PRB: Database Volume Format Incompatible Between Major Operating System Versions (290311)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows CE Operating System, Versions 2.12
  • Microsoft Windows CE Operating System, Versions 2.11
  • Microsoft Windows CE Operating System, Versions 3.0

This article was previously published under Q290311

SYMPTOMS

Database volumes are compatible only with operating systems (OSs) of the same major version as the operating system on the device they were created on. A database created on a Windows CE 2.0 device cannot be used on a Windows CE 3.0 device, and vice versa. This incompatibility applies to the internal operating system database (CEDB) format only, not to those maintained by other applications, such as Microsoft SQL Server CE.

MORE INFORMATION

A database volume is a Windows CE database stored in a file and mounted with the CeMountDbVol API function. Because these database volumes can be stored on removable media, such as an ATA-Flash storage card, a user may attempt to transfer the volumes between devices with different major OS versions without conversion.

Users can transfer databases between devices with different major operating system versions by first converting the database to an intermediate desktop database format, such as .mdb. For example, Microsoft ActiveSync converts CEDB format files (.cdb) as they are transferred onto the desktop host. The desktop file can then be transferred to the second device through the same method.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/5/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB290311