if you have data stored in computer applications such as spreadsheets and databases, or if you want to import data from another organizer, you can transfer the data to your organizer without having to key it in manually. save the data in one of the file formats listed below, import it into palm desktop software, and then perform a hotsync operation to transfer the data to your organizer.

    palm desktop software can import data in the following file formats:

    ■ comma delimited (.csv, .txt): address book and memo pad only

    ■ tab delimited (.tab, .tsv, .txt): address book and memo pad only

    ■ csv (lotus organizer 2.x/97 mapping): address book only

    ■ date book archive (.dba)

    ■ address book archive (.aba)

    ■ to do archive (.tda)

    ■ memo pad archive (.mpa)

    archive formats can only be used with palm desktop software. use the archive file formats to share information with other people who use a palm computing. platform handheld or to create a copy of your important palm desktop information.

    to import data:

    1. open palm desktop software.

    2. click the application into which you want to import data.

    3. if you are importing records that contain a field with category names, do the following:

    select all in the category box.

    be sure that the same categories that appear in the imported file also exist in the application. if the categories do not exist, create them now; otherwise, the records are imported into the unfiled category.

    4. from the file menu, choose import.

    5. select the file you want to import.

    6. click open.

    7. to import data into the correct palm desktop fields, drag fields in the left-hand column so that they are opposite the corresponding imported field on the right.

    8. if you do not want to import a field, deselect the check box for that field.

    9. click ok.

    the imported data is highlighted in the application.

    10. to add the imported data to your organizer, perform a hotsync operation.

    see palm desktop online help for more information on importing and exporting data.