How to Update your ScoutPalDB Database

These update instructions are for users who already have ScoutPalDB setup and running on their PDA.  If you are totally new to ScoutPalDB, follow the initial setup steps, then return here in a week, when you are ready to get your first database update.

If you don't know how to do internet downloads, or where to find downloaded files, or how to copy and paste files and folders, please click here to learn more.

• Delete any previous update files/folders from your computer.
• All ScoutPal versions can be updated by downloading an update zip file.
  1. Browse to http://www.scoutpal.com/db/download and download the zip file to your computer desktop, or some other convenient and easily accessible location.  To get an update to Version 2, be sure to put in the spdb2 download code so that you will be downloading "spdb2.zip".  (It may already be there for you.)
  2. Go to where you downloaded, and look for the zip file you just downloaded.  Its icon will look like a folder with a zipper, like this: 
  3. Right-click the zippered icon, then choose "Extract All".  This will start the Windows Extract Wizard.  Click through all of the wizard's defaults; for some users, the wizard will finish by opening a new window into to the extracted folder. (Click here if you are new to unzipping downloads.)
  4. Close the window into the extracted folder, then go back to where you downloaded, and you will now see two folders with the same name; one with a picture of a zipper, this is what you downloaded in step (a), the plain-yellow folder is the extracted version of your download and it is the one that will be copied over to the PDA's storage card.
  NOTE:  You absolutely must extract/unzip the download in order to get its contents properly copied over to the your Pocket PC PDA!

Simply copy and paste the extracted (unzipped) update folder over to the storage card on the PDA.  This can be accomplished in different ways, depending on your hardware and operating system.

• If you have a card reader, which is preferred (and required for Mac users) you simply copy the folder directly to the card, replacing the one already there.  See details...
  • Remove the SD card from the PDA (watch this ), and insert it into your SD card reader.
  • On most computers, a window into the SD card will automatically open.
  • If a window is not automatically opened, go to "My Computer", and you will see the card listed as a "Removable Disk" drive letter.  Double-click it to open.  (If your card reader has more than one slot, you may have to try multiple letters.)
  • Paste in the new folder, replacing the old one.
  • Put the SD card back in the PDA, and proceed to Step 3.
• If you don't have a card reader, you will need to connect the PDA to your computer using its sync cable (or cradle), using Microsoft syncronization software.   Once you have the PDA connected, you navigate to and open the storage card (named "SD Card" or "Storage Card" or similar) and paste in the new database file.  Exactly how you will do all this will depend on the operating system that is on your computer. See details...
  1. Windows Vista users:
     1. Plug your Pocket PC PDA in to your computer, then click Start > Computer to view a list of the devices attached to your computer.
     2. You will find the PDA listed as a "portable device."  (If you don't see your PDA listed, you may need to first install Windows Mobile Device Center for Vista, then go back to Step i.)
     3. Double-click "Pocket PC" and navigate to its storage card.
     4. You can now copy a files and folders directly to the card, just like any other disk or storage device on your computer.
     5. Paste in the update, replacing the old one.
  2. Windows XP users:
     1. Download and install Active Sync if you don't already have it installed on your computer.
     2. Start/Open Active Sync, and connect your PDA to the computer.
     3. Click on "Explore Device" in the Active Sync window.
     4. Double-click "My Windows Mobile Based Device" to see a list of files and folders that are on the PDA.
     5. Look for the memory card folder and open it.
     6. Paste in the update, replacing the old one.

• Always soft-reset (reboot) your PDA after an update; with some newer PDA's, you may only need to reset ScoutPalDB by tapping settings/OK in the ScoutPalDB program.
• To soft-reset your PDA, look for the small reset button/hole on the bottom, back or side of the PDA, and press in using the tip of the stylus.  For general PDA usage information, including how to do a soft-reset, please refer to the manufacturer's documentation.