Frequently asked Questions

Question	Answer, Tip, Comment, Suggestion
The compiler doesn't find SystemAll.h / UIAll.h etc.. Why?	3com (Palm) have changed the include file names. Please change to PalmOS.h and PalmCompatibility.h (Remove the others)
Does VFDIDE support Palm Versions greater 3.0 ?	This is no big deal. Of course it does. VFDIDE does support all versions of the Pilot OS. If you want to develop for the IIIx or so just select the III Mode. If it turns out that you may use one of the very few new/changed functions the compiler will complain. In this case you need to replace the include file(s) that came with GCC with the latest SDK3.x include files. Drop me an email if you need support with this issue.
Unfortunately I can't get the debugger to run ?	Sorry - The startup process is a bit complex so here are some hint's to check what might be wrong. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me to work out the problems. Also try the following: Are you running VFDIDE Version 4.02 or above (earlier versions had some problems starting the debugger when a blank is in the folder name) ? Is your gdb location correctly configured ? You need m68k-blabla-gdb.exe and NOT gdb.exe Any virus protection SW running? This may interfear with POSE's communication. Please temporarily stop that software. Can you check the file c:\gdb.bat and c:\ttt.txt (while a debug session is open ? What is the content of these files ? Invalid RAM file message ? Just go to your POSE folder, delete the .RAM file, launch POSE by hand and terminate POSE. This forces POSE to re-create the .RAM file TCP/IP installed ? Run the command "ping localhost". If you get a reply (32 bytes sent or so) then TCP/IP is fine. Do you have a symbol file ? Gets created during compilation if the compiler switches are set correctly. You should have a file in your project folder that is approx 40-50 times larger than your PRC file after compilation. If this isn't the case please read the Debug Preparation issues in your VFDIDE Options screens. Anything that YOU know that should apear in this Q&A list for others ?
The POSE seems to not communicate with GDB. The debugger doesn't work.	The reason may be that your GDB location contains a blank such like "c:\program files\..." Please upgrade to version 4.02 or above of VFDIDE which has that problem solved. (Alternatively put your GDB location into double-quotes (") but don't forget to remove this when you upgrade.)
I can't get the new Piper to run - and therefore can't see compilation results.	With luck and help I have found out that the Piper interfears with V-Shield from McAffee or Norton Anti Virus or others. Please temporarily stop these.
I can't see the "i" char in your hello world application. Why?	You need to set the form modal, assign a help string and set the non-transparent mode.
What is the final scope of VFDIDE?	The final scope of VFDIDE is an integrated development environment for Pilot Software developers. The IDE will look very much like Visual Basic or Visual C++ and will behave very much as such. The VFDIDE will enable you to rapidly build Pilot Applications. It is still required to build the applications logic manually by editing C-Source code files according to the 3Com programing guides. VFDIDE will not become a 100% Source code GENERATOR that builds ready-to-use Pilot Applications for you. VFDIDE addresses the need of modern DEVELOPMENT Environments for SW-Developer who would like to build THEIR OWN applications.
I am a non experienced programer. Could YOU (Ole Grossklaus) write a Pilot program for me?	Yes. Sure I am a professional Software Developer for about 12 years now and can do it for you. Details can be negotiated.
Why do I get "Could not launch acrobat reader" when I try opening a document?	The answer to this is simple: You need to install acrobat ready prior to using the integrated reader functions of VFDIDE. Please refer to my download page for links to the reader.
Why ends my compilation in a PRC file of size 0 Bytes?	You haven't recreated the resource files (at the very first compilation of the samples) You don't have the correct version of PILRC. PILRC Version 1.5 comes with GCC but you need to REPLACE it with version 2.0a or above. Maybe you have a simple coding error that prevents the compiler to actualy build the PRC file. Please check your compilation results for details. If you are running the new PRC-Tools 2.0 environment you need to remove the "-coff-" part of the program names in the compile.bat as 3com has slightly changed these names
What else do I need in order to build complete Pilot Applications?	Please refer to my software download section for details. You can get all required components put on one CD.
How does all the tools work smooth together?	This is a fairly simple question. In old days all the tools needed to be called and used individualy / manualy. Everything (almost) was available somewhere. VFDIDE now puts all this tools together and integrates all these to a single IDE. Parts that are missing are added in the VFDIDE environment such as the Visual Form Designer. Available Tools are integratred instead of re-invented. Doesn't that make sense?
I don't understand your Registration concept. Can you please explain.	Fairly easy. VFDIDE is Postcard-Shareware and exists in 2 Levels: Level 1: Visual Form Designer I expect $25 and (optional) a postcard Level 2: Visual Form Designer and Integrated Development Environment I expect $35 and (optional) a postcard Level 3: Visual Form Designer and Integrated Development Environment and Line Level Debugger I expect $55 and (optional) a postcard You can pay either in cash (postal) with credit card via bank transfer (add the fees accordingly) Please refer to my registration section for details
I don't want to get Robot mails for automatic Release Information any more. What do I need to do?	Simply send an email to Ole.Grossklaus@t-online.de and put UNSUBSCRIBE VFDIDE in the subject or text of the email. As simple as that.