Compatibility, syncing, and mixing older and newer DT apps, OS and devices

[Headscratcher]

I’ve got a mix of older and newer devices - Mac desktop computers, iPhones, and an iPad, all of which are (mostly) running various DEVONthink versions. I’ve been successfully syncing between them (usually, until recently). I set this all up years ago, and have been pretty happily using this mashup ever since, but exactly how I got syncing to work is now a fuzzy memory, so I’d like to refresh my understanding of that. First I’d like to get DT on these devices all working reliably and predictably (to the extent that’s possible given the wide disparity in operating systems and the devices they’re running on).

OK, so here’s what I’ve got:

Mac desktop #1: It’s an old iMac (Retina 5K, 27", Late 2015). Running macOS Big Sur 11.7.10, and DEVONthink 2.11.2. This is my primary machine (it’s been a real workhorse forever).

Mac desktop #2: Mac Studio (2022). Running macOS Monterey 12.7.6. This one is not running any version of DT yet, so I’d like to set it aside and focus my efforts on the other devices for now.

iPhone X: Currently being retired after soldiering on for many years, it has worked well but the Battery Gods deem it’s time for me to move on. It’s still functional (as long as I keep it plugged in…), running iOS 16.7.12, and DEVONthink To Go 2.7.9 (16486). It’s to be recycled, but not until I get DT working on its replacement, which is…

iPhone 16 Pro: New, working well generally and getting updated as needed. Running iOS 26.2 and has DEVONthink To Go 2.7.9 (16486) installed but not exactly working (the app was just migrated from the old phone, the database is disconnected and needs to sync). I figure it’s highly likely I need to update to a much newer version of the app on this phone before I can expact anything to work…but given the old version of the desktop app, not sure what to do next.

iPad Mini v6, running iOS 15.6.1 and DEVONthink To Go 2.7.1 (16337). I was able to sync this one (from the iPad) recently (a few weeks ago) by simply tapping the little “cloud” icon, but that’s no longer working. We can get to this later.

My top priority now is getting DT on the new iPhone.

OK, so that’s what I’ve got. My first question: Should I install a new/current version of DEVONthink To Go on the new iPhone? If so, which version?

Note that I’m gonna need to be able to sync from the version of DT that’s running on the old desktop iMac (currently DT 2.11.2, running on macOS 11.7.10).

I am taking this one step at a time to try and keep it simple (and me sane); my concern is compatibility across these multiple devices which are running a wide range of operating systems. I can do minor updates on some of the devices, but for example the iMac has already had all the minor updates that are available; the next update would require going to macOS 12.7.4 Monterey, and I know from experience that might trigger a cascade of multiple required updates (so I’d rather not go there, at least not yet, if I don’t have to).

I’ll have some dumb questions about syncing later, but for now, I’m just looking for advice on which versions of DT to be focused on.

For context: my use of DT is quite simple (I only use it to copy notes, mostly text but with some images, between desktop and mobile devices; I know I am only using a tiny fraction of its features, that’s OK…as long as I can get them to work).

Thanks in advance for the help.

[BLUEFROG]

Note: You should not be running out of date versions of our software or the operating systems and should stay current point releases, when possible. And yes, that includes updating to the most current version of Monterey.

My top priority now is getting DT on the new iPhone.

Your top priority should be getting DEVONthink on the Mac updated and in shape to sync to other devices. There’s no point in worrying about a new iPhone until you have a master database, running in up to date software, available to sync.

• The last version of DEVONthink 2.x is 2.11.3. Update it on the iMac from Legacy Downloads. Start here and do not skip this step. You can technically upgrade to 3.9.16 but not DEVONthink 4 as that requires macOS 13 Ventura.

• Forget the iPhone X. There’s no point in updating a device you’re mothballing.

• The iPad Mini 6 supports the latest version of iPadOS so update it.

