Related
Today screen files appear to have the extension .TSK can you please tell me which folder/file these are stored in and can any file be made into a TSK type file? If so how does one go about it? Also I am not sure how you find these files and/or how can you change the extension of them.
Also what is the difference between the today screen and wallpaper
Also the explorer option only appears to search the 'My Documents' folder does anyone know of a good equivalent tool either as freeware or for purchase.
Thanks in advance John.
Hi
The "theme" files (*.tsk) are stored in \windows\ directory.
TSK consists of such things as:
color scheme for Start menu, bottom bar and application windows.
background picture (today screen background)
start menu style / picture etc
TSK files can be created by various tools (including some outdated one from microsoft)
The option "use this picture as background" lets you override default background (by TSK) with the one you provide.
Thanks but I think its because you can't see the extension, plus as I mentioned the search facilities are crap. You can't search on '*.TSK' for example. I think that is why i asked for an example of a good replacement.
What is the difference between the today screen and Wallpaper. Also are you aware of what tools can create them?
Thanks again John.
Hi again.
You should use your PC to access system files on your PDA.
That gives you faster browsing, file extension view and many more.
Mobile file explorer and PDA functionality in general are designed to be simple for task-oriented working.
Enough of romantic crap
Don't mix "today screen" with "theme" and "wallpaper".
Today screen is a PDA equivalent of PC Windows's desktop.
Theme (in TSK files) is a... well... graphical theme for today screen.
Wallpaper is a picture that's behind anything else on today screen.
Most themes have wallpapers in them. But you can change wallpapers manually (choose bitmap files from memory or use the theme's default wallpaper)
Isn't that simple ?
I don't know any good software to create themes.
In case of making wallpaper...
Just make a bitmap in some standard format (BMP JPG GIF) with resolution that matches your device's display (320x240 in most cases).
You can do that even with windows paintbrush
Have fun.
cetuner is a good way to make themes actually on the pocket pc, which is relatively rare. Most is pc based. But it's not quite as complete as some pc based softare, mainly in manipulating the wallpaper. But i don't use wallpaper, so no issue to me.
Microsoft's free theme maker is a perfectly good place to start. Move on when you reach its limitations.
V
I downloaded a bunch of nice glass icon set and would like to replace the existing WM6 icons such as MEI and other programs. What is the easiest method of doing this? I did a search but found no results. Any help would be appreciate it.
To change icons in start menu you need to replace the icons on shortcuts by changing the *.lnk files in windows\start menu and its sub-folders.
Just add a ',' (coma) to the end of the text in the file followed by the name of the icon file. You could also look for apps that make shortcuts on PPC. There are even some free ones.
But if you want to change icons of today plugins and other system icons you need to unsign, res-edit then resign some DLLs and that's not an easy process.
Darn it, check this out i got these awsome icons i wanna use.
Link: http://solsie.com/glass-icons-ms-windows/
Ok so these are program icons. No problem there - just get a good graphics app to shrink them to 32x32 pixels and save as *.ico (windows icon format).
Check out GIMP, its free and supports many formats including *.ico and *.png
Then change the shortcuts in start menu.
Like I said before there are several apps (sorry, don't remember their names) that will let you do it easily.
But if you want to change icons of today plugins and other system icons you need to unsign, res-edit then resign some DLLs and that's not an easy process
The above is what I want to do, can you point me in that direction.
YES!!!!, I was able to copy the .png file to my storage card. Then using total commander, I was able to MOVE the file to the windows directory overwriting the original file. Then I did a soft reset to make sure it stuck, and it DID!!!
any chance you want to post the files that you used to overwrite the system files
thank you!
I`m intrested too! Thanks!
IronRed said:
YES!!!!, I was able to copy the .png file to my storage card. Then using total commander, I was able to MOVE the file to the windows directory overwriting the original file. Then I did a soft reset to make sure it stuck, and it DID!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me what the location was that you copied to - all I can find is the hklm etc etc and it wont let me move to there
Is it possible to make icons for our folders in the apps menu?
I opened the Office Mobile folder and there was a .ink file with the office icon. I moved it to another folder (named Utilities) and this folder now had the office folder icon. Any hint of how this could be used?
well, windows mobile has a special folder design, no?
Good job on the discovery.
You could probably create custom folders for apps.
It is really very simple.
It's not ink its lnk, a shortcut file. If you manage to open it in text editor you will see a simple text string pointing to a dll, exe or ico file.
