PFL Frequently Asked Questions

Registration Issues

How do I register to unlock my Pocket Flight Log?
Surf on over to here and buy it. Once you have the keycode, enter it in theTools>About screen. There is NO need to redownload or reinstall.

I have paid for my registration key, but it won’t work. What’s wrong?
There may be a mismatch between your “Owner Name” as listed on the Today Screen of your device and the name you supplied during registration. Ensure these two names are identical. The names are case-sensitive. Therefore, dogfood does not equal DOGFOOD.

I’ve lost my registration code. How can I get it back?
Send us an email with your registration information (name, address and Owner Name from your PPC) and we’ll send you a code.

Where is the documentation for Pocket Flight Log?
  • Launch Pocket Flight Log. Then, clickStart>Help.
  • Read the User's Guide located on your desktop computer Start>Programs>Pocket Flight Log>PFL User's Guide



Installation Issues

How do I handle a "Failed to copy file" error when I try to install Pocket Flight Log?
What you are experiencing is a quirk of Windows. As best as I can tell it is caused by running the installation file from the zip file (using windows “compressed” folders) without first expressly unzipping the file. Windows creates temp files that are read only and any subsequent attempt to run setup results in this problem…sometimes.
Assuming you were running version 1.37, you do not need to do anything but enter your keycode on your Pocket PC to unlock the program (there is not a separate file for the trial version).
However, if you delete the temp directory (C:\Program Files\Pocket Flight Log on your desktop computer) and then unzip the PocketFlightLog.zip file to a folder before running setup.exe, this should alleviate the problem in the future.
Or you can do this:
  • Connect your to your Pocket PC using Active Sync and let it synchronize
  • ClickFile>Explore
  • Open a window to C:\PROGRAM FILES\POCKET FLIGHT LOG\PocketFlightLog.Arm 1100 [4K] v3.00.cab
    • Use the SH3 for older HP pocket PCs
    • Use MIPS for older Casio pocket PCs
  • Drag the cab file to the window you opened to your Pocket PC
  • Now, On your Pocket PC open the My Documents Folder, find the cab file you just copied and click on it
  • Pocket Flight log will now install.


I’ve just installed a newer version of Pocket Flight Log and the program won’t recognize my old data. What can I do now?
Upgrading does not require you to uninstall the previous version. The new version will install with no loss of previously entered data. However, if you need to replace a missing database, be sure to put it back in the proper location (\Program Files\Pocket Flight Log\Data is the default folder) before the first time the new version is started.

How can I solve various installation problems?
  • On your device, delete the Pocket Flight Log folder in the Program Files directory.
  • Reset your device.
  • Connect and sync your device via ActiveSync.
  • With ActiveSync clickFile>Explore.
  • Now, open a Window to Program Files\Pocket Flight Log\ on your desktop computer and drag PocketFlightLog.arm 1100(4K).v3.00.cab (or whatever .cab file is need for your Pocket PC’s processor) to the open window on your device.
  • Disconnect your device from ActiveSync.
  • Now, on your device, open the My Documents folder and look for the file we just copied. Click on it and it should install. Let it replace any files it wants to.


Why do I get a message saying “There is no application associated with Pocket Flight Log” after installation?
  • The Cause of the Problem: The uninstall routine of the Pocket PC has a problem with the way it counts and keeps track of dependant programs. If a program gets installed that is dependant on another program (or control) the uninstaller is suppose to count and track the information. This way when a program gets uninstalled, the uninstall routine should know what pieces to uninstall besides the main program. In this particular case our program is dependant on a eVB runtime program called PVBLoad (and a number of related runtime support files). You most likely have recently uninstalled a program that was associated to the eVB runtimes, the uninstaller in the process removed the associations to the eVB runtime files that any eVB dependant program requires. It did this basically because it thought that this was the last program on the device that required the association, when in fact it should not have.
  • The Solution is Simple:
    • Pocket PC 2002 and earlier:  You should be able to solve the problem by installing this file. During the installation you will be prompted to install a number of files that the installation procedure says are already on your device but have somewhat different dates associated to them. Say "Yes" to installing those files, the install procedure will fix the associations that need to be made on your device that where messed up by the uninstall.
    • Windows Mobile 2003 and later: Install this file using your desktop computer with your device cradled.  Then reinstall Pocket Flight Log.