• On the iPhone 16 Pro running iOS 26, delete DEVONthink To Go. Then you should be running DEVONthink To Go 3.8.14 or ideally version 4.0.2. And yes, it can sync with DEVONthink 3 on the Mac.

So start by updating the OS and DEVONthink on the iMac. Then open the desired database(s), doing a File > Verify & Repair Database on it (them), and make sure they’re healthy.
Install DEVONthink To Go 4 on the iPhone 16. You can wait on the iPad Mini until you get things set up on the iPhone. You’d follow the same steps to set up the iPad.

Then review the literature on syncing to make an informed decision on it. Check out the In & Out > Sync section of the built-in Help and manual.

PS: I’d recommend you take some time to consider a hardware upgrade. Not only do you make yourself eligible to run the latest version of DEVONthink, the magnitude of upgraded performance between even a used M1 Mac and your current Intel Mac will blow your mind.

[Headscratcher]

Reviving this sad thread because I’m badly stuck and need to figure out how to make simple things work. Sigh. I can’t tell you how many hours/days/weeks I’ve thrown at this, with little to show for all my efforts. Extremely frustrating.

Here’s what I’m trying to do:

All I want to do is simply sync one database from my old desktop Mac to my new iPhone.

I have multiple devices which are working just fine, and have been, literally for years. I replaced my old phone, now can’t get things to sync with the new phone.

Here are the devices in the mix:

Desktop iMac. It’s an old iMac (Retina 5K, 27", Late 2015). Running macOS Monterey 12.7.6 (that’s as updated as it can get, there are no further OS updates offered). On this Mac I’m running DEVONthink 2.11.3. This is my primary machine (it’s been a real workhorse forever). Yes, it’s old, but it works quite well for most of my needs (no video editing on this machine).

Mac desktop #2: Mac Studio (2022). Running macOS Monterey 12.7.6. This one is not running any version of DT yet, so I’d like to set it aside and focus my efforts on the other devices for now.

iPad Mini v6 Running iOS 15.6.1 and DEVONthink To Go 2.7.1 (16337). I am able to sync the database from the iMac now, by simply tapping the little “cloud” icon. This should also work on the phone but does not.

And now (sigh…) the new phone. An iPhone 17 Pro, running iOS 26.3.
I have installed DEVONthink 3.8.16 (and paid Apple for it, twice…).

Here’s the problem (as I see it): I am unable to sync the database from the iMac to the iPhone. (I had been able to sync from the same iMac to my ancient iPhone but that finally died end of last year).

What’s happening (and what’s not):
I am unable to sync my database to the phone. I sync easily from the iMac to the iPad (click the little “cloud” icon). When I try doing the same thing to the iPhone, nothing happens.

Please forgive me, I’m probably going to munge up some of the terminology here, I’ll try to be as clear as I can. It’s obvious that there’s a hierarchy of “containers” (or virtual containers)…in the app on both the iMac and the iPad, the left panel contains various types of containers: Special, Smart Groups, databases. For me, there’s a “container” (database) called “Personal” that I’m trying to sync. That database is visible on the iMac and on the iPad. It’s not there on the iPhone. There’s nothing in the app on the phone - it’s empty, and apparently disconnected from the database on the iMac.

So I’m trying to figure out how to get that database from the iMac to the phone with no success (syncing fails, nothing happens).

Here’s what I see:

So, my problem is: I have been unable to “get” the database to sync to the phone, and my first question:

Is this because of an incompatibility between the versions of DT I’m running?

Or have I just completely forgotten how to “connect” DT on the iPhone to DT on the iMac (it has been years since I first set this up…).

Any help appreciated. Thank you.

PS: I have verified the integrity of the database on the iMac. Just can’t get it on the phone.

[chrillek]

You should at the very least tell us how you’re trying to sync
Apart from that: I doubt that this setup is viable. DT2 is out of maintenance since years and DT(TG)3 has been replaced by DT4 already.
You will have to upgrade eventually.