WM looks for a shortcut named 'icon.lnk' in folders and if it finds it will assign the folder the icon shortcut is pointing to.
You can look to windows\start menu\programs\games for an example of such file.
Also make sure it has the 'hidden' attribute or you will see it when opening the folder from start menu.
So it was lnk with an "L"? When I opened the file with word, it was pointing to a DLL file and it didn't open quite well with Word.
Thanks for the highlight, I'll try making icons
I might post them later.
I'm having more trouble to find free glossy folder icons than anything else...
Alright, I tried once, failed. Trying again and again!
Yes thats Lnk with "L" as in lamp (sorry, habit picked up from phone customer support)
Do not use Word or any other fancy editor as they do not handle plain text files well and may shove some garbage in there when you save the file.
Use notepad or even dos edit command.
levenum said:
Yes thats Lnk with "L" as in lamp (sorry, habit picked up from phone customer support)
Do not use Word or any other fancy editor as they do not handle plain text files well and may shove some garbage in there when you save the file.
Use notepad or even dos edit command.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I'll try that, thanks!
EDIT: I found a thread on brighthand that says only DLL files can be used as a source. Then if I'm not mistaken you must specify the code line where the icon is situated. The best solution would be to make a really small app with an icon then use this icon.
I'd try it right now but some piece of **** called ActiveSync refuses to work for a random reason.
EDIT 2: Activesync fixed, now working with a ressource editor and some DLLs to get it all working
Simply copy the .lnk to your desktop (PC). use notepad to editi t.
1. open notepad
2. open file xyz.lnk ....simple.
Alright, here's my progress:
-Downloaded a copy of shellres.dll, the location of the existing icons (because you can't take it from the phone)
-Using Ressource Hacker, I changed the icons (in Icons Group) for iPhone icons (other free icons aren't nice)
-Now I copy the edited shellres.dll to the Windows folder (didn't work elsewhere)
-I make a copy of a icon.lnk file in every folder I want to see the icons of and edit the ressource number to match the one in the DLL.
Here's a standard icon.lnk file: 1#SHELLRES.dll,-8216
Translated to: 1#[location of the dll],-[ressource number]
And edited to: 1#iconpack.dll,-8210
Screenshots coming soon.
Now the only problem is that the whole process is not automated. I don't know much about programing so I can't make a program that makes .lnk that points to the right icon.
There you go! What do you guys think?
BTW it only shows up in 256 colors, which is bad considering how nice the icons were...
EDIT: The whole thing is 1.4 freaking MB in size, so I gotta find icons that come in 32x32 instead of full packs including vista icons. Each icon was 80kb in size...
Try GIMP. It's free (open source) and it can edit icons. I didn't check if it can manage the different images that are packed in a single ico file but its worth a try.
I have gimp but I suck at using it. Anyway those icons are perfect for me but don't hesitate to ask for help to install your own.
Theres one thing I have to say before I begin: Make good skins!
Theres nothing wrong on reusing stuf from others (with due credits and permission, if needed) but dont go for the easy mix, make some good graphics with cool transparencies and plently of bling.
Please dont make ugly skins (like I did) for example, the M2D skin thread is huge, but only some are thrully nice and different.
Each person has its own taste, but lets all make an effort to raise the bar.
The skin change can be as simple as editing the 2 main images: The main tab and the minimized tabs, you can do much, much more, but those 2 images are the main change to the visual effect.
The minimized tab is very simple, its just a PNG inside the Windows folder named CHome_listback.png (its hidden, so use Resco Explorer if needed).
The main tab is a png inside a DLL with other icons, for that you need to edit the DLL with a special program.
To edit the DLL (containg the main graphics and icons):
----------------------------------------------------
- Download ans install the PE Explorer trial: http://www.heaventools.com/download.htm
- Copy bronzeres.dll from the Windows folder to your SD card then to your PC.
- Open the DLL in PE Explorer and click on View > Resources
- See all the files inside the RC Data folder and double-click the png number 3000 for portrait or 4000 for landscape.
- Import a new PNG into that new screen and save the dll when finished (backup yours first).
- Download, export an open MSigner and open your dll inside this software.
- Copy that dll into your SD Card and then into the Windows folder (use Resco explorer if it denies access).
- Reset and enjoy.
