Upgrading. It is extremely easy to get enhancements and upgrades to ODB as soon as we release them. ODB has a built-in a feature to allow Internet users to download and run a new version of the ODB setup program from within ODB. This feature requires your computer's Internet connection to be on, and takes about four minutes via modem, or fifteen seconds on a high-speed connection. To use the feature, just click the help icon ('?') in the upper right corner of ODB, and choose Check for New Version.

Note: while the ODB data file may be kept in a shared network folder, every user has a distinct installation of the ODB program on her/his computer. This means that each user will need to update ODB separately.

The installation program you download when you "Check for New Version" also includes an updated user guide. But it is not a full installer that can be used to install ODB on a machine that never used it before. If you need that installer, you must go to the www.organizersdb.org web site and enter your name and email address.

Making your upgrade go smoothly. People who are accustomed to other software often fear the upgrade process. With ODB there is little to fear. You simply upgrade on top of your original ODB installation. All versions of ODB from 2002-2006 use the same basic format and are backward compatible. You will NOT lose your data.

However, because older ODB database files don't contain all the fields and settings available in version 1.0, you should run the 1.0 update utility, located within the "Converters" folder of your ODB installation. The update utility will add fields and settings that will enable you to turn on some newer features.

In the process of upgrading, ODB will leave a file on your desktop called odbupgrade.exe. You may delete this after the upgrade completes; if you have a slow Internet connection you might want to provide this file (via diskette or via your network) to other users of ODB in your office so they can also upgrade.

If you originally installed ODB in a location that is not standard (any other than the default recommended by the installer), you will be prompted when upgrading to make sure you choose the same location when updating, so that you upgrade "on top of" your existing installation.

Uninstalling. Please use the new uninstaller only if you plan to cease using ODB on that machine, as one of its features will delete your entire ODB installation, which may include backup files, custom queries, etc. Please remember that uninstallation is completely unnecessary if all you want to do is upgrade to a new version.