[Headscratcher]

Well, there’s an issue - I’ve lost track of exactly how I have been syncing (it’s been so long since I set it up). So I could use some guidance on how I can tell, it obviously would be a good thing to know or at least recognize.

For sure, I can still sync from the iMac to my iPad (and before my old phone died, was able to sync to that, too). Just not on the new phone. To do so (Sync), in the mobile apps, I simply click on the small “cloud” icon on the bottom of the left panel…

When the app is running on the desktop iMac and I click the Sync icon, I see a very brief animation of the icon, and a status message flashes saying “syncing from [account name] on [desktop computer name]” for an instant (that status message is from memory, and may not be exact, but is close). The status line is only displayed for a second or two, and is not always shown - which makes it hard to get the exact string.

In the iMac app, if I pull up “Preferences” the panel opens up, and on the Sync tab, it looks like this:

None of the “Locations” are checked (selected), but I note the “Bonjour Options…” button is enabled. When I click on it, I get the following “Enable incoming connections” dialog:

Note: that Port number that seems random to me (I don’t know if this is a number I entered manually or if it was chosen randomly/programmatically). The Port number in this dialog is not 12345, I just changed it to that before taking the screenshot, in case posting the port number in a public forum was a security risk; I’ve just changed it back to the seemingly random 5-digit number).

I note there’s also a 12-digit (obfuscated) password. In my notes (I typically record initial settings, though for this they are very short on details), I do have a recorded password that is 12 digits, so likely the one I entered. The port number looks random to me (probably is, I would ordinarily choose a number that I’d recognize…probably).

The other choices (besides Bonjour) are:
CloudMe (not something I would choose)
Dropbox (not something I would choose)
iCloud (not something I would choose)
WebDAV - (probably not something I would choose)
Local Sync Store (also probably not something I would choose)

All the above suggests (at least to me) that I probably set it up to sync via “Bonjour” but that’s not a technology I am very familiar with, and honestly I’m not sure. I probably just poked around and eventually tried stuff until I found something that worked - and left it that way, for years.

A random observation: When the desktop app is closed (not running), the Sync icon is grayed-out (dimmed, not selectable). When I launch the desktop app again, the Sync icon appears (and is) enabled. So there’s clearly some connection between the app on the iMac and the mobile app on the iPad. Is that because Bonjour? Don’t know.

So…the answer to your perfectly reasonable question is “I don’t know” (and I would like to) but my first guess would be: I think it probably syncs to other devices via Bonjour.

And here’s a related question which could help me troubleshoot and determine if the issue here is simply not having “connected” the new mobile app on the phone to the associated desktop app, or a compatibility issue: How exactly would I complete the setup on the phone (to connect to the desktop app) if I was syncing via Bonjour? It’s clearly not connecting…is that because I’ve just skipped the steps required to connect via Bonjour? What are the steps to do that?

Thank you for any insights you can offer.

[chrillek]

The sync method is defined in the preferences. At least for DT(TG) 3 and 4. I don’t know about DT2.

@Headscratcher

I simply click on the small “cloud” icon on the bottom of the left panel…

Why? Sync should be automatic, unless you turned that off (again, in the preferences). Which you shouldn’t do, imo.

@Headscratcher

None of the “Locations” are checked (selected), but I note the “Bonjour Options…”

Obviously, you’re syncing with Bonjour. And there’s a whole chapter on syncing with Bonjour in the manual. Did you read that? Probably not, because a lot of your questions/ramblings are answered there. I suggest that you do read it. There’s little point in repeating all that here again.
As to your password: That must be identical on all devices you want to sync. But if I understand the manual correctly, you can change it will anytime, as long as it’s identical everywhere.

@Headscratcher

All the above suggests (at least to me) that I probably set it up to sync via “Bonjour”

No need to guess here: Bonjour is active, and it is the only sync method that is. So, if your sync works (at least partially), it must be via Bonjour.

