redraw problems. In all cases below, the problems are caused by flaws in other applications and not DateBk5, so no workarounds are planned at this time (almost all the authors of these applications are aware of the problems).

In all cases, if you see a problem, contact author for latest update in case the problem has now been fixed.

Don't know how to close split-screen? If your calendar now shows your addressbook or memos in split or full screen and you don't know how to get rid of it, briefly tap the down arrow at top left and select Close Window (a too-long tap will bring up a category list).

Everything disappeared and 'H' at top left? If your calendar is now blank, most likely you have hidden the unfiled category. Go into Appt Categories in the Options menu and tap the All button.

Red X's appearing for icons in unexpected places?. This can be caused when updating from a prior version of DateBk5 with a preference database that was originally created in a much older version of DateBk5. Just go into the Zones tab of the main DateBk5 Preference panel (Options | Preferences in any view) and tap on one of the three time zone selectors. Then make sure that there are no erroneous icon associations with time zones in that dialog (tap on the icon which appears as a Red X and then use the REMOVE button in the icon dialog to remove any unwanted association.

A corrupt database can cause problems. To eliminate this as a possibility, run dbScan and let it remove any corrupt records. The error of orphaned events (no displayable occurrences of a repeat event) is a benign issue that does not cause any problems (but you might as well remove such records anyway).

Saved Views can confuse new users. If you use saved views, remember that all local and global preferences values are saved along with the view. If you do not propagate those changes to other saved views, then those changes will be lost when you move to a different view.

Weird colors? No Grayscale? If you are updating from an older version of DateBk5, this can happen. Go into the color/gray selection dialog (for an event, ToDo or category profile) and tap on the Reset Palettes button to set the default palette selection.

Crashes when alarms go off? There are many hacks that consume so much stack space that it causes problems for applications like DateBk5 that are trying to use the alarm system as the Palm OS does not have enough memory to launch DateBk5 and crashes. Solution is to remove all hacks and DateBk5, then install DateBk5 first and verify alarms are ok. Then install remaining hacks monitoring as you go along to see if any problems occur. This problem can also occur if you are running an application that has used up all the stack space - again when the Palm OS attempts to launch DateBk5 - there is no stack space left for the Palm OS to allocate to DateBk5.

DateBook button won't cycle through views? Go into the Views tab of the main preference panel and make sure that a '1' is set in the popup list next to the Date legend so DateBk5 knows the left-most button is the "Datebook" button (Treo users will want to use '2' there).

MAC HotSync Problems: If you are using a MAC and are having hotsync problems - try allocating more memory to the HotSync Manager and the Conduit Manager say from 2048k to 3072k or even more.

Phone button got "Hijacked" on a Treo-650? This can happen if you installed an OLD version of DateBk5 on the Treo-650. You will need to install and run the applet, resetphonebutton.prc to reset the function back to the phonebutton. Installing V-5.4a will ensure it does not happen again.

Using a non-Roman Language? Make sure you check the Non-Roman Language checkbox in the Appts tab of the main DateBk5 Preference panel (Options | Preferences in any view). Small/tiny fonts on OS5 devices only support languages using the Western European character set at this time. Small/Tiny fonts are supported in Japanese in the weekly and list views only.

Power User and you disabled the DataManager Patch? With this version, you must install the file, ForcePIMs.prc (in the AdvancedStuff.zip file which is in the DateBk5....zip archive). This file tells Datebk5 to use the classic PalmSource databases on a PalmOne device. After installing this file, do a soft reset or run the application to effect the switch over.

##@@@@@D@@@@@ in the note field? This is normal. DateBk5 handles many features for which the built-in datebook has no provision for storing - items like colors, fonts, icons, advances, custom alarms, categories, timezones, etc. and the only way these can be handled is with tags in the note field. 

To Remove DateBk5

To remove DateBk5, simply delete DateBk5DB which is the preference database that DateBk5 creates when it start up. Then delete DateBk5 and any other files that you may have installed. You can reference the list in the table above to see which files you might have installed.

Cheers!
C. E. Steuart Dewar (aka CESD), Pimlico Software, Inc.
The Dewar Wildlife Trust, Inc.  -- Gorilla Haven