Palm OS/WinMo Hardware

[#1]

I am using Palm Desktop Software with copyright 1992-2001.  I originally was using a Palm IIIxe, but not used it for years; however, I found that the address book was useful on my desktop computer, which is running Windows XP.  I had left my computer on over the last weekend and had used it with LogMeIn from my home computer, as I had often done in the past; however, I did not open the Palm Desktop Address Book last weekend.  When I went to access it yesterday, I got the above error message.  Of course, the manual that came with the software and Palm IIIxe did not have a recommendation as to how to fix this error.  I don't even know if I still have the original Palm IIIxe any more; and even if I do, I think it stopped functioning.  Does anyone know how to restore the database?  Help!

Post relates to: Palm IIIxe

[#2]

Have you tried rebooting the computer??  Be sure to properly close Palm Desktop if the program did manage to open before closing down the PC.

WyreNut

[#3]

Thank you for your response.  When I tried to open the Desktop, all that came up was the Palm Logo and then the Error: Failed to open Address Book database popped up over the logo.  I closed the error message but could not close the logo.  When I last used the desktop address book, which is the only thing that I use it for, it worked perfectly and was closed correctly.  I even tried restoring the computer to a date when I knew the address book worked, but to no avail.  I was not sure if I rebooted yesterday, so I tried rebooting today.  Same logo and same error message.  Any other ideas?  I am really missing the address book.  I must refer to it 5 to 10 times a day.

I think we found all the data files (*.dat) and have copied them to another location on my computer.  I have the original CD of the software and could try a reinstall; however, I don't know if I need to save any other files that work with the *.dat files.  If I try a reinstall, would I then just copy those saved files into the Palm file folder set up during the reinstall?  Can I assume that I can reinstall even if I no longer have the Palm IIIex?

[#4]

Use the Search function to find other threads on the same topic. The question has been asked and answered previously. There is a Knowledgebase Article which should solve the problem.

[#5]

I went into the Knowledgebase - ie) I searched the community for the error message that I got, but many of the postings suggested a link, that was initially broken and then referred to another link, which is no longer available.  Unless I am doing something wrong, I am still left with the same problem.  I think I opened all 46 postings, many of which were not applicable, so I may be missing something.  I appreciate your help, but if I could ask you to forward a link with the answer that you think will help me solve my problem, I will greatly appreciate it.

Alternatively, if I copy all of my database files to my desktop, uninstall the Palm Desktop software, reinstall the software and then copy my database files to replace the database files in the reinstalled software, will that solve the problem?  Recently, I saw another posting by GoBo_tech from 08-27-09 Re: Palm desktop software error mesg, in which he also recommended a clean uninstall and reinstall method that included backing up the registry and recommended deletion of some of the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software..........files, but made it sound like that was something an amateur, like me, should not attempt.  If you can search this response, could you tell me if this will possibly solve my problem.  If it might, I will call my IT technician because I don't want to make things worse than they are.

[#6]

'Failed to open address database' (when opening Palm Desktop)

Article ID: 10082

When you see this error message, it means that Palm Desktop was unable to open a database, probably because one of your data files has been corrupted and needs to be replaced. You will need to rename the affected file, import the backup of the file into Palm Desktop, and then synchronize your handheld using Handheld Overwrites Desktop.

What to do:

1. Exit Palm Desktop, if you haven't already done so.
2. Perform a HotSync operation. Make sure that the Address Book on your handheld contains your most up-to-date information.
3. Navigate to your user folder.
4. In your user folder, open the folder called "address".
5. In the "address" folder, rename the file address.dat to address.old(Note: For some Windows users, "address.dat" is shown as only "address").
6. Rename the file address.bak to address.dat.
7. Close all open windows.
8. Review our instructions for changing conduit settings in HotSync Manager. Using these instructions, change the HotSync action of the Address Book application to Handheld Overwrites Desktop. Click OK.
9. Click Done.
10. . Perform a HotSync operation. This creates a new, uncorrupted Address Book database on your desktop computer, based on the Address Book data on your device.

[#7]

I was never in the Palm Desktop, so exiting is not an issue.  I mentioned earlier that the Palm IIIxe no longer works (in fact it no longer exists), so a hot sync is not possible.  Are there any other options?  Sorry to be a pain.  I appreciate the time you are spending to help me through this major problem.

[#8]

Try the insructions, starting with #3.  The data in your desktop is corrupted.  Perhaps replacing it with the existing backup (.bak) file as described will help you be able to open Palm Desktop and view the data.

[#9]

Thanks again.  I really appreciate your persistence.  I am sure you have better things to do, but pardon my confusion again.  If I can't open the Palm Desktop and I don't have a Palm device, how to I perform steps 8 through 10?  I did find the backup file (address.bak) that appears to have my data, or at least most of it, and I rename the files as you indicated how do I make it all work without the Palm device or the hot sync unit?

[#10]

Well, I may have backed into something.  I renamed the address.dat file as addressold.dat (as good as any other name) and renamed the address.bak to address.dat.  I was able to open the Palm Desktop and lo and behold, there was an address book file.  Unfortunately, it is the file that was last backed up in 2006, which is probably the last time a hot sync was done and just before the Palm IIIxe died.  I would say that I did get back 60% to 70% of my address book, which is better than nothing.  All I have to do now is figure out who is missing from the addresses I put into the database for the last 5 years, who has changed companies, etc.  Is it reasonable for me to conclude that the most recent address.dat has gone to heaven and no longer recoverable?  Is there any place else it could be hiding in my computer?

Assuming I got the most back that I can, how can I backup in the future if I cannot hot sync?  Can I export the address.dat to another place or copy the file to another folder, say c:\Palm Recovery (newly created file on my C drive), for example?  If I do use the export function, does a copy remain in the Palm Desktop?  In other words, do you have any words of wisdom to prevent this from happening in the future?  I really do appreciate all your help to date.  Thanks again.