@Headscratcher

What are the steps to do that?

All that’s explained in the manual – in DT as well as in DTTG, which also comes with an extensive help. Also, there are numerous posts here in the forum explaining Bonjour sync, and I seem to remember blog posting(s) about the same issue.
Briefly: On your mobile device, you must set the sync method to Bonjour, you must not enable incoming connections, you should leave the port empty (on all devices), and set the same password (on all devices).

And you should upgrade DT/DTTG. There’s little point in continuing with unsupported software.

[Headscratcher]

A frustrating conversation continues. Where to begin…?

I had hoped to get a simple answer about how to see if my setup was configured correctly to sync at all - before “upgrading” (a term that’s evidently used loosely here). Not appreciative of being lectured, nor having my questions and explanations characterized as “ramblings.”

Before “upgrading” I wanted to simply see if my sync setup was configured correctly. I still don’t know if that is. I figured it would be worth a try to just try and get the configuration correct before “upgrading” to a newer version - since it might work perfectly well if it was simply set up correctly, but I don’t know if it is (having spent years in IT and support, I’ve learned to change ONE THING at a time when troubleshooting…checking the sync configuration was the first thing). If it was set up correctly and still didn’t sync, then I’d “upgrade”. But mostly I’m getting lectures and told to do things I’d rather not (eg: “Sync should be automatic, unless you turned that off (again, in the preferences). Which you shouldn’t do, imo.” I have indeed turn that off. Why should it be or must it be automatic and always-on? It seems like an unnecessary process I don’t need running constantly. Honestly, I sync manually once every month or two, that’s all I need from it. I question why it’s necessary to have Sync constantly running. Sorry if that’s not expected; I don’t believe it’s needed at least for me as a user, unless there’s some technical need for that…and since there’s an option to turn off automatic sync, I’d wonder why I shouldn’t use that). It’s a minor point but not all users have the same needs - something to consider.

I’ve looked through a lot of documentation (there’s a lot of it), I found nothing at all about setting up syncing. Maybe I’ve looked in the wrong places. RTFM, fine. A pointer to the correct FM would be helpful.

Alright, no help on how to set up sync, so I still don’t know if the pieces I have are supposed to work together, maybe they’re just configured incorrectly. So I downloaded (from the Legacy Downloads page) and installed DEVONthink 3.9.17. Launched it (defining my terms: I assume there is a difference between installing then launching a new version, versus UPGRADING from a previous version…a “clean install” versus “upgrading” which I assume takes an existing installation and upgrades (changes) the app and/or database). Lacking clarity on that, I just installed v. 3.0.17.

Not surprisingly, it launches, seems to run OK, but of course it’s “empty” - it doesn’t recognize any existing database, which I guess is expected, but not a very useful condition when trying to troubleshoot syncing. So I have DEVONthink 3.9.17 running, it seems stable, but it’s “empty” (has no database) and since it’s got no database, I can’t check to see if by some miracle it will sync. So I’m exactly where I was days ago: I’ve got an app on the iMac, I’ve got an app on the phone, and I can’t sync (now I don’t know if it’s set up correctly, or set up at all - AND there’s no database to sync…doesn’t look like a lot of progress to me).

Just guessing here, but I’d expect the app on first launch to search for existing databases in a default location (from a previous version) and prompt the user if they want to update or connect to that database. It doesn’t do that. OK, fair enough, a different use case. But this prompts me to question if I have “installed” it correctly, or if I should have run some different “Upgrade installer” which would simplify the process (I don’t think there was an “upgrade installer” but maybe I missed that). Still don’t know, and no instructions were included with the download (at least none that I saw).

I can go and hunt down the location of the existing database for the old version, and manually point the new version to that (File > Open Database…) and open it. Maybe everything will magically fall into place then…and maybe then I can try and test syncing then…but maybe it will over-write the database and make it unusable if I have to revert to the older version of the app (at this point, I might need to)…I do have a full backup of the machine made before I started messing with this, so I can undo any damage, but I’d rather avoid that task by getting it right the first time. But no guidance on that.

