Icons, changing, developing - 8125, K-JAM, P4300, MDA Vario ROM Development

Hello guys,
i have few question i have find out how to change a icon using exe files in shortcuts. But is little bit consuming a storage, for example if you would like to use opera.exe (6MB) like an icon for opera mini running through the shortcut from esmertec jbed. It is a time saving solution for me for now, but is there a chance to use ico or png files? Or do i have to make my own dll library files? Because it seems like Windows mobile, by itself, cannot work with ico and png files at all. So what i want to know is:
1) Which software is good for making icons dll library files for WM6.1 (free one could be great)?
2) Does WM6.1 work with both ICO and PNG files?
So if i will find out these two things i will start developing icons for most used apps and i will share it here. Have tons of icons but i have not found the way how to sucesfuly build working dll library file...

You could try using an existing DLL resource file and use Reshack to replace the icons with yours. probably not the most elegant solution, but the price is right.

joemanb said:
You could try using an existing DLL resource file and use Reshack to replace the icons with yours. probably not the most elegant solution, but the price is right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for reply, will try that one i tried to use outress.dll but i was not able to copy it from Windows folder. So i am going to search for other one.

Related

Changing System Icons on WM6?

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

Shortcut: using png or jpg as icon?

Hi,
Lots of posts on how to use different icons within the EXE or another DLL with a shortcut but is it possible to use an icon image which is a PNG or JPG file?
If so, how to do it?
Regards,
Geoff
Not 'easily' possible if you were to talking about having the icons on the 'Start -> Programs' section.
There is a way of getting a BMP into a DLL, which could be a bit complicated. Discussed on one of the thread regarding using WM6 icons on WM5.
no
but you can use tools like irfanview on the pc to comvert the
jpg and just about everyother image format into a icon file
as far as i noticed (i didn't study it though) you cannot use .ico for shortcut icon, or am i wrong?
anyway, i use microangelo to create my own .dll with icons, then i prepare shortcuts like this:
40#"\program files\WM5torage\WM5torage.exe"-a-q?\Program files\icons.dll,2
where the part after "?" shows a specific icon, in this case icon number 2 in icons.dll. it is quite easy and neat. I also have an application called RViewer, it lets you browse for icons in library/exe file right on your pda, helps a lot.
Thanks for the assistance.
Yes, you are right, windows .ico files can't be used in WM6 shortcuts. In fact, the WM6 default image viewer cannot display a windows .ico file.
Guess I will have to use the DLL approach.
Thanks again.
Geoff.

Icons for folders? (and possible discovery)

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.

Custom Program Folders

Does anyone know of an easy way to create custom Program folders and then move applications to those folders? I want to clean up the Programs group and would prefer not to have to build me own ROM.
Thanks in advance.
jamesjsenecal said:
Does anyone know of an easy way to create custom Program folders and then move applications to those folders? I want to clean up the Programs group and would prefer not to have to build me own ROM.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
total commander works fine and its free.
Thanks for the info. TotalCommander works great.
NP. Glad to help.
Hi, Is there a way in totalcommander to change the folder icon to a "fancy" one such as a "multimedia" folder with different icon?
lindsaydr said:
Hi, Is there a way in totalcommander to change the folder icon to a "fancy" one such as a "multimedia" folder with different icon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not easily. If the folder contains a file called "icon.lnk" that points to a particular icon within a DLL, then WM will display that icon rather than the "normal" folder icon under Start > Programs.
I've stolen the icons from Dutty's excellent ROMs, and cooked them into my little one. I've just tried to convert that into a cab that will install the icons into the Multimedia, Tools, and Apps folders under Start > Programs. I haven't tested it, and I think you'll end up with blank folders if you don't have Multimedia, Tools and Apps, but it should work!
Dutty - I know I haven't asked your permission to use your icons, so if you would rather I didn't, then please let me know and I'll delete this post and the attachment immediately. Thanks.
C'mon, man...
It's actually easier than people make it sound. All you need is a resource editor. You create your own .dll library or edit an existing one, I like to use Gconvert.
You will notice that any of the programs or folders that have "Custom Icons" have a specified path to the .exe usually followed by something like this: ?resource.dll -1001
This tells the system what library holds trhe icon & it's position within that library. You can modify existing libraries or create your own.
Just look for GConvert & PHMicon.dll (To use as a base)
GSLEON3 said:
C'mon, man...
It's actually easier than people make it sound. All you need is a resource editor. You create your own .dll library or edit an existing one, I like to use Gconvert.
You will notice that any of the programs or folders that have "Custom Icons" have a specified path to the .exe usually followed by something like this: ?resource.dll -1001
This tells the system what library holds trhe icon & it's position within that library. You can modify existing libraries or create your own.
Just look for GConvert & PHMicon.dll (To use as a base)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers GSLEON!
I'll have to have a play around with that. I love this forum - you learn something new every day.
Confused Stu said:
Not easily. If the folder contains a file called "icon.lnk" that points to a particular icon within a DLL, then WM will display that icon rather than the "normal" folder icon under Start > Programs.
I've stolen the icons from Dutty's excellent ROMs, and cooked them into my little one. I've just tried to convert that into a cab that will install the icons into the Multimedia, Tools, and Apps folders under Start > Programs. I haven't tested it, and I think you'll end up with blank folders if you don't have Multimedia, Tools and Apps, but it should work!
Dutty - I know I haven't asked your permission to use your icons, so if you would rather I didn't, then please let me know and I'll delete this post and the attachment immediately. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats ok mate, well done

[Tutorial] How to create Titanium skins (WM6.5)

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

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