Microsoft Schedule Information to HP 200LX Appointment Book
-----------------------------------------------------------

This archive contains some utilities to allow you to take appointments
out of a Microsoft Schedule+ (version 1.0) file and to merge them into
an HP 200LX appointment book.

These utilities are not perfect, and they are currently uni-directional
only, i.e. proper synchronisation does not take place. However, features
could be added to provide more functionality at a later time.

Requirements
------------

You must have HP's connectivity pack for the 100/200LX since some of the
utilities from that pack are used.

Credits
-------

The Wizard files are produced by Microsoft, and available on their Web
server or from CompuServe. The Article number is: Q106260. The programs
have been included here for your convenience. Follow the instructions in
the file WIZARD.TXT to install the Wizard Export function in Schedule+.

The program WIZCSV.C is based on heavily hacked code for the ADBIO programs
produced by A. Garzotto, in April '94. Although I initially tried to
create Appointment Data Book files directly, I could not get this to
work, so I modified the program to handle comma separated files only.

Operation
---------

The general principle of operation is as follows. Appointments are
entered in the Schedule+ program. I, and many others use this program
since it allows one's secretary to access the same appointment book.

The WIZARD export function is then used on a regular basis to export the
appointments to a comma delimited file. The utilities used further on
expect this comma delimited file to be in a directory C:\TEMP with
filename PVE.OZW, but all this can be changed.

Assuming your PC has been started up with Laplink active, and you are
running Windows, you can then invoke the batch file LOADSCHE.BAT to
automate the remainder of the work. This assumes also that your HP is
connected and running the Laplink remote server, and a connection has
been established. You can use the LOADSCHE.PIF file to create an icon in
your Program Manager group.

The batch file LOADSCHE.BAT performs a number of actions, using the
connectivity pack...

1. First it checks if Laplink is actually running and connected and
otherwise it stops the batch program.

2. Then it copies the palmtop appointment file over to the PC. The
filenames in the batch file may need to be changed depending on your
configuration.

3. It checks if the file exported from Schedule+ in Wizard format
(extension .OZW) is present. The filename and directories may need
changing. If it is not the batch program stops.

4. It uses the WIZCSV program to convert the Schedule+ file to a comma
separated format with fields as expected by the HP appointment book
application.

5. The connectivity pack support TSR's are loaded.

6. Using the XSTUB utility the comma separated file produced in step 4.
is converted to an Appointment Data Book file.

7. Using the TINYAPPT utility the Appointment Data Book file is merged
into the Appointment Data Book file from the Palmtop. During this merge
operation overlapping appointments are queried, and you can decide which
one you want to enter into the Palmtop data book file.

8. Finally, the system cleans itself up, copies the resulting
Appointment file back to the Palmtop and removes temporary files.

Improvements
------------

Although other functions could be provided, to take data from the
Palmtop Appointment Book file and create a file which can be imported
back into Schedule+, the synchronisation functions for importing Wizard
data into Schedule+ are simplistic. Furthermore, since I do not have
access to the proper contents of the base Schedule files or the
Appointment Data Book files, intelligent handling of deleted
appointments cannot be achieved.

These programs suit my needs, the procedure is fairly uncomplicated once
the files have been set-up, and although there is some manual
intervention required, the effort is less than retyping the appointments
from Schedule+ into the Palmtop.

Disclaimer
----------

You may use this program for your requirements, but send me an e-mail if
you do. You may modify them at will, but if you do publicise modified
works I expect you to credit me a the source, and send me a copy of it.
I do claim copyright.

You use these programs at your own risk. I take no responsibility for
lost data, ruined computers or even worse, missed appointments.

These programs are provided as is, with no support, warranty,
guarantees.

Peter van Es, Hong Kong.
(C) 1996

e-mail: pvanes@ibm.net
Compuserve: 100314,1553

