General

Q: How can I make EPIM start with another module?  

A: In Tools -> Options -> General -> Start with, change the “EPIM Today” module to another one, or select the “last used module” option.  

Q: How do I find my database file?  

A: EPIM stores all data in .epim database files. The default paths for EPIM databases are:

C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\EssentialPIM - for XP

C:\Users\User_name\AppData\Roaming\EssentialPIM - for Vista, 7 and 8

If you still can't find it, then search *.epim files on your computer.

Q: I've tried your Free version and then purchased Pro but all my data was lost after installation. How do I recover it?  

A: You only need to open (File -> Open) your old database in the EPIM Pro version.  EPIM stores all data in .epim database files. The default paths for EPIM Free databases are:

C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\EssentialPIM - for XP

C:\Users\User_name\AppData\Roaming\EssentialPIM - for Vista and Seven

If you can't find it anyway then try to search *.epim files on your computer.

Q: I've downloaded your EPIM but the installer would not work. What should I do?  

A: This is because of an incomplete download. Try to download the installation file again. If the file is still corrupted then most probably your browser or provider has cached the file and this is what you keep getting.  Clear the browser cache or download with any download manager.

Q: Will my data preserve if I upgrade my EPIM Free to Pro?  

A: Yes, but you'll need to open (File -> Open) your old database in the Pro version manually. The default paths for EPIM Free databases are:

C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\EssentialPIM - for XP

C:\Users\User_name\AppData\Roaming\EssentialPIM - for Vista, 7 and 8

If you can't find it anyway then try to search *.epim files on your computer.

Note, if you are upgrading from Pro trial to a paid version then EPIM will open the file automatically.

Q: Is it possible to run EPIM on Mac OS (Linux)?

A: Unfortunately no. Only a Windows version is available for now.

Q: I want to install EPIM to my smartphone. What version should I buy?  

A: Regular EPIM Pro version runs on Windows desktop only and syncs with Android and iOS devices. Add synchronization under "File -> Add Synchronization". We also have an Android version of EssentialPIM. It's available on Google Play.

Q: How can I access the .epim database directly?  

A: EPIM uses the Firebird database engine. You can access the database directly using any Firebird database manager. For example: http://www.mitec.cz/ibq.html. Please note that you should understand how to work with databases, otherwise data may be lost.

Q: My database size is 1.5 GB but the backup file size is 350 MB? Does backup store all my data?  

A: Don't worry, backup stores all your data. It is compressed.

Q: I have bought another computer and want to transfer my EPIM program and data to this new computer - can you explain to me how to do this?  

A: Install EPIM on your new computer and register it with your license name and key. Then transfer your database and open it in EPIM (File -> Open). You can always download the EPIM installation file from our site: http://www.essentialpim.com

Q: How can I transfer data to EPIM from another PIM?  

A: Data may be transferred via EPIM-supported formats only. You can find all supported formats in File -> Import menus.

Q: How to sort records by...  

A: All EPIM items can be sorted by any field by clicking on the field caption. Holding Ctrl button will allow sorting by several fields.

Q: Is there a way to export in one file all EPIM settings?  

A: Yes, all settings are stored in EPIM.ini file which is stored here: C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\EssentialPIM - for XP C:\Users\User_name\AppData\Roaming\EssentialPIM - for Vista, 7 and 8. Portable version stores this file in its program folder.

Q: I purchased EssentialPIM and I would like to know whether after one year, will I have to buy a new license?

A: You'll need to renew your license for 50% of its cost in order to receive further upgrades for an additional year. If you don't want to sign up for further upgrades then you'll be able to use the version you have for a lifetime.  

Q: Can I install EPIM to my notebook and on my PC?  

A: Yes, the license agreement allows you to install EPIM on two computers that belong to you (desktop and notebook).

Q: How do I change/remove the database password?  

A: First, go to File -> Password protection then enter your password and press OK.  Finally, press clear or enter a new password in the dialog box.

Q: EssentialPIM cannot open the database from a shared disk.

A: EPIM Pro can't open a database file over the network directly. It connects via the Firebird server. Regular EPIM Pro version allows one user connection per database. Please refer to the Networking topic for more details.

Q: Is it possible to host an EPIM database online?  

A: Yes, absolutely. You need "Firebird database hosting". You will be able to connect to your database from anywhere.

Q: I've forgotten my database password. How can I recover it?  

A: Unfortunately it's not possible to recover a database password.

Q: How can I print the Calendar in color?  

A: Enable the corresponding option in the Print options dialog (File -> Print). Note, this feature is available in Pro version only.

Q: After upgrade, will my data be preserved?

A: Yes, your data is stored in *.epim file and will be automatically converted to the new version format.

Q: How do I restore Backups?

A: Backups are just *.epim files, named "file name_backup_year_month_day_time". They can be opened from within EPIM using File -> Open menu.

Q: This morning I opened EPIM and all my entries had disappeared. What do I do now?

A: Please search your computer for *.epim files.  Most likely you have opened a wrong *.epim file or created a new one, empty.

Q: Can I request a feature?

A: Yes, of course. We try to really attentively listen to the users- that's how EssentialPIM is being developed. Please post your request here: Online Support Forum -> Suggestions.

Q: Is EssentialPIM translated to ... language?

A: For a current list of translations, please check here. If you do not see EssentialPIM translated in your language - please feel free to do it, it is really easy. Just visit the Translators' Page.

Q: Can I help make EssentialPIM better?

A: Yes, you can translate EssentialPIM into your native language or suggest a feature.

Q: In the database manager window is a function to check for invalid file links in the database.  Does this only apply to attachments or does it also check for invalid links in notes?

A: It applies to attachments only.

Q: EPIM became very slow. How can I boost performance?

A: First, empty trash and run optimization under "File -> Database management".

If this doesn’t help then create a new database under "File -> New -> EPIM Data File" and save it. Then sync it with your file using EPIM Synchronizer which can be downloaded from our site - http://www.essentialpim.com/get-epim. Then open newly synced file under "File -> Open".

Q: I have created a password, but how can I change my password?

A: You need to go to File -> Password protection, erase asterisks and enter your new password.

Q: Password protection or Optimization option is not active.

A: EPIM can't utilize database management tools while mail send/receive processes are active. Disable "Check mail on start" option and restart EPIM. Password protection and Optimization options will be active then.

Q: How do I delete/archive old records from the database?

A: We have a special tool for this - EPIM Archiver/DupeRemover. It can delete or archive items older than a particular date. The tool available from our download page - http://www.essentialpim.com/get-epim.