Database Info

Relocate .NET Compact Framework 2.0 to your storage card!

One of the biggest complaints with Microsoft's Compact Framework 2 (CF2 for short) (and, consequently, with programs relying on it - Hitchhiker, SMS Notifier, Webby, IBE Mail etc.) has always been its storage needs, which, by default, is some 5.4 Mbytes. See for example this thread for users' opinions on the memory consumption on CF2 and their subsequent not wanting to install it.
I've always tried to reduce the main memory load on Pocket PC - with great success. Just search for the word-start "relocat" in the Pocket PC Magazine Expert Blog and on my old homepage for some examples of them. No wonder I've also decided to look into this, so far, unsolved problem to greatly help my fellow Pocket PC users. And, after a day's work and testing, I can present you a 100% working solution, which has been thoroughly tested on four of my WM2003+ PDA's, all with success. This IS a big thing, considering that internal memory is still precious, even with most Windows Mobile 5 (WM5) Pocket PC's. (For example, most WM5 PPC's are shipped with 128M of ROM, of which in general 40-45 Mbytes is free.) The situation is even worse with pre-WM5 Pocket PC's, where the available RAM is very rarely (only with devices shipped with 128 Mbytes of RAM) over 50 Mbytes, from which CF2 takes away 5.4 Mbytes.
Note that this will work on all Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition devices that are able to run CF2 (that is, all WM2003+ devices, including WM5).
The complete tutorial
* create a directory on your storage card or, if you have, in the built-in File Store. (Note that the files, as they are surely not needed at boot time (unlike some Today plug-in DLL's), may also be relocated to a storage card. That is, they don't need to be stored in the more scarce File Store - if it's available at all; that is, if you have a pre-WM5 device). Let's assume you give this directory the name "DLLs".
* move the following files from \Windows to this directory:
cgacutil.exe
MSCOREE2_0.dll
netcfagl2_0.dll
netcfd3dm2_0.dll
GAC_CustomMarshalers_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_Microsoft.VisualBasic_v8_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_Microsoft.WindowsCE.Forms_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_Microsoft.WindowsMobile.DirectX_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_mscorlib_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Data_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Drawing_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Messaging_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Net.IrDA_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Web.Services_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Windows.Forms.DataGrid_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Windows.Forms_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System.Xml_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
GAC_System_v2_0_0_0_cneutral_1.dll
(netcf2_0license.txt can also be copied here - or just deleted.)
This means only Microsoft .NET CF 2.0.GAC and mscoree.dll needs to stay in \Windows. Never ever try to touch the former (Microsoft .NET CF 2.0.GAC). Even if you copy it back to \Windows (after starting any CF2-dependent app), CF2 won't work again until you reinstall it.
Copying the files can be done in several ways, of which I show the one way that requires no third-party apps, that is, without having to resort to, for example, the WindowsCE File System plug-in of the desktop-based Total Commander.
Start the built-in (Pocket) File Explorer and navigate to \Windows. Tap and hold an empty (not highlighting any file or directory) region anywhere (for example, the end of the list) and enable "View All files" in the context menu:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Now, click the "Name" drop-down menu in the upper right corner; a "Sort By" list will be displayed, defaulting to "Name". Switch it to "Date":
Scroll to the region with filedates of Aug 26 and, with cgacutil.exe, 27, 2005 (this is the easiest way to find the files) and mass-highlight all files that are listed in the above list. Note that mscoree.dll should not be highlighted (as has been pointed out, it should be left in \Windows). Also note that the filedates of the current, 2.0 version of CF2 are all dated at Aug 26/27 last year. They will only have a different filedate if you've restored them from a backup. Then, they will have the timestamp of the restoration and you'll may end up having to hunting for them one-by-one, based on their name.
Now tap-and-hold the selection somewhere so that the context menu comes up. Choose Cut:
Go to the target directory (in this case, DLLs on your storage card); tap-and-hold an empty area and choose Paste:
The transfer of the files will start:
Note that you can also use other file handler tools on the Pocket PC; for example Resco File Explorer or Total Commander. In Resco, go to File/Options/Browser and make sure "Show all files" is chosen (instead of the default "Hide hidden files and files...") as can be seen in this screenshot.
* get a registry editor that is able to (flawlessly (!)) edit multiline strings (that is, all known, up-to-date registry editors except PHM Registry Editor and Total Commander; please check out The Ultimate Roundup of Registry Editors for the Pocket PC for a thorough explanation of why I don't recommend these two applications if interested). In this tutorial, I use Resco Registry Editor (Resco for short). It's commercial, but the 14-day, unrestricted trial version is fully sufficient for our purposes. Start it.
* First, we'll modify the so-called "System Path" (which is a bit similar to the PATH in traditional operating systems) so that it includes our new directory. To do this, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Loader:
Note that, in here, I've switched to "Tree Mode" in View/Show Tree View as can be seen in here.
Now, click SystemPath (highlighted in this screenshot); you'll be presented the following dialog:
Note that there may be some values already in the text input area in here. For example, if you've ever had SKTools or MemMaid relocate DLL's for you, the target directory will be in here. Also, by default (if you haven't ever touched the System Path), there may be a \Release\ or \windows\oem\ in here. These can be safely deleted as they're not used. You can, naturally, leave them in there; of course, then, you must make sure the new path is entered in a new row as can be seen in this x51v or this HTC Wizard (latest Qtek ROM) screenshot. Once again: you can safely delete them.
