Upgrade notes - Read completely before Upgrading for warnings!

While I recommend just starting from scratch, it is possible to import the 
BBS List files from versions prior to Version 5.0 with Version 5.0 *only*.
(The code will be removed with version 5.1). Please be aware that there
will be many blank fields because the new version stores more information 
than previous versions. 

I'd recommend installing to a different directory. Most of the old files 
aren't used. Install according to the docs (edit the CNF file, add to
the CMD.LST).

BEFORE IMPORTING DO THE FOLLOWING!: You will need to load your BBS List 
into a text editor. Each entry has the following 4 lines:

Data Line 1
Description Line
Sysop Name
Blank Line

Make sure that only the 4th line is blank on each entry! This is *VERY* 
important as something in the PPE code causes exception errors if 
any of the first 3 lines are blank! (I don't know about the DOS version, 
but in the OS/2 version, PCBOARD2.EXE traps out if the line is blank).
The 4th line is ignored in the conversion, so it doesn't cause problems.
Fill in any blanks with *something*.

Now you are ready to convert your old list. MAKE A BACKUP OF THE LIST. It
will be deleted after a successful conversion. 

From the main command prompt, enter the following command:

PPE d:\path\BBSLISTR.PPE CONVERT

substituting the drive and path you installed to. You will then be prompted
for the path and filename of your old BBS List file. 2 things may happen:

1. If it is in the earlier format with color codes, it will be converted
   to the later format.
    You'll see "Converting Format 1 to Format 2" displayed.

2. If it is in the later format (or has been converted in step 1) it will
   will be processed and a DBF file created (or added to if it exists)
    containing the information.
    You'll see "Converting Format 2 to DBF" displayed.

After conversion, the old list will be deleted. The Index files will be 
created the first time you use the PPE. That's it for the update.

Warnings -

While I had no problems with the main database code, adding, deleting, 
editing, and searching flawlessly, I had major problems with the 
import code.  Errors, Share violations, Traps, etc... left and right.
I believe I've tracked them all down and fixed or worked around them,
that bit of the code still makes me nervous, and I don't like it, thus
it will be removed in the next version. It's only included as a convenience.

Be SURE to follow the procedure outlined above if you are going to import.
It is VERY important to do the edit of the BBS List file, as that is what
caused the most problems (TRAP SYS3175, equivalent of an Exception #13 in DOS)
and crashed the node repeatedly until I was able to track that "fix" down.

After making that edit, and tweaking the code, I was able to successfully
convert a BBS List several times without problem, but I make no guarantees.

Herbert Bushong
Intelec Software Programmer