To change the layout of the plugin you need to edit the Titanium_*.cpr file on your Windows folder (like Titanium_240x320.cpr, or whatever your screen resolution is), its a "simple" XML inside, you can see it with Notepad.
See this link for a detailed explanation of it:
Titanium Walkthrough by drkfngthdragnlrd
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3601164&postcount=2
You can download here a (bad) example of a simple skin.
More tools for developers:
--------------------------
A Guide to Windows Mobile 6.5 by joel2009
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3626556
CPL/CPR online creator:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=520857
Worked like a charm...
Great tutorial...
Many Thanks
Thanks, Iwas trying to look at the bronzeres.dll with reshacker and getting really confused. All I saw was a bunch of code. No images. I'll try this PE Explorer out. Anybody know if there is a chrome or grey theme already? Do we not need to sign the dll as in previous skinning like taskbar?
Hmmm... to be honest I dont remenber if I signed it, I dont think i did... :/
PNG Format
Hi TWolf,
thanks for the perfect instructions. Just tried myself. WAnt to change the 3000.png. But if I export it into Photoshop and create a new one with transparnency Titanium just shows background after having copied the new dll.
Do you know the specifications of the PNG?
Thanks
Januwar
there is also a tutorial for cpr files?
would be nice like the one for manila 2d, where people put lines and explanations...
Januwar said:
Hi TWolf,
thanks for the perfect instructions. Just tried myself. WAnt to change the 3000.png. But if I export it into Photoshop and create a new one with transparnency Titanium just shows background after having copied the new dll.
Do you know the specifications of the PNG?
Thanks
Januwar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm.. I used simple 32 bits alpha transparent pngs from flash or paint shop pro... :/
KeRmiT80 said:
there is also a tutorial for cpr files?
would be nice like the one for manila 2d, where people put lines and explanations...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link on the first post of Titanium Walkthrough by drkfngthdragnlrd has some info on that.
when i replace the file and reboot it. I get a blank today screen and its set on windows default so i guess i'm doing something wrong. Same problem as januwar
Thats strange, could you test this?
Open your file on the signer and after its signed try to put it on the windows folder again...
I wasnt sure this step was really needed..
signed file works
thank you!!!
now just a question...how to add icons to "collapsed" tabs?
what i understood is that is possible to link to an external icon or use one in the bronzeres.dll...
...i'd like to know how
Thanks, added to the tutorial.
That depends of the plugin, if it uses icons that are inside this dll, then they can be changed too... If they use external pngs, thats even easier.
yes but only if the plugin already has the code to display an icon in the cpr right?
dont' know...it's the right place to ask for an example?
how to add an icon (not to change only) can you show the lines to add to the cpr for a generic tab? maybe it's possible to use the chome editor, i saw some registry entries related to icons in tabs editor...
something easy...newbie level please
its exacly the same procedure, just instead of being that icon number, its another one... :/
In some cases, if you edit the registry to a full path png file, it will use it.
no sorry maybe i didn't explain myself...
default plugins in titanium has only text when not selected, right?
now if i want (like i saw in some themes) to add an icon on the left to a non selected tab i think i have to edit the cpr and add some lines to create a link to a number in case of bronzeres or to an external png.
what i need is an example of these lines to add to cpr so i can replicate on my own for all my installed plugins.
i hope i've been more clear this time
ps :sorry for the dumb question as i told you i'm newbie, thank you for your help
Theres already a thread, as I said, to show ppl how tu use the cpr files... :/
You can see a example of what I did here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3788297&postcount=45
I added this to the condensed view of my resolution cpr:
Code:
<Image ID="[B]ICON[/B]" Left="0" Top="0" Width="36" Height="36" />
And this to the registry:
Code:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\CHome\system\CondensedPage]
"[B]ICON[/B]"="\\[I]My Documents\\Themes\\Titanium System Panel\\sd.png[/I]
thank you
i've read the walkthrought but i couldn't find these...maybe i have to search in the whole thread
These nice people copied the first post text and did even gave credit to xda:
http://pocketpc-live.com/pocket-pc/how-to-create-titanium-skins.html
Send them a nice letter of thanks.
OK...color me stupid, but I don't see CHome_listback.png on my device...I read and followed:
"The minimized tab is very simple, its just a PNG inside the Windows folder named CHome_listback.png (its hidden, so use Resco Explorer if needed)."
from the first post, but it is not there. it sharts with CHome_send..... and then a list of CHome_ Win..... images, but no CHome_listback.png!!