All you have to do is entering the full path of your new DLL directory in here. For example, if you've moved the CF2 files to a directory named DLLs on your storage card named CF-Card (Storage Card, CF Card, SD Card, SD-MMCard are also widely used), enter
\CF-Card\DLLs\
in here, as can also be seen in here:
Don't forget to add the leading and the trailing backslash characters (\)!
Now, click OK in the upper right corner and answer Yes:
In the list view, the new, just-entered value should be shown as can be seen in here:
Note that, again, if you want to keep the previous values of System Path, then, the new entry should be put in a separate row. For example, if the previous value of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Loader has been
\SD-MMCard\Programs\CrEme\bin\
\LOOXstore\DLLs\
then, you need to add the new value in a new row as can be seen in here:
* now comes a bit more complicated part. First, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ .NETCompactFramework\ Installer\ Assemblies\ Global.
Note that, on some devices, in the above path, SOFTWARE may not (all) be uppercase. This varies from model to model and shouldn't be paid attention to. (Also note that I’ve added spaces after every backslash characters (\) in the above registry path so that the blog engine nicely renders it. In the reality, it should not contain any spaces!)
Here, look for names (on the left) that have 2.0 in them. Note that almost all values (except for CustomMarshalers, Microsoft.WindowsMobile.DirectX and Microsoft.WindowsMobile.DirectX, which have all been introduced in CF2 and didn't exist in CF 1.x) seem to be duplicated and their name will start with the same (Microsoft.*, mscorlib.*, System* etc.); it's only after this that they start to be different. One set of them will continue in Version=1.0, the other set will continue in Version=2.0. The only exception from this "must contain Version=2.0" law is the value starting with "Microsoft.VisualBasic, Version=8.0.0.0" (that is, 8.0 instead of 2.0).
In all these Version=2.0 values, you'll need to modify the original path referring to \Windows to the new home of the relocated files - for example, in our case, \CF-Card\DLLs.
In order to be able to see this as easily as possible, enabling Show Header in the View menu is highly recommended, as can be seen in here. Then, you'll be able to greatly increase the displayed length of the value names if you drag the header to the right. Of course, switching to Landscape and/or VGA mode (if possible) is highly recommended. Then, you'll be able to see the version number in all the values. For example, this screenshot shows a QVGA WM5 device in Landscape - here, it's also possible to increase the width of the "Name" column so that the version number can also be seen without having to click every value.
All you need to do is just click all the values that have Version=2.0 in their name (except, as has already been pointed out, the 8.0 Microsoft.VisualBasic) and just change \Windows to the new value in the first row. An example of this:
before:
after:
Another example of a changed value (WM5, QVGA device, with files relocated to \Storage Card\_):
and with the VGA x51v in standard VGA mode:
Note that, much as it refers to the main storage (\Program Files\.NET CF 2.0\), you don't need to pay attention to the second row in all these values. Just leave them there.
Consider using a PC-based Pocket PC controller tool to do this (please read this article for more info on them if not sure). Using them, you can speed up the registry modification by orders of magnitude, particularly if you use copy/paste to insert the new directory path.
After you've modified all the affected values, check once more if it was successful. Fortunately, you'll see all the names (showing that a given value is 2.0-specific) and values (showing whether it refers to the original \Windows directory in the main storage or somewhere else) on the same screen as in this screenshot.
You may also want to export the just-modified branch to a registry (.reg) file. Then, in case you reinstall CF2 and want to avoid hand-editing the entire stuff, you'll only need to reimport this file. To do this, tap-and-hold Globals in the upper, tree pane and choose Export:
On WM5 devices, you will also want to make sure the changes are flushed back to the ROM (as the Registry is kept in RAM and changes are rarely flushed back to ROM, which will result in a simple soft reset getting rid of all changes and, therefore, CF2 not working after the relocation). To do this, on many WM5 devices (like the HTC Wizard), just long-press the Power button. On some other devices, you must explicitly configure the device to shut the PDA completely down upon a long-press (instead of just dimming the screen). For example, on the x51v, you must go to Settings/System/Power/Power Button and enable "Full power off" instead of the default "Dim/light the display" as can be seen in this screenshot. You'll only need to power off your PDA for some seconds because it's before shutting it down that the Registry is flushed back to the ROM; that is, you can safely switch it back on instantly.
Congratulations! Now, the relocated CF2 will be working! If you've modified the System Path, you'll need to reboot; otherwise, you can start your CF2 apps right away.
Advanced remarks for geeks/advanced hackers
* Exporting, editing and re-importing the contents of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ .NETCompactFramework\ Installer\ Assemblies\ Global (so that you can much easier change all occurrences of \Windows to the new path) just won't work because the values in here are multiline strings, which are exported as hexadecimal values by all export-capable Pocket PC-based registry editors (I've checked this!) like in here:
* The \Windows paths in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ .NETCompactFramework\ Installer\ Assemblies\ Reference (note that the last word is Reference, not Global!) don't need to be modified. Actually, you can even get rid of the entire subkey because it's not used at all.
* Technically, the GAC*.dll files don't need to be in the System Path; it's only with the other files (cgacutil.exe, MSCOREE2_0.dll, netcfagl2_0.dll and netcfd3dm2_0.dll) that must be. That if, you have already set up a relocated DLL directory somewhere in the System Path, you can safely move the files to there. It's in order to be as easy as possible for a novice user that I've instructed copying all relocated files to the same directory in the System Path.