Maybe I can live without this on my phone. It synced fine to the iPad yesterday. Just seems like it shouldn’t be such a chore to simply get it installed and check how the sync settings are configured (or if they are configured at all). A frustrating experience.

Are there any step-by-step instructions for “upgrading” posted anywhere? (if so, I have not found them, or have spent so much time messing around with all this I’ve forgotten them). Are the “upgrade” instructions simply:

1. Download the app
2. Install the app
3. Launch the app
4. (There is no step 4)

[BLUEFROG]

A random observation: When the desktop app is closed (not running), the Sync icon is grayed-out (dimmed, not selectable). When I launch the desktop app again, the Sync icon appears (and is) enabled. So there’s clearly some connection between the app on the iMac and the mobile app on the iPad. Is that because Bonjour? Don’t know.

Yes. Bonjour is a direct device-to-device connection requiring both applications to be on and running DEVONthink or DEVONthink To Go.

This is actually covered in the Help for DEVONthink 4, but here is my previous discussion on the topic: Bonjour Simplified

Not surprisingly, it launches, seems to run OK, but of course it’s “empty” - it doesn’t recognize any existing database, which I guess is expected, but not a very useful condition when trying to troubleshoot syncing.

DEVONthink 2 and 3 are separate applications with separate preferences so no, version 3 isn’t going to open the same databases on launch. However, it does automatically migrate the Global Inbox and some other resources, provided you didn’t run an uninstaller application.

Just guessing here, but I’d expect the app on first launch to search for existing databases in a default location (from a previous version) and prompt the user if they want to update or connect to that database. It doesn’t do that.

DEVONthink has never searched for and prompted finding databases. (First suggestion I recall actually.) With the exception of the Global Inbox, your databases are located where you created them. If you don’t recall, do a Spotlight search in the Finder for kind:database name:dtbase2.

I can go and hunt down the location of the existing database for the old version, and manually point the new version to that (File > Open Database…) and open it.

Not being pedantic but you’re literally opening the database no differently than you did in DEVONthink 2.x. There is no migration or conversion or anything different regarding how to open and access a database.

1. Download the app
2. Install the app
3. Launch the app
4. (There is no step 4)

4. Quit the app.
5. Go into the /Applications directory, move the DEVONthink Personal/Pro/Pro Office application to the system Trash. Do NOT run an uninstaller application.
6. Reboot the machine.
7. Locate your databases, via memory or Spotlight, and double-click to open them in DEVONthink 3.
8. Go into the Sync settings and verify Bonjour Options are enabled.
9. Double-check the sync settings in DEVONthink To Go. You may need to remove the old sync location and add it again, but that remains to be seen.

---

You said you have an iPad Mini 6. Why are you still running iOS 15.6.1 and a very outdated version of DEVONthink To Go? It supports iPadOS 26. Are you not going to use DEVONthink To Go on it, ideally version 4 as version 3 is in maintenance and will be retired at some point?

[Headscratcher]

Thank you, BLUEFROG, for the reply. It’s helpful and addresses (most of) my questions.

DEVONthink 2 and 3 are separate applications with separate preferences so no, version 3 isn’t going to open the same databases on launch.

Fair enough, and that seems a perfectly reasonable choice. Indeed, I currently (while I’m trying to get things sorted out) have both DT 2.11.3 and DT 3.9.17 on the machine. I am able to launch and run either of them and each seems OK (by itself - I have not and will not try running them at the same time, to avoid any potential collisions).

I have run no “uninstaller” apps (don’t use such things, unless there’s an uninstaller for a specific app by its developer). My Gobal Inbox is empty (in both versions) which makes sense - the Global Inbox being an “inbox” is presumably a temporary way-station, and I have things sorted elsewhere. OK.