I just upgraded to a new Pocket PC and now I can't get Pocket Flight Log to install.

  • Run the setup program on your desktop computer and choose uninstall.  Once that procedure is complete, run setup again it will install normally.


Data Issues

How can I sync my data with my desktop every time I connect?
  • The easy way: Run DatabaseSyncSetupfrom Start>Programs>Pocket FlightLog>DatabaseSync Setup. If you are having problems running DatabaseSync Setup you probably need to install the Microsoft .NET Framework on your computer. You can download it at the Windows Update site.
  • The hard way: Download these instructions.
  • Now, every time you sync your pocket pc your data will be synced and backed up on your desktop.


How can I input my past flying time?
Go to the Tools menu and selectUtilities>Set Initial Times and enter the aggregate times you have logged in all previous airplanes. This method saves entry time and is more efficient than entering each past flight individually.

Can I import flying times from other programs?
Once you have set up a sync relationship, as described above. You can import data into the tables. Since there is no standard for storing flight data, each import has to be done by hand. If you are not Microsoft Access™ savvy, then you can purchase this service here.

What is the MS Database Wizard used for?
You only need this file if you are transferring your flight log data from a version of Pocket Flight Log that ran on a Pocket PC operating system prior to Windows Mobile 2003 to a Windows Mobile 2003 device. Do NOT use this the wizard unless this is your situation.

How do I restore the PFL2.mdb file to my device?
Download these instructions and follow step 1, 2, 3, and 7.


Operational Issues

What is the recommended method for running Pocket Flight Log?
We recommend leaving Pocket Flight Log running throughout the day when you are flying. If you need to use another Pocket PC app, just click the Start button and use the menu (or use some other task switching program). This will provide several benefits:
  • You don’t have to wait for the program to reload
  • Allows the crew duty calculator to run in the background
  • Allows you to switch tasks without valid data entered



Hardware Issues

Why won’t Pocket Flight Log run correctly on my Pocket PC 2003 handheld?
You need to download and install the eMbedded Visual Basic Runtime™ for Pocket PC 2003.

Registration Issues

How do I register to unlock my Pocket Flight Log?
Surf on over to here and buy it. Once you have the keycode, enter it in theTools>About screen. There is NO need to redownload or reinstall.

I have paid for my registration key, but it won’t work. What’s wrong?
There may be a mismatch between your “Owner Name” as listed on the Today Screen of your device and the name you supplied during registration. Ensure these two names are identical. The names are case-sensitive. Therefore, dogfood does not equal DOGFOOD.

I’ve lost my registration code. How can I get it back?
Send us an email with your registration information (name, address and Owner Name from your PPC) and we’ll send you a code.

Where is the documentation for Pocket Flight Log?
  • Launch Pocket Flight Log. Then, clickStart>Help.
  • Read the User's Guide located on your desktop computer Start>Programs>Pocket Flight Log>PFL User's Guide



Installation Issues

How do I handle a "Failed to copy file" error when I try to install Pocket Flight Log?
What you are experiencing is a quirk of Windows. As best as I can tell it is caused by running the installation file from the zip file (using windows “compressed” folders) without first expressly unzipping the file. Windows creates temp files that are read only and any subsequent attempt to run setup results in this problem…sometimes.
Assuming you were running version 1.37, you do not need to do anything but enter your keycode on your Pocket PC to unlock the program (there is not a separate file for the trial version).
However, if you delete the temp directory (C:\Program Files\Pocket Flight Log on your desktop computer) and then unzip the PocketFlightLog.zip file to a folder before running setup.exe, this should alleviate the problem in the future.
Or you can do this:
  • Connect your to your Pocket PC using Active Sync and let it synchronize
  • ClickFile>Explore
  • Open a window to C:\PROGRAM FILES\POCKET FLIGHT LOG\PocketFlightLog.Arm 1100 [4K] v3.00.cab
    • Use the SH3 for older HP pocket PCs
    • Use MIPS for older Casio pocket PCs
  • Drag the cab file to the window you opened to your Pocket PC
  • Now, On your Pocket PC open the My Documents Folder, find the cab file you just copied and click on it
  • Pocket Flight log will now install.


