Help me understand MS folders Please !

[chuckldunn]

I have a SJ-33 and recently purchased a 128MB memory stick. I'm having a hard time finding any documentation regarding directories on the MS.

I don't understand where to put programs in order to have them run from the MS ( Launcher?). Where do I put .pdf files, .pdbs etc?

I was reading a posting that mentioned creating a folder called BOOKS for ebooks, but it didn't work for me. When I try to move a file into the folder using MSGate I get a write-protect messge, so I have to use MSImport to move a file into the folder. Once I had the ebook in the folder it wasn't recognized by Palm Reader Pro.

I also can't seem to get PhotoStand to recognize any files I've stored on the MS, although PGPocket will. ( What's up with PGP / DCF on the PhotoStand. What does that mean? )



I'm SOOOO confused !
Thanks !

[crh3f]

When you want something to run from the MS, you need to have it launcher. As for where to put databases, I'm not sure. When you want a program on the MS, I prefer to use the install tool and install it directly, that way it usually puts things in the correct places.

As for PGP/DCF...if you took a picture (I've got an NR70V), you can select how to save it and where to save it...one of the options is "digital camera format" (DCF) on the MS. These pictures can be read directly by windows w/o using PictureGear Lite to convert them.

I don't know about Photostand not recognizing pics, nor do I have any experience with ebooks. Hope this helps a little...

[palmgeek]

I had problems with file/directory protections with MSGate also. I finally went to using FileZ (http://www.palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?prodID=9992) It's free, and an excellent piece of software!

As for directory locations, many programs (applications) have MS directories hard-coded in them. In other words, you will need to read the application's documentation to find where *it* wants you to put the databases. I suspect that was your problem with Palm Reader Pro, though I don't use the program myself. Programs like Splashphoto create their own MS directory, while others don't. It's hard to give you a blanket statement regarding MS locations, since each program handles it differently.

I think you'll find FileZ a big help though... I find it to be faster and more flexible than MSGate.

[*YellowRose*]

McFile is also a good file manager, but it's not free. It's also what Sony used to replace MSGate on the NX . . . MSGate is worthless, in my opinion. That's the main reason I got a 3rd party file manager! :D

[AlbertLu]

FileProg is also not bad. Used to be shareware but is now freeware - so the quality shows. It's fast. Hires / Lores option even on Clie, Large / Small fonts, removable button at bottom so that you can see more line items, etc...

So far I have used it for 3-4 months now without any problem.

[Don M]

I use McFile, as YellowRose mentioned. It is great! Some programs require specific folders for their databases. For example, MyBible wants a folder /palm/programs/mybible/ , usually the documentation with the program will give the VFS information on where the files need to be on the expansion card. In the case of PalmReader, I put the databases in /palm/launcher/ and /palm/programs/msfiles/ and they are read fine from those locations. And I use MSImport to move the files directly from my hard drive to those folders.

[OctoberMooN]

Originally posted by *YellowRose*
... That's the main reason I got a 3rd party file manager! :D

Another dim-witted noob question here: Is there a difference between a File Manager and a Launcher? If so, what is it?

EDIT: Other than the obvious - "A file manager manages files and a Launcher launches applications" answer.
I guess what I'm asking is "What the heck is a launcher?":confused:

I've looked at some other threads here and am (obviously) still fuzzy on the whole Launcher thing.

It took me two days to realize I even had a file manager on the SJ30!:(

[Don M]

To be simple about it, a Launcher is the application from which you launch other applications, as in the built-in Launcher of your Palm OS device. There are then 3rd Party Launchers you can use in place of the built-in launcher, such as ZLauncher, SilverScreen, MegaLauncher, Launcher X, etc., etc. Some of the 3rd Party Launchers include file management (for moving, copying files to and from RAM to the Extension card, etc.), such as ZLauncher and Launcher X.

[OctoberMooN]

Okay, I understand. Now, I just moved PGP_CategoryDB_01, PGP_CategoryDB_32, and the sample image files for PG Pocket to my MS.

They all now reside in a path: /PALM/PROGRAMS/MSFILES.

When I fire up the PG Pocket application and check the MS there are no files listed there! What am I doing wrong?

MS Gate "sees" the files, why does my application not recognize them?

[AcuraCL]

Originally posted by OctoberMooN
Okay, I understand. Now, I just moved PGP_CategoryDB_01, PGP_CategoryDB_32, and the sample image files for PG Pocket to my MS.

They all now reside in a path: /PALM/PROGRAMS/MSFILES.

When I fire up the PG Pocket application and check the MS there are no files listed there! What am I doing wrong?

MS Gate "sees" the files, why does my application not recognize them?

PG Pocket always looks in RAM first. Just tap the drop-down box a the top and select "MS" rather than "Internal." And no, no one knows of a way to make it look at the MS by default.

[AcuraCL]

Originally posted by OctoberMooN
Okay, I understand. Now, I just moved PGP_CategoryDB_01, PGP_CategoryDB_32, and the sample image files for PG Pocket to my MS.

They all now reside in a path: /PALM/PROGRAMS/MSFILES.

When I fire up the PG Pocket application and check the MS there are no files listed there! What am I doing wrong?

MS Gate "sees" the files, why does my application not recognize them?

