Datalink Software Central - Pollen Software

Okay, a number of people have commented that they get license errors when using the previous version of this software. This was due to the Sheridan THREED control, a newer version requires a special license to use. In an effort to make the software accesable to everyone I have completely rewritten it:

• I have used no custom controls, referencing only MS Windows Common Control (Version 5).
• I have created my own 3-D Picture/Text Buttons to keep an attrative look.
• I have cleaned up the associated files such as INI, and the Unlock and Security Keys.
• I have added an Internet Link to our Site as a New Tab.
• I have made the Back-up routine more robust.
• I have made the Code Panel significantly smaller.
• If the Security Key is removed the software will not load, regardless of the Unlock Key.
• You no longer need to download any custom control packs!
• Sorry, Previous Back-Up Diskettes are Incompatible, please blank and rewrite them.

The Datalink Wizard gives you more flexibility in managing your Data-link Files. First programmed because I use my Datalink software both in the office and at home. While Timex do provide some very basic batch files to achieve this, these do not perform adequately for most people's use.

With the Datalink Wizard, you can back-up and restore you files with a floppy, with the click of a single button. The software keeps tabs on the last back-up, avoiding the situation when you restore older files back to your hard drive. The software also has a valuable Notes tool, where you can keep your own notes, To Do lists etc.. These notes are then backed up and restored along with your other files. The first item in your To Do List (Page 5 in the Notes Feature) is even reflected in the main Datalink Wizard Screen.

With Advanced security features, the Datalink Wizard prevents others from having a squiz at your personal information. This is particularly valuable if one of the computers you use it on is shared with other people. The Datalink Wizard features a Pin-Pass entry, where a screen (optionally an image of your choosing) comes up with a keypad. Once the correct PIN is entered, the screen lifts and access is granted. The software can even be set to Auto-Close the Screen again. This can prevent you from accidentally walking away from the computer with the software unlocked. The screen can be set to resize to the size of your custom image (any Bitmap). This prevents you having to make a special graphic for the screen.

However, be warned, get the PIN wrong and your software is locked until you place your floppy in the A: drive. All your Datalink and Note files on the hard drive are left untouched. The program will not re-open until the security file is copied over from the floppy again. What does this mean? Well, it means:

•	You should not remove the "unlock.hts" file unless you want the security features. (It is probable wise to rename or move it rather than delete it)
•	You should remove any obvious shortcuts to the proprietary Datalink Software, as the Datalink Wizard can launch it directly.
•	You should remember your PIN.
•	You should back-up your files onto a Floppy Diskette.
•	You can see if the program is unlocked by looking at its icon in the Task Bar, Indiglo on means its unlocked. (if your in another program this is handy)
•	You probably going to email me to get the Security Key that came in the package you downloaded... :-)

To reset your entry, remeber to use the hash key <#>. This gets around the "Oh my God I carelessly clicked the wrong number!" issues. The software is readily restored after a security breach. It requests you place the floppy in the A: drive, and when it is, it copies the security key over and starts itself. Provided is a file which will permanently unlock the software. This file, while it exists, will cause a single push, of any button on the keypad, to open the software. This is handy for your "home" copy. Please note that this will unlock the software, but the Security Key MUST still be present for the software to load.

Besides this the software is easy to use, links directly to your Proprietary Datalink Software and allows you to get greater use out of your watch and the software provided with it. Here is a screenshot of the main screen, as you can see the software is well laid out easy to understand.

Here is a shot of the Main screen, with the provided graphic, in its locked state.

Below is a shot of the Notes feature. The Notes feature automatically compiles a Table of Contents when it is opened, or the Index Button is clicked. This is a rather full featured, infinately expandable Notes feature which can be used to keep your personal notes and lists:

The Print features has been designed to print the page rather small, if this is a problem contact me and I will give you a custom version (or add a font size option!). To see a screen shot of the advanced features it offers click above.

Get a Copy for Yourself!
Great for managing your files over multiple locations! (159 kb)

You may also need the Visual Basic Runtime,
I have included it here just in case. (381 kb)

This file (Vb40032.dll) goes into your Windows/ System directory. It may already be there