I’ve just installed a newer version of Pocket Flight Log and the program won’t recognize my old data. What can I do now?
Upgrading does not require you to uninstall the previous version. The new version will install with no loss of previously entered data. However, if you need to replace a missing database, be sure to put it back in the proper location (\Program Files\Pocket Flight Log\Data is the default folder) before the first time the new version is started.

How can I solve various installation problems?
  • On your device, delete the Pocket Flight Log folder in the Program Files directory.
  • Reset your device.
  • Connect and sync your device via ActiveSync.
  • With ActiveSync clickFile>Explore.
  • Now, open a Window to Program Files\Pocket Flight Log\ on your desktop computer and drag PocketFlightLog.arm 1100(4K).v3.00.cab (or whatever .cab file is need for your Pocket PC’s processor) to the open window on your device.
  • Disconnect your device from ActiveSync.
  • Now, on your device, open the My Documents folder and look for the file we just copied. Click on it and it should install. Let it replace any files it wants to.


Why do I get a message saying “There is no application associated with Pocket Flight Log” after installation?
  • The Cause of the Problem: The uninstall routine of the Pocket PC has a problem with the way it counts and keeps track of dependant programs. If a program gets installed that is dependant on another program (or control) the uninstaller is suppose to count and track the information. This way when a program gets uninstalled, the uninstall routine should know what pieces to uninstall besides the main program. In this particular case our program is dependant on a eVB runtime program called PVBLoad (and a number of related runtime support files). You most likely have recently uninstalled a program that was associated to the eVB runtimes, the uninstaller in the process removed the associations to the eVB runtime files that any eVB dependant program requires. It did this basically because it thought that this was the last program on the device that required the association, when in fact it should not have.
  • The Solution is Simple:
    • Pocket PC 2002 and earlier:  You should be able to solve the problem by installing this file. During the installation you will be prompted to install a number of files that the installation procedure says are already on your device but have somewhat different dates associated to them. Say "Yes" to installing those files, the install procedure will fix the associations that need to be made on your device that where messed up by the uninstall.
    • Windows Mobile 2003 and later: Install this file using your desktop computer with your device cradled.  Then reinstall Pocket Flight Log.


Data Issues

How can I sync my data with my desktop every time I connect?
  • The easy way: Run DatabaseSyncSetupfrom Start>Programs>Pocket FlightLog>DatabaseSync Setup. If you are having problems running DatabaseSync Setup you probably need to install the Microsoft .NET Framework on your computer. You can download it at the Windows Update site.
  • The hard way: Download these instructions.
  • Now, every time you sync your pocket pc your data will be synced and backed up on your desktop.


How can I input my past flying time?
Go to the Tools menu and selectUtilities>Set Initial Times and enter the aggregate times you have logged in all previous airplanes. This method saves entry time and is more efficient than entering each past flight individually.

Can I import flying times from other programs?
Once you have set up a sync relationship, as described above. You can import data into the tables. Since there is no standard for storing flight data, each import has to be done by hand. If you are not Microsoft Access™ savvy, then you can purchase this service here.

What is the MS Database Wizard used for?
You only need this file if you are transferring your flight log data from a version of Pocket Flight Log that ran on a Pocket PC operating system prior to Windows Mobile 2003 to a Windows Mobile 2003 device. Do NOT use this the wizard unless this is your situation.

How do I restore the PFL2.mdb file to my device?
Download these instructions and follow step 1, 2, 3, and 7.


Operational Issues

What is the recommended method for running Pocket Flight Log?
We recommend leaving Pocket Flight Log running throughout the day when you are flying. If you need to use another Pocket PC app, just click the Start button and use the menu (or use some other task switching program). This will provide several benefits:
  • You don’t have to wait for the program to reload
  • Allows the crew duty calculator to run in the background
  • Allows you to switch tasks without valid data entered



Hardware Issues

Why won’t Pocket Flight Log run correctly on my Pocket PC 2003 handheld?
You need to download and install the eMbedded Visual Basic Runtime™ for Pocket PC 2003.