one better make damm sure that one dont have any .net programs running when the pda is off too
because then the SD interface get shutdown to save power
and then programs which are running which depend on the framework crash and burn

Rudegar said:
one better make damm sure that one dont have any .net programs running when the pda is off too
because then the SD interface get shutdown to save power
and then programs which are running which depend on the framework crash and burn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, but you can also play with PNPUnloadDelay to avoid problems because of this (see http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=44488 for more info).

how does this method compare to the way the new beta allows GAC to be installed to the storage card?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...53-a418-42d9-a481-19ba3ceca1a6&displaylang=en
from what another user told me, the beta allows you to install about 80% of the framework to the storage card.
-jeff

jeffreii said:
how does this method compare to the way the new beta allows GAC to be installed to the storage card?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...53-a418-42d9-a481-19ba3ceca1a6&displaylang=en
from what another user told me, the beta allows you to install about 80% of the framework to the storage card.
-jeff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes !!! Thanks for the council.
Before with the previous version of net framework 2 my free memory was of 25,80 Mb.
After to have installed the Sp1 new beta on the Storage Card is of 29,78 Mb.

Hi Menneisyys. Would MUCH appreciate your guidance;
I'm using a ROM image that works great - except that the CF 2.0 SP1 installation is buggy. I can't de-install it as it's not in my installed apps. Any idea what files I need to delete so the install proggie thinks it's gone and does a reasonable re-install? Currently the install proggie says "you already have this verison installed".

craigiecraigie4 said:
Hi Menneisyys. Would MUCH appreciate your guidance;
I'm using a ROM image that works great - except that the CF 2.0 SP1 installation is buggy. I can't de-install it as it's not in my installed apps. Any idea what files I need to delete so the install proggie thinks it's gone and does a reasonable re-install? Currently the install proggie says "you already have this verison installed".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, it's not only files but also registry entries. Try deleting all the above-listed, 2.0-only (don't touch the CF1-specific ones!) registry entries.
Do you have WM5 or a previous OS? If you have the latter, I can send over an .unload file and a registry import so that you can directly delete these without any manual registry editing.

