Notes for upgraders to Jabp4 from earlier versions
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Jabp was first released in 2002 and written in Java version 1.1. Jabp4 represents a complete rewrite of the program and has been largely modelled on the Android app JabpLite4 - the two programs share a considerable amount of code and underlying database structure. However the look and feel of the original Jabp has been retained, and upgraders from Jabp to Jabp4 should see much that is familiar.

The main difference between Jabp4 and JabpLite4 is that the former includes the ability to handle multiple files - hence there are additional options for New File, Open File, Split Files and Merge Files. In contrast, JabpLite4 only uses one default database. Both programs use a common backup format to a file named JabpLite.dat, so transferring data between the two programs is as easy as exporting from one and importing to the other.

Jabp4 uses a different file structure from earlier versions of Jabp. However both programs share the same backup format, again to a file named JabpLite.dat. So to transfer data from Jabp to Jabp4, do the following:

1. Launch legacy Jabp and use the "Export to JabpLite" option to create a backup file JabpLite.dat (or JabpLite.dat# if you are using backup encryption).
2. Launch Jabp4.  A new database will be created named "Data".  Use "Tools > Password" to set the same password (if applicable) as for Jabp. Exit the program using "File > Exit".
3. Copy JabpLite.dat to the newly-created backup folder. On Windows this will be C:\Users\(yourname)\Jabp4\Data\Backups\
4. Launch Jabp4 again and use "File > Import/Export > Import data (overwrite Preferences)".  You should see your Jabp data has been restored.

Alternatively, you can export data from JabpLite4 (again to JabpLite.dat), copy this file to your PC in the backup folder above and and import into Jabp4.

I hope you enjoy using Jabp4.  As always, I welcome any feedback and/or bug reports.

Malcolm Bryant & FreEPOC
December 2017
Last updated: 27 December 2017
