I need to backup my Datahawk files (20 yrs of data) in order to convert to BD. Program backup does not work with DOS 6.0 or later. Do you have any Datahawk tips. I am eager to move to BD and would appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your encouraging reply! Good plan. I keep striking out for remedies to the DOS 6.0+ stumbling block.

God bless and Good Birding, Tadas

Hello:

I am confused as to what problem we are trying to help you resolve.

Basically, if you want to move your data from DataHawk (or any other birding program) you will need to be able to export that data into some standard (e.g. CSV, Excel, etc) format. Are you asking if we know how to do that in Datahawk? If so, I don't. SteveO is correct when he states that I have converted Datahawk data to BD in the past, but the customer has always given me that data in CSV or other standard format for me to work with on Windows.

Let me know please,

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Initially you told me you could make the conversion form Datahawk to BD. So I went to make a backup file to convert for you in the specified format. My problem is that DH needs a DOS version earlier than 6.0 to execute the BACKUP.EXE command. So, I am looking for ideas from anyone who has them to help me accomplish this. I understand I need to get to that point in order to deliver a workable file to you. Just hoping someone out there has an idea to get me off this DOS reef I'm stuck on.

Got it now Jonas. Thanks. I lose context sometimes and just need a nudge in the right direction.

I am going to assume that because noone has responded, we are not going to get help here. Have you tried Google to see if there is anything there?

Also, because I know next to nothing about Datahawk, is the Backup the key to getting the data into a text file format, or is there some sort of Export function within DH? So that we can bypass the backup issue.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

DH has no export utility. Backup.exe is key to creating backups 'on floppies'.

BUT ...  I am pretty sure I've found a solution!  The README doc explains that BACKUP.EXE simply backs up the DBF file set onto a separate disk. So ... I will copy the DBF files (12 of them; 3.3Mb) and convert to your required file format (E.g. Excel).

I am glad you’ve done this before because I have a lot of notes for trips & sightings associated with the records. In fact, I will need to identify for you any special codes (BVD, P=photo, et al) that are in the records.

I know this can be tricky and I am ready to be patient and get you whatever info you need. I can also send you the entire Datahawk directory in tact so you can run the program if that helps with the conversion.

If this makes sense, just let me knwo where to upload the files and wheterher or not you want the whoel program/data directory (11Mb)

- Tadas (Jonas not my name)

Hello Tadas,

A couple points of clarification please:

• I need for you to get me your Datahawk data in any sort of formatted textual format (e.g. CSV, Excel,  etc) that I can work with. Once you get me those, I will verify for you that I can convert the data into BD. Before I do the actual conversion, I will need for you to purchase a BD user license and at least one taxonomic list.
• I will not be able to do anything with special codes that are in your records. If they are in your sighting comments, then they will also be imported into BD's sighting comments.

Make sense? Let me know if you have any questions around this please.

Jeff

Hi Jeff - Thank you for clarifying. When is 3.7 scheudled for release? - Tadas

Hi Jeff,

I have purchased Birder’s Diary and am ready for instructions on how to upload the Datahawk data files to you. Does the DataHawk data need to be added to BD BEFORE I use BD?

Very excited to get started! Your program is outstanding!

- Tadas

Tadas,

At the top of this page, click Support, then select File Upload.

If you can, Zip the BirdHawk data,

Then click Upload, fill in the fields, and click the next Upload button.

OK Steve O,

I’ve uploaded three files for you:

1)      A summary sheet that describes the Datahawk program w screenshots to help you understand the file structure

2)      The Datahawk sightings data in a ZIP file. Two file formats:

a.       Original DBF files

b.      XLS files

3)      Datahawk program in its entirety

a.       Run in DOS using the dh.exe

b.      All my data is in there as well

c.       This may help you understand the file structure as well

As I have about 20 years of data in here, it is important enough to discuss if you have questions. Just let me know if you would like to speak about any of the records before you create the BDiary version.

BIG QUESTION: Can I use BD now OR should I wait for your conversion before entering any new BD data?

Thank you for your help,

Tadas

Sounds great Jeff,

I am delighted with your service! You are really wonderful to work with.

I will have to get some of your brochures to distribute when I teach birds/nature. I reach 100s of  students per year, mostly beginners. I may also add a link on the Lifebird site on this page http://www.lifebird.com/books2binos/books2binos.htm

God bless and good birding,  Tadas

Tadas,

I would very much welcome a link on your site! 

Thanks for the kudos also. I have your files down on my system and SteveO and myself will figure out how to get things converted shortly.

Jeff