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Updating to a new Plant Base version
Explanation
Plant Base is an evolving product and from time to time new releases
are issued. It is quite easy to upgrade an existing installation
to a new version. In fact, if have you have never made changes to
any plant data, nor created any plant lists, then it's very easy
- just run the download file or load the CD and install over the top of the existing version.
However if you have customised records, added personal plant lists
or references to the database, then some extra actions are needed.
It is useful to understand that there are two major components
to the application:
- software, the program modules that you run
- databases, the files where all the plant information is kept
For most versions, they can be updated independently if required.
New releases will not always upgrade both parts, they can be 'program
only' or 'data only' updates.
Choices
Method 1 is the easy choice if no changes have been made to the
database.
Method 2 is otherwise usually the recommended choice.
Other methods may be appropriate in some situations:
| method
used |
advantages |
disadvantages |
| (1) complete installation
over the top of the existing version |
very simple, quick, installs the most up to date database |
overwrites existing database, loosing any
personal changes and lists |
| (2) archive all personal
data first, then run a complete install and import personal
plant and list data back from the archive |
installs the most up to date database, and also includes all
personal changes and list information |
requires more steps and a little time to perform the upgrade |
| (3)
install the "update patch" from the Download
page, or use the "Program" only option from the CD
or full install file. |
very quick and easy, installs the latest version of the software |
plant data is not updated,
some new features may be disabled |
note: if the version update includes changes in
the database format, then we strongly advise either method 1 or 2.
for example when updating from version 1.5.6 or older to any newer release.
In general, new software versions can still operate with old format
databases, but some features will be disabled.
Advanced options for special situations
(Most people will not need to worry about these, but they
are available to provide more flexible possibilities for those that
require them.)
(4)
run a complete install, but use a different folder for
the data files or ensure that you have a copy of your original
files
then import personal data from the original files |
no preliminary action needed and retains a complete
backup copy of your old files, useful in case of an error |
needs complete copies of the previous files on
disk and require explicit management of files and folders |
| (5)
install the new software programs first, then import
new and updated plant data |
quite simple, allows preservation of all personal changes
and data |
can lead to a few incorrect, obsolete plant records and duplicated
pictures
(only possible from CD) |
Instructions
It is a good idea to make a separate backup copy of the database
files before you begin. If you are not sure which files they are,
open the About Plant Base display, under the Help
menu.
Method 1 - Complete install
- Exactly the same as a first-time installation; use the autorun
menu screen or run Setup.exe, use the default "Complete"
option.
Your old database will be replaced, however the old files are
kept as backups with the file extention .bak (these should be deleted when
no longer needed). You do not need to apply the licence registration
code, unless for some reason you un-installed the old version
first.
Method 2 - Save and import personal
data and lists
- First, run Plant Base as normal and select File|Archive
plant data from the menu. Use the Archiver to make a
new archive file of all your record changes. (from version 1.4.5
also include Personal Plant Lists)
- (from version 1.4.5 skip this step
if you have already Archived the lists)
Now display the Plant List Details screen for any Personal Plant
Lists that you have. For each one, select File|Export
list data to create a text file of the list.
- Load the CD or run the download file and run a Complete install.
- When the install is finished, run Plant Base
- Select File | Import plant data from the menu.
Use the Browse button to select the Archive file that you made
previously and click Start Importing.
- Select File | Import list data and use the
screen to import all lists from the Archive file (from 1.4.5 -
2nd radio button), or otherwise import each of the plant list
text files that you made previously.
Method 3 - software update patch
only
Method 4 - Import from backup files
- Ensure that you have copies of your current data files.
- Exactly the same procedure as method 2, but instead of making
an Archive file select the relevant backup files for the Imports.
Method 5 - Import data from CD
- Update the software; use the autorun menu screen or run Setup.exe,
but use the "Program" option.
- When the install is complete, run Plant Base, select File| Import
plant data from the menu. Use the Browse button to select the
Plantbase.dpb file from the data folder on the CD and click Start
Importing. Repeat this last step for the PictureLib1.dpb file
in order to import new plant pictures.
(Note: The full-size downloaded install file can be used instead
of the CD for Methods 1, 2 & 4)
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