With the exception of the Global Inbox, your databases are located where you created them.

I have no recollection of that location (long ago), and in my “notes” for DT I see no mention of that. Hmm. Searching for “dtbase2” I find no files containing that string (only five instances of the text string “dtBase2” in the downloaded DEVONthink 3 Manual.pdf). I assume the file name is not case-sensitive, and is not “hidden” or otherwise obfuscated (correct?).

So, where has my database gone? It’s still functioning (readable, editable) in DT2.

Is the name of the database user-editable? When it’s first created, is the user prompted to name the file and choose a location - or is it hard-coded to be named “dtBase2” and written to a default location? If so, what’s the default path? It’s possible I gave it a unique name, but typically would save it to the default location (assuming I had those options).

I assume it is a single, discreet, visible/non-hidden/discoverable and user-selectable file? In any case, I’m not seeing it (at least not via a Finder search).

Let me ask this: I am assuming that as I migrate from DT 2 to DT 3, I want to simply “point” DT 3 at my existing DT 2 database, and that would migrate all the database’s content (items) to DT 3. Once opened/migrated in DT 3, the database would effectively be copied (or pointers to the actual content would be copied)…I’m assuming the database is effectively a “container” of sorts (and it’s contents are discreet and perhaps elsewhere), so that (the database) is what I’m aiming for. Is that a valid assumption?

There is no migration or conversion or anything different regarding how to open and access a database.

That’s not pedantic, it’s being precise, and I appreciate that (since one of us is familiar with both the concepts and the jargon, and one of us isn’t - I appreciate the clarity).

So there’s zero risk in me opening (or importing?) the old database into DT 3 - good, I just wanted to know if it was an irreversible, one-way trip, and it’s not. Good.

6. Reboot the machine.

I have not rebooted since installing DT3. Will do.

7. Locate your databases, via memory or Spotlight, and double-click to open them in DEVONthink 3.

Double-click what exactly? (Do you mean, double click the database file in the Finder?) In DT3, left panel, there’s a “group name” or subheading for “Open Databases”…I take that to mean “Databases that are currently open” (in DT3, none are) rather than a control to “open” a database. Sorry, not trying to be dense, just don’t see anything to double-click that looks like it opens databases. Icon, menu item, widget?

Once I get that accomplished, I’ll check out the Bonjour settings.

You said you have an iPad Mini 6. Why are you still running iOS 15.6.1 and a very outdated version of DEVONthink To Go?

Because I’ve had no reason (at least not until maybe today) to update to a newer version of iOS or DT - the old versions I’m running meet my modest needs. Newer versions may offer new features (most of which I typically don’t care about) but usually are more resource-hungry, so things run slower. Yes, there are security updates. I am (obviously) slow to install updates for those reasons (dragged kicking and screaming). Right now I have a fairly critical need to simply get DT syncing to the iPad (it does) and to the phone (not yet). Once that’s working, updating the iPad may be in the cards - but I’m never itching to install updates (I really don’t care about most “new features” that are offered).

Are there no requirements for the database file name and path? If I was allowed to get “creative” when first saving the database filename, it might be an interesting task to locate it. It’s here somewhere (because it still works). Any tricks for finding it?

Thank you for your helpful and well-written response, it’s appreciated. I need to get some sleep and will pick this up tomorrow…if I can figure out where my database has disappeared to.

[rmschne]

@Headscratcher

So, where has my database gone? It’s still functioning (readable, editable) in DT2.

When running DEVONthink Version 2 and that database “readable and editable”, use Menu: File → Database Properties and look at the location (top of screen, probably–I don’t have DEVONthink Version 2 to confirm).

@Headscratcher

If so, what’s the default path?

As far as i know, there is no default location. I personally recommend ~/Documents/DEVONthink/ for all your databases. The name you decide. The file extension is defined by DEVONthink. It’s a macOS “package” not a folder or file. Read about “packages” on Apple macOS documentation if interested.