Menneisyys said:
Unfortunately, it's not only files but also registry entries. Try deleting all the above-listed, 2.0-only (don't touch the CF1-specific ones!) registry entries.
Do you have WM5 or a previous OS? If you have the latter, I can send over an .unload file and a registry import so that you can directly delete these without any manual registry editing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mennei, I'm on WM5 and would TRLUY appreciate a .unload file! Thanks a stack.

craigiecraigie4 said:
Hi Mennei, I'm on WM5 and would TRLUY appreciate a .unload file! Thanks a stack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, you can't easily hack WM5 (as opposed to pre-WM5 OS'es) to think it has a program installed - you don't have write rights on \Windows\AppMgr and, tehrefore, can't copy the (un)install DLL there. That is, with WM5, it's, to my knowledge, not possible to automatically remove stuff.

Menneisyys said:
Unfortunately, you can't easily hack WM5 (as opposed to pre-WM5 OS'es) to think it has a program installed - you don't have write rights on \Windows\AppMgr and, tehrefore, can't copy the (un)install DLL there. That is, with WM5, it's, to my knowledge, not possible to automatically remove stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm.....
maybe if you installed a "dummy" program that would reference the appropriate uninstall file for CF2.0?
just an uneducated noob suggestion. (feel free to educate me! i'm always eager to learn)

blazoner said:
hmmm.....
maybe if you installed a "dummy" program that would reference the appropriate uninstall file for CF2.0?
just an uneducated noob suggestion. (feel free to educate me! i'm always eager to learn)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might work.

CF2 late question
I know there has been no action on this thread but as a late commer I was wondering if the CF files can be copied and included into the extended ROM (instead of the storage card) and then flashed onto the device?

mnazmi said:
I know there has been no action on this thread but as a late commer I was wondering if the CF files can be copied and included into the extended ROM (instead of the storage card) and then flashed onto the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I think so - after all, when unlocked, the extended ROM is just another drive in the file system. WHEN unlocked, I think.

FYI
i downloaded the .Net CF2.0 SP1 fr http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...88-59e2-4eba-a70e-4cd851c5fcc4&DisplayLang=en
i selected Storage Card during the installation. all GAC* files are installed automatically\directly onto my Storage Card\Windows folder. when i checked on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ .NETCompactFramework\ Installer\ Assemblies\ Global, all 14 2.0 and 8.0 entries are already with the correct folder path (\Storage Card\Windows). therefore, i only needed to move 4 files below onto the \Storage Card\Windows folder, and added value Storage Card\Windows\ into the SystemPath in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Loader
cgacutil.exe
MSCOREE2_0.dll
netcfagl2_0.dll
netcfd3dm2_0.dll
thanks for the tips!

World's first CAB file editor working on a Windows Mobile device

We will release a new Windows Mobile program called " CabIntegr " soon.
It is the World's first CAB file editor working on a Windows Mobile device!
No need a Desktop PC to create CAB files and make the user independent
Ideal for using, if the user is on the way or he has no access to an Desktop PC .
CabIntegr features:
Creating new CAB files
Editing CAB files:
Adding files
Adding multiple files in one operation
Adding registry keys
Importing registry keys from REG files
Adding custom* shortcuts
CAB files compression supported**
Pre- and post- XML provisioning files supported***
Managing storage of information needed for the program removal
Viewing all CAB files which are available on the device
Viewing contents of CAB files
Extracting contents from CAB files
Creating new CAB Provisioning files
Converting REG files to CAB files
Support several languages of the interface
(W)QVGA/(W)VGA support
Windows Mobile 5/6 Classic and Professional compatible
* shortcut target will be exist on device or in CAB file
** only MSZIP
*** only for new CAB files

Looking forward for release. Dreams may come true...finnaly!
Freeware, or not?

I read on german forum the regular price is $14,99.
As registered SKTools customer I get the half price.

So this is just advert..mhmm..
g'luck.

CabIntegr on our webpage released !

CABIntegr Update 1.1.0.6 released!
The World's first CAB file editor working on a Windows Mobile device!
CABIntegr allow to user create, edit, view, install CAB files.
A helpful tool for all Windows Mobile user, especially for developers, ROM cooker, skinner etc.
No need any PC, so the user is independent. Ideal if you are on the road.
News and updates:
- Added "Create Installer" option. "Installer" it is executable file. This executable include one or more (CAB or/and other) files and can install or execute it after start.
- Script support for the Installer.
- "Set Path", "Create from cab" commandS in "Create" window.
- Scroll (left, right) gestures in settings (WM6.5+ and some WM6.x devices).
- Improved import from REG files.
This update are free for all registered CABIntegr users.

