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Upgrading 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 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 only 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, achieves 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 |
achieves the most up to date database, including
all required personal information, also provides efficient back-up
files |
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. |
quick and easy, installs the latest version
of the software |
database is not updated,
some new features may be disabled |
note: due to changes in the database
format, when upgrading to certain versions we strongly advise either
method 1 or 2.
from version 1.4.x to 1.5.x or any version to 1.5.4
or any version to 1.5.7
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
or .bkn (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
custom 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 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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