And if that doesn't work, I'll mention that on my SJ33, the files are in ms/palm/programs/picturegear.

[OctoberMooN]

Originally posted by AcuraCL


PG Pocket always looks in RAM first. Just tap the drop-down box a the top and select "MS" rather than "Internal." And no, no one knows of a way to make it look at the MS by default.

That is the problem. The application does not see the files on the MS when I select it.

It tells me that no files have been found. :( I'm looking for a way to access the path as mentioned in your second post but while the app. is running I can't find a way to change directories.

[Aces]

Originally posted by OctoberMooN
Okay, I understand. Now, I just moved PGP_CategoryDB_01, PGP_CategoryDB_32, and the sample image files for PG Pocket to my MS.

They all now reside in a path: /PALM/PROGRAMS/MSFILES.

When I fire up the PG Pocket application and check the MS there are no files listed there! What am I doing wrong?

MS Gate "sees" the files, why does my application not recognize them?

The reason you don't see them is that PG Pocket expects to see it's files in the directory:

/PALM/PROGRAMS/PICTUREGEAR.

There was a thread where someone listed quite a number of directories for specific applications not that long ago (with the last 2 months). Here are a couple of threads that a quick search on the word "picturegear" comes up with:

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7161&highlight=picturegear

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11348&highlight=msfiles

I think the second one has all the directiories listed. 

[AcuraCL]

Originally posted by OctoberMooN


That is the problem. The application does not see the files on the MS when I select it.

It tells me that no files have been found. :( I'm looking for a way to access the path as mentioned in your second post but while the app. is running I can't find a way to change directories.

I'm so sorry. I didn't understand that you were looking on the MS.

You can use MSGate to create the directory for PICTUREGEAR. Then you can also use it to move the photos into the directory. If you have trouble, message back here and I can give you detailed instructions.

[OctoberMooN]

Originally posted by AcuraCL


I'm so sorry. I didn't understand that you were looking on the MS.

You can use MSGate to create the directory for PICTUREGEAR. Then you can also use it to move the photos into the directory. If you have trouble, message back here and I can give you detailed instructions.

No problem! I'm used to Windows/DOS directory structures. I guess I just need to get more familiar with the whole PalmOS structure. :D

[OctoberMooN]

Originally posted by Aces


The reason you don't see them is that PG Pocket expects to see it's files in the directory:

/PALM/PROGRAMS/PICTUREGEAR.

There was a thread where someone listed quite a number of directories for specific applications not that long ago (with the last 2 months). Here are a couple of threads that a quick search on the word "picturegear" comes up with:

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7161&highlight=picturegear

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11348&highlight=msfiles

I think the second one has all the directiories listed. 

Thank you for the information. Having checked out the above links my next question is -- Is there a way to view all of the paths that are stored in ROM (I'm assuming that this is the manner in which the SJ30 creates file folders). How did the poster manage to ascertian the above-linked information?

Am I making any sense at all? :eek:

[AcuraCL]

Originally posted by OctoberMooN


Thank you for the information. Having checked out the above links my next question is -- Is there a way to view all of the paths that are stored in ROM (I'm assuming that this is the manner in which the SJ30 creates file folders). How did the poster manage to ascertian the above-linked information?

Am I making any sense at all? :eek:

There is a free utility called "FileZ" that shows the directory structure of the MS or RAM. You can logically conclude which programs created which directories in most cases. You can also create dirs with it, move files around a bit more easily than with MSGate, etc. But you can do almost all the same things with MSGate.

[OctoberMooN]

Originally posted by AcuraCL


There is a free utility called "FileZ" that shows the directory structure of the MS or RAM. You can logically conclude which programs created which directories in most cases. You can also create dirs with it, move files around a bit more easily than with MSGate, etc. But you can do almost all the same things with MSGate.

Ah! Excellent, excellent! Thank you very much!!!

Finally, is it safe to assume that when I install an application it will seek its .DBF or other data file in the directory that it created? Furthermore, should I assume that I cannot move said data file to the MS as the application will not be able to find it in the new location eg- the MS?

[AcuraCL]

Originally posted by OctoberMooN


Ah! Excellent, excellent! Thank you very much!!!

Finally, is it safe to assume that when I install an application it will seek its .DBF or other data file in the directory that it created? Furthermore, should I assume that I cannot move said data file to the MS as the application will not be able to find it in the new location eg- the MS?

Rule of Life:
I would have to say, it is not really safe to assume anything :)

Ideally, when you install the application using the Palm Install Tool, you would specify at that time to put the app on the MS. That gives you the best chance of files going where they're supposed to go, and being able to find each other.

Otherwise, once you start moving files, it can get a bit dodgy.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Clie.

I have seen apps do just what you ask above. I have seen them perform perfectly though I move them from RAM to MS. Some care a lot about where their support files are and some are smart enough to find them. Some software lets you choose where you keep your data .... I have seen programs stop working when moved from RAM to MS and refuse to work again even though moved back. (I've spent an annoying lot of time fiddling with file management on this thang.) It really absolutely depends on the particular application and how it was written.

I can say this though ... the more recently the app was updated, the better the chance that it is "MS friendly."

And if any particular program gives you trouble when you've installed it one place or another, you can always ask someone here. They've probably tried the same thing.