CABIntegr Update 1.1.0.7 released!
The World's first CAB file editor working on a Windows Mobile device!
CABIntegr allow to user create, edit, view, install CAB files.
A helpful tool for all Windows Mobile user, especially for developers, ROM cooker, skinner etc.
No need any PC, so the user is independent. Ideal if you are on the road.
News and updates:
- Added import "pre-" and "post-" XML from CAB file
- Improved RGU files import
- Edit operation for TSK files
- Improved settings window
This update are free for all registered CABIntegr users.

[Q] What's The Programing Language Used To Write CAB File ??

hi everyone I am beginner in C# Programing Language and I would like to know
What's The Programing Language used to write CAB file ??
and what's the syntax of it??
I search here in xda developers I found that they are using some software like
WinCE CAB Manager & OCP software & CAB Wizard software I decide to start with
WinCE CAB Manager I hope that someone can help me to make my first simple CAB

ghost_j1 said:
hi everyone I am beginner in C# Programing Language and I would like to know
What's The Programing Language used to write CAB file ??
and what's the syntax of it??
I search here in xda developers I found that they are using some software like
WinCE CAB Manager & OCP software & CAB Wizard software I decide to start with
WinCE CAB Manager I hope that someone can help me to make my first simple CAB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a cab is a container not a program .. you dont program a cab file directly ..

In WinCE CAB Manager, start with simple registry changes (import .reg), then move to installing .exes and the like.

CAB Files
CAB files are used by Microsoft much the same way than zip files and not only for mobiles devices but also for their Windows for desktops and servers. Basically, you can put everything you want in it and there is a ini file that tell the os where to put the files.

CABs are setup files
a cab file is just a setup container. If you're using MS Visual Studio then you can create a cab project under Other Project types -> Setup and Deployment.
It isn't really so much of actual programming, just linking your existing project and add links for default locations, shortcuts, icons etc and VS will do the rest automatically.