I recommend that once you find all your databases scattered around, apparently, move them all into one folder.

Suggest worrying about synching later.

@Headscratcher

I assume it is a single, discreet, visible/non-hidden/discoverable and user-selectable file? In any case, I’m not seeing it (at least not via a Finder search).

No. It’s a macOS “package”.

@Headscratcher

Are there no requirements for the database file name and path? If I was allowed to get “creative” when first saving the database filename, it might be an interesting task to locate it. It’s here somewhere (because it still works). Any tricks for finding it?

See above. No “tricks”.

---

As others have already recommended, spend some time reading the DEVONthink Manual before doing so much composition here. Just a suggestion. Most of your questions are covered there. And there are recommendations on how to use DEVONthink. Also take note of the “free” e-book on DEVONtechnologies’s web site “Take Control of DEVONthink”.

And, as others have recommended, upgrade to current versions for all instances of DEVONthink.

[Headscratcher]

Thank you, @ rmschne, for your reply which is also helpful and appeciated…though it has not yet resolved the mystery of “where’s my database?”

It’s a macOS “package”

Ah, OK. IIRC, packages are actually a collection of files (like a folder) but generally look and behave as if they are a single file; double-click one and the package “opens” to reveal its contents (almost like a zip file but without any compression/expansion drama) or runs some executable script. Critically, packages are (I think) generally visible and easily found/viewed without requiring any secret key being held down or other trickery intended to help protect stupid users from themselves. Look like a file but behave more like a collection or a program.

So, looking for my database: in DT2, under Database Properties, I see the apparent path (Library > Application Support > DEVONthink 2) and the “Name” field. It seems I named it “Personal”. That should make the task simple…

That’s definitely the item I’m seeking, the statistics confirm it contains 433 Rich Texts (and a few other things). That’s the one. So far, so good. But…

So in the Finder I drill down through Library > Application Support > DEVONthink 2, but I do not see anything named “Personal” in that folder:

Doing a search, it turns up a handful of items whose name containing the string “Personal”, including something that for me is a blast from the past (which will prompt a perhaps odd question).

I see a file named “Personal.sohodb”

Its name suggests it’s a database file, and “soho” brings back dim memories of an app I once used before migrating to DEVONthink. Creation and modification dates are from 2010. It’s location is in a folder unironically named “Sure wish I had saved that stuff”.

Now the odd question: In the early history of the DEVONthink products, did the app/company ever use a different name? Or did the app come to life from Day One as “DEVON-something”? I ask because before landing on this as a solution, I tried out a handful of “note management” apps including SOHO Notes, Chronos Notes, Yojimbo, and probably a few others. If I started using the app and created its database and then the app itself was subsequently re-named, the file “Personal.sohodb” could have been how it began (though I note with disappointment that the “modification date” timestamp is also 2010, and I know some items in the database were modified as recently as yesterday…but maybe changes to the items within the database don’t change the database’s modification date? Hmmm).

In any case, I’ve run searches for objects whose filename contains “Personal” and do not find any likely hits (plenty of documents containing the text string “personal” but just a few with that in the name, and none of them are it).

So, I’m still looking for my wayward database (but at least know I’m pretty sure I know it’s “name”).

[BLUEFROG]

.Sohodb is not ours.

---

That is the Application Support directory for the Personal edition of DEVONthink 2 (not something you named “Personal”).

1. Quit DEVONthink 2 (which you also need to remove from the machine).
2. Drag that DEVONthink 2 folder to the Databases folder in your home directory.
3. Add .dtBase2 to the end of the folder’s name, okaying the addition.
4. Launch DEVONthink 4 and open the database via File > Open Database.
5. Go into the /Applications folder and move the DEVONthink 3 and the old DEVONthink application to the system Trash and reboot the machine. This is the icon from DEVONthink (2 Personal)…