Any suggestions or ideas as to why?
Thanks
Strange, maybe it could be a different build, to be sure, copy my png from the UGLY SKIN to your Windows folder.
syrguy1969 said:
OK...color me stupid, but I don't see CHome_listback.png on my device...I read and followed:
"The minimized tab is very simple, its just a PNG inside the Windows folder named CHome_listback.png (its hidden, so use Resco Explorer if needed)."
from the first post, but it is not there. it sharts with CHome_send..... and then a list of CHome_ Win..... images, but no CHome_listback.png!!
Any suggestions or ideas as to why?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, I could'nt find CHome_listback.png at all with Total commander/or Resco - just the same list as above.
I'm using NRGZ rom on the Diamond
Creating your clock image
Step one:
Creating your image
Using Photoshop, Macromedia Fireworks, or a similar image editing application, create your clock.
Your image must be:
• PNG file type;
• 256 x 256 pixels; and
• have a transparent background
Step two:
Converting your image into a QTC manila file
Download Mode9 Editor from:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=464984
When you open Mode9 Editor for the first time, you will be asked to enter the directory you will have specific files in. Use the help guide/manual that comes with the download to help you through this step.
Once you have Mode9Editor open, click on the ‘open’ icon (top left toolbar) and open your clock PNG image.
Now click on the little icon, above the image preview, that looks like a little disk with a ‘Q’ in it.
Save the new file as:
20F62884_manila
Copy your new clock file to your phone or storage card.
How to use your new clock image
Step one:
Backup, backup, backup
Using Resco Explorer, Total Commander or something similar, go to (on your phone):
Device – Windows
Copy the following file:
20F62884_manila
Save a copy of this file somewhere safe.
This is your backup in the event that you wish to return to Co0kie’s original analogue clock.
Step two:
Installing your new clock
Copy your new clock file:
20F62884_manila
Using Resco Explorer, Total Commander or something similar, paste the new clock file to:
Device – Windows
You will be prompted to overwrite the original file. Say ‘yes’ (don’t panic, remember, you have a backup)
Step three:
Restart Sense
A soft reset of the device is not necessary; however this will refresh Sense if this is your preferred method.
Alternatively, you can turn Sense off by going to:
Settings (tab) – Menu – All settings – Today – Items (tab) - untick ‘HTC Sense’ - ok
Then, restart Sense by going to:
Today – Items (tab) - tick ‘HTC Sense’ – ok
OR
Another way to restart Sense is to do as follows:
• Open CHTEditor
• Make a minor setting change
• Go menu - apply changes
• DO NOT EXIT
• No go and undo the change you just applied (unless you want to keep it )
• Go menu - apply changes
• Exit
Sense will restart.
Great job....
Thanks for your sharing.....
Gino14 said:
Great job....
Thanks for your sharing.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.
I hope it is clear enough. Be sure to let me know if I have missed something out or could change something to make it clearer.
I have also found it to be quicker to restart sense by going into the Cookie Home Tab Editor and applying a new lockscreen (select apply changes) and then reverting (without exiting, and again applying changes), and then exit the editor. This will restart sense without you having to wait for it to turn off, and then waiting again for it to turn back on. Without a tool that does it automatically, this is the fastest method I have found for restarting sense (and I use it all the time for applying analog clocks in particular).
SolusCado said:
I have also found it to be quicker to restart sense by going into the Cookie Home Tab Editor and applying a new lockscreen (select apply changes) and then reverting (without exiting, and again applying changes), and then exit the editor. This will restart sense without you having to wait for it to turn off, and then waiting again for it to turn back on. Without a tool that does it automatically, this is the fastest method I have found for restarting sense (and I use it all the time for applying analog clocks in particular).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another good option.
I like this one. In fact it should work with any change made in CHTEditor. Just make the chang, apply it, undo the change, apply and exit.
Thanks for the feedback. I shall add the option to the first post
Franwella said:
Another good option.
I like this one. In fact it should work with any change made in CHTEditor. Just make the chang, apply it, undo the change, apply and exit.
Thanks for the feedback. I shall add the option to the first post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
And yeah - I should've mentioned you could do it with just about any setting. Some of them though can have unintended consequences. For example, changing the number of quick link screens and then changing them back seems to rearrange quicklinks.
SolusCado said:
Thanks.