In introduction to cab
[Q] What's The Programing Language Used To Write CAB File ??
[A] XML is used!
MSCEInf is the best way to start with cabs;
Drop a *.cab on it (or use the menu and open one ).
http://www.codeppc.com/telechargements/
Actually *.cab files gives us WM5/6 Standard Professional users the power to configure our devices the way we want! And fast especially when User Customization is build into ROM thus SDConfig.txt + SDautorun.exe cq runcc.exe cq DevPrep is used! Then we 'the users' and 'ROM flashing junkies' get super fast multi mega provxml and cab battle installs on the fly
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Here some Graphic User Interface (GUI) builds around several cabxxx.exe utilities ;
QuickCab v2 was one of my sticky cab application(s)! It made my day several times
Nowadays I'm using Extendir Cabs (below).
-=[ Screenshot1 ]=- -=[ Screenshot2 ]=-
QuickCab v1 once located on my HD
::
Did you know that CAB files transfered via ActiveSync may be altered during the transfer process? If you have a CAB file which has been authenticode signed with a certificate, ActiveSync may strip off the certificate during the transfer process if it determines the connected device does not support signed cab files. This is something to be aware of, if you notice your CAB files won’t install if you download them across the network, but will if manually transfered via ActiveSync.
::
Extendir Cabs (with nice GUI) is an utility to create cab files.
Basically it’s a shell around cabarc.exe. It converts rgu/reg/xml/provxml files, create _setup.xml, create all the different install paths to optimize for Extendir (optionally you can switch this off). So it’s very easy to convert your tweaks or packages to a setup cab.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...41&postcount=4
-=[ Screenshot ]=-
[APP] CabGen - easily create .cab from wap-provisioningdoc ONLiNE
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441577
[APP] ai Cab Explorer utility: new way to explore cab files on your disk (view manila pictures, build multiple cabs album)
http://www.xda-developers.com/forum/...d.php?t=561968
ProvXMLCreator [1.0][Autoconfiguration for WiFi, Certificates and email]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=630094
reg/rgu-2-xml
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=386677
Registry format conversor: xml to reg
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=299308
Use SK-Tools (not free, though partly functional) it exports registry and can create a cab! It has also a reg editor. Plus.....
S-K-Tools main site!
http://www.s-k-tools.com/index.html?m_products.html
S-K-Tools freeware site! ;
http://www.s-k-tools.com/index.html?m_util.html Check these two free awesome applications;
CabInstl :
-=[ Screenshot animated ]=-
This program is an installer for CAB files and allows to install PocketPC programs into YOUR specified folder instead of that by default created by the standard installer!
SSNAP : REGiSTRY/~ SNAPSHOT 'N + 2nd SNAPSHOT and COMPARE on PocketPC!
-=[ Screenshot ]=-
The program takes a snap-shot of the state of PocketPC that is useful for monitoring of changes on PocketPC, e.g. those made during installation of programs. To compare snaps of two different PocketPC states it is possible to use the utility iDiffCE on your PocketPC (see below) or any other utilities for comparison of text files on desktop PC – e.g. ExamDiff.. or Total Commander (PC version) (TC it's; Compare files by content function).
What is saved in a snap:
- contents of the registry (keys and valuess);
- listing of the file system (folders and ffiles; for files their dates and sizes are saved, the control sum is counted up);
- state of system databases (the list, the size, number of records, date of the last update).
Usefull tools for packaging and development issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/198038/
[Personal Computer]
[APP] Pocket PC Themes Toolkit v1.03
After installing this application.. magically cabwiz.ddf , CabWiz.exe and makecab.exe appeared within its directory
just when I needed them!!! *cough*
[UTILITY] CabTools - ROM package <--> CAB converters and more. For ROM builders!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=467842
Free Microsoft XML Notepad 2007; http://www.microsoft.com/DownLoads/...49-787d-4118-ba5f-4f30fe913628&displaylang=en
XML Notepad 2007 Tutorial !!
Download cabsdk.exe ( http://theether.net/download/Microsoft/Utilities/ ) for documents that describe the internal structures of CabinetFiles, samples to use from C and a description of cabinet.dll.
(FYI: cabsdk.exe is a compressed executable zip file).
Universal Extractor (guess what; it supports cab(!) and so.. so much more (like *.msi). Running from CLI is no problem eighter, which is great for batch processing).
http://legroom.net/software/uniextract
-=[ Screenshot1 ]=- -=[Screenshot2 ]=- -=[ Screenshot ]=-
WinCE cab Manager not free
-=[ Screenshot ]=-
CEcabManager TiP; Get your desired *.cab!
1) keep PDA disconnected (no active sync session)
2) install exe as usual and, when standard installation dialog will appear, go on (later cab installation will begin when you'll connect phone to pc)
3) open (on PC) regedit.exe
4) go to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows CE Services\AppMgr\Apps
5) there you'll find a list of installable cabs via active sync
6) under each application, the value ListCabFiles is the name of cab file and the value InstallDir is its position of file system.
Remember to uninstall exe after you copy/move the cab file (or delete application key) otherwise installation of cab files will start on next activesync session!!
Simple, isn't it?
MSCEInf FREEWARE
Version 2.6 (developed in Delphi 2007 for W32)
-=[ Screenshot ]=-
http://www.codeppc.com/telechargemen...nf/msceinf.htm
above webpage Translated into English
MSCEInf (aka MSCEInf.exe) is a fantastic piece of kit that allows the user to inspect the contents of .cab (and .tsk) files.
In addition, the program enables you to extract files from a .cab, and use embedded XML or INF files to construct the relevant .rgu or initflashfiles entries.
Version française​ French Version
English version​ English version
Deutsche Version​ Deutsche Version
Versione Italiana​ Versione Italiana
Versione Spagnola​ Versione Spagnola
Version Néerlandaise (hollandaise)​ Version Netherlands (Holland)
CABpack ; http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/cabpack.htm
Pocket PC Installation Creator 2.6 - Not Free Handy tool for creating exectutable PPC apps
http://pocket-pc-installation-creato...c.com/pocketpc
A few links I stumbled upon recently;
MS-Cabinet File WrapperClasses
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/files/cabfileclass.aspx
Cabinet File (*.CAB) Compression and Extraction
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/files/...ssExtract.aspx
How to implement creation and extraction of Microsoft CAB files
CDirectoryChangeWatcher - ReadDirectoryChangesW all wrapped up
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/files/...gewatcher.aspx
This class wraps up ReadDirectoryChangesW.
CTextFileDocument
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/files/...edocument.aspx
CTextFileDocument lets you write and read text files with different encodings (ASCII, UTF-8, Unicode 16 little/big endian are supported).
CEregEditor : CEregEditor is free ware and runs on PC in combination with ActiveSync. It allows editing of the registry of the PocketPC right on your PC. Extra's; it dan import/export *.cab files! Use the compare tool to save an image of the registry (F2) then after installing a cab, use Images -> compare registry.
o/~
Senax

