[Q] How to backup and restore provisioning xml file - Windows Phone 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys,
I have LG Quantum which I converted into C900K (Australia ROM) using instructions from one of the teds here. Now, for various reasons, I want to go back to original C900B (Bell) ROM but I would like to first backup provisioning xml file from current ROM and add it into phone once I convert back to C900B (Bell).
How I can do this?
Thanks

OK, first of all, what do you mean "backup provisioning xml file"? The phone has dozens if not hundreds of provxml files on it, plus whatever ones you've personally added.
If you want to back up the system provxml files, they are generally in the \Windows folder. You can use the Mango Webserver app to download them, though it can't put them back (can't write to \Windows). Note that most of these files are processed invisibly and the user never calls them.
If you mean "create a provxml file that backs up my files" then you're out of luck; the provxml processor available to apps on LG phones doesn't permit operations on files.
If you mean "backup my provxml files from the DiagProvXML app's isolated storage" then you can use a tool like Isolated Storage Explorer or similar to do this.
If you mean something else, you're going to need to be a lot more specific.
As for restore, the only option available on LG is to put it in an app (such as the DiagProvXML app), either in the XAP file directly or into the isolated storage using something like Isolated Storage Explorer (I believe Windows Phone Device Manager can do this too). You can then process the provml using DiagProvXML or a similar app.
Again, if you want to do something else, you're going to need to be way more specific.

GoodDayToDie, thanks for detailed reply.
I'm not expert, but I'll try to explain. I bought my phone from Bell, unlocked it and moved to Speakout (Rogers). Problem was that data and mms never worked over the air, only wireless. My understanding is that provisioning xml file holds necessary settings and unfortunately I haven't had one for Rogers.
My only solution is to follow instruction from one of the treads (specifically written to help with this issue) to convert my phone to Australian version C900K which has necessary software to request and get xml file. I did that and finally I got xml file from Rogers and data working.
Now, I have various problems with C900K. For example I'm unable to install xap files, I have to update my phone manually, etc... All that was working just fine on C900B (Bell) version.
I was hoping I can export Rogers xml file out of phone, revert my phone to C900B, and then import xml file again, enabling data in process. Basically I would like to have C900B version working with data on Rogers using xml file I obtained from C900K version.
Does this make sense? I hope you understand what I'm trying to achieve.

You want to export your network configuration, so you can restore it on the original firmware. Note that while network configurtion can be set using provxml, it is neither stored that way internally once set, nor is that the only way to set it. Provxml is also used for a great many other things, which is why your original request was far too vague.
I assume LG has some kind of "network setup" app, and that you tried it but found it didn't have settings for your carrier? That most likely *does* use provxml, but extracting it will be a neat trick. It's probably stored in a database of some kind under the \Windows folder. Odds are that you can download it using the Webserver app, but I don't even know what files to look for on LG.
Your best bet would simply be to find the APN settings you need (that's basically the "Internet service provider configuration" for a phone) and enter those manually. Typically, your carrier is happy to provide you that info if for some reason your phone doesn't find it automatically, and you can find the option to select your APN, or add a new one, under Settings -> Cellular. That should enable data, hopefully including MMS (which uