The instructions provided below will show you how to export your Palm databases to your PC in order to view them and edit them with Excel or a similar program that supports CSV files. This tutorial explains how to convert the database of the CD Collector PRO application, but the process is the same for any other of my applications.

In order to do this you will need to download a free program called PDATConv (PDA Toolbox Conversion Utility). PDATConv is a program created by Rick Sands, which allows 2-way data transfer between Palm applications and the PC. You can download PDATConv HERE.

Please note that it requires the Visual Basic 6 Runtime, which comes pre-installed with many computers. In case you don't have it, you can download it from the Microsoft website.

Install PDATConv in your favorite directory, and open it. You may want to install it in your Palm/Backup directory, as it will probably be the one you will use to browse the files.

Now, the fun part!

When you open PDATConv, you will see the following screen.

Select the "Import (PDB to Text)" button. Then click on the "Select" button that is next to the "Palm Database (.PDB) to Convert" legend. A file selection dialog will appear.

 

The database name for the CD Collector PRO application is "MyCDs.pdb". After you have selected it, check the "CSV" checkbox. This is for the program to know tha you want to create a CSV file; otherwise it will only create a simple text file.

Now that you are ready, click the "Convert Now" button.

 

 

The operation should be performed without a problem. If so, a message will appear. It will inform you that the database was successfully converted, and it will show the file path.

 

Then you will be able to open the CSV file using Microsoft Excel or a similar program.

A problem that is worth mentioning is that the data may not appear in order, so you will need to arrange it manually if necessary.

 

That's all you need to convert your data to view in your PC. If you have any questions you can always ask.