Senax said:
Here some Graphic User Interface (GUI) builds around several cabxxx.exe utilities ;
QuickCab v2 was one of my sticky cab application(s)! It made my day several times
Nowadays I'm using Extendir Cabs (below).
-=[ Screenshot1 ]=- -=[ Screenshot2 ]=-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've made plenty of cabs for apps that I have written, using Visual Studio 2008.
But, with Visual Studio 2008 you cannot put shortcut or lnk files into your project, unless you are suppliying the source file that it points to in the cab.
QuickCab v2 gets around that.
Useful for creating a shortcut to an app already in the ROM, but no lnk on the start menu.

Just recently I stumbled upon Windows CE CAB Installer SDK (though named SDK its more a CDK (Commercial DK), because you've got to pay $5 for it).
Awesome for UC (User Customization)

How do i customize the Start Menu pre-build?

I'd like to customize the start menu prior to building, I'm using win mob 6.5 Build 23569 & OSKitchen Zero .
So far i've made a .reg injection file in EXT packages and been able to add reg entries for folders and also point them to their Icon.
But the folders only show up if I manually make the folder after the rom has been compiled and flashed.
The icons at least work then, But even if i put a reg entry inside them - Inside my .reg injection (Like Calculator) under HKLM/Security/Shell/StartInfo/Start this does not show up. (If i copy it from Windows/Start Menu into the Tools folder
made after flashing it does though)
I believe I am missing putting in the new Start menu file structure somewhere (Like the physical directories) but i'm not sure where I should put them as the /WINDOWS/Start Menu/Programs folder doesn't exist yet & all the .lnk shortcuts are not structured anywhere.
Sorry for my ramblings, I have tried searching and reading lots of posts but cannot find anything specific.. If you could help, even just by pointing me in the right direction I'd be happy as
My goal is just to be able to organise a structure (TOOLS/ACCESSORIES/INTERNET etc) in the start menu rather than just have all the items plonked everywhere.
Thanks

I've found my answer - Edit initflashfiles.dat (Change extension to .txt)
I will write a guide shortly as it's very hard to find.
Thanks

[IDEA] And what about file association ?

When I search in the wp7 forum I see few thread about file association in wp7 but I just remark that it's not so difficult to do using the excellent wp7 root tools SDK:
Code:
string Me = "1ff297cf-853f-4c7c-b9ca-1d255cb4c387".ToUpper(); //our Application's AppId
string Format = ".xml";
//set the defaut file association for .xml to FileAssoc instead of xmlfile
Registry.SetValue(RegistryHyve.ClassesRoot, Format, "Default", "FileAssoc");
//create the corresponding registry key
try { Registry.DeleteKey(RegistryHyve.ClassesRoot, "FileAssoc"); }
catch { }
Registry.CreateKey(RegistryHyve.ClassesRoot, "FileAssoc");
//create the key BrowseInPlace (I don't know why, I just do it, it takes one line)
Registry.SetValue(RegistryHyve.ClassesRoot, "FileAssoc", "BrowseInPlace", 0x0);
//and the app that must open .xml file (our app)
Registry.CreateKey(RegistryHyve.ClassesRoot, "FileAssoc\\shell\\open\\command");
Registry.SetValue(RegistryHyve.ClassesRoot, "FileAssoc\\shell\\open\\command", "Default", "app://" + Me + "/_default?type=FileAssoc&file=%s");
But if each application try to play with those settings it wil be the mess in the phone that's why I suggest that someone create an app that manage file associations for the user to choose what application he want use for a given file type and to support more file type (like .epub or .rar).
moreover the application that create File association must use native code but it's not necessarily the case for the application that read the file it would allow developers to publish this app on the marketplace (by adding an other source like skydrive or url) and the application that create File association would just be a big plus for Interop-unlocked phones.
Here is an app that display xml file in a textbox it's just an exemple of how it works:
fbe.am/8ld ==> xap
fbe.am/8le ==> source
What do you think ?

I actually knocked up an app very similar to this a little while ago, I didn't get around to finishing it but it was fully capable of searching the registry and compiling a list of known file extensions. As well as searching the installation directories of app's for certain .xml which contained the file extension that the app wanted to be associated with.
It was all written as a managed app, and I don't know if someone would want to look at it, but if there is some interest I can put it up.