And yeah - I should've mentioned you could do it with just about any setting. Some of them though can have unintended consequences. For example, changing the number of quick link screens and then changing them back seems to rearrange quicklinks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. Best to stick to the basic changes
How bout the hands? When you mentioned saving the image as png I was thinking you are referring to just the clock face right?
Leechoonhwee said:
How bout the hands? When you mentioned saving the image as png I was thinking you are referring to just the clock face right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes indeedy. The instructions above are for the clockface only; however, if you would like to have a go at making the hands, it is much the same process. The files you need to make, and their respective sizes are as follows:
HTML:
20F62884_manila - background - 256x256
0AB9C3F4_manila - hour hand - 16x256
4BDFBA48_manila - minute hand - 16x256
2A87D392_manila - second hand - 16x256
7126E342_manila - clock dot - 32x32
My fastest way for Sense reset - RestartManila.exe. I found this exe somewhere in this forum - thanks to the unknown creator. The cab will create a shortcut in windows/start menu. I made then a quicklink.
Hello
So i test it to make a own clock with some templates found on the Forum.
But after i copied the file in my Windows folder and restart manila i can only see the hands and second hand.
What did i wrong.
My way.
Open mod9--->open my png clock (256x256 and transperent)--->Save it as manila file--->Copie to my storage card--->copie with total commander in my Windows folder and overwrite the one that exist--->Softreset.
Pls help.
How can I make files for hands wider than 16 x 256, so for instance 32 x 256 or 128 x 256?
Make a png picture with the width of your choice (f.e. 32 x 256 or 128 x 256). For the correct rotation point you have to place the hand in the same way in the middle like in a 16x256 file. Then import this picture in the right manila file (I use CFC Gui). This will automatically change the picture in the manila file to the new size.
For other settings in 7c60907d_manila see this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6368698&postcount=32
Dic3ptor said:
So i test it to make a own clock with some templates found on the Forum.
But after i copied the file in my Windows folder and restart manila i can only see the hands and second hand.
What did i wrong.
My way.
Open mod9--->open my png clock (256x256 and transperent)--->Save it as manila file--->Copie to my storage card--->copie with total commander in my Windows folder and overwrite the one that exist--->Softreset.
Pls help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By my take on the above process you have done everything correctly.
I am, of course, assuming that you have Co0kies HTC installed!
The only thing I can think of is that you may have misnamed the manila file. Double check and ensure that the clockface file name is 20F62884_manila
Franwella said:
By my take on the above process you have done everything correctly.
I am, of course, assuming that you have Co0kies HTC installed!
The only thing I can think of is that you may have misnamed the manila file. Double check and ensure that the clockface file name is 20F62884_manila
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Cookies is installed! Hmm maybe a did a mistake with the name of the manila file. Thx for your answer.
Dic3ptor said:
Hmm maybe a did a mistake with the name of the manila file. Thx for your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe me, you wouldn't be the first *sheepish grin*
rat_2665 said:
Make a png picture with the width of your choice (f.e. 32 x 256 or 128 x 256). For the correct rotation point you have to place the hand in the same way in the middle like in a 16x256 file. Then import this picture in the right manila file (I use CFC Gui). This will automatically change the picture in the manila file to the new size.
For other settings in 7c60907d_manila see this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6368698&postcount=32
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll look into it.
gradient?
hi, i'm trying to make some of my own clock for cht but i have a problem with gradient and transparency (see picture). this is the clock i made but can you tell me what to do to get a smoth gradient not like this one on the picture, it looks ok in corel but when i create a manila file with manila editor and put it in my phone it's not good (low quality).thx
Resizing clocks
is there an easy way to increase the size of one of the clocks I downloaded here? From the links in your clock list thread I found lechux's Hero clock. I really like the HTC one but it's too small! How can I resize it up by 25%?
lowfieldgarage said:
is there an easy way to increase the size of one of the clocks I downloaded here? From the links in your clock list thread I found lechux's Hero clock. I really like the HTC one but it's too small! How can I resize it up by 25%?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way really is to recreate the clock.
You could try converting the manila file back to PNG, then increasing the image and seeing if you lose much resolution. If you get a reasonable result, then it's a matter of saving the new PNG and converting back into manila.
Of course, if you do all this you should credit the original developer.
Also keep in mind that if you create a bigger clockface, and the one you're interested in comes with hands, then the hands will need to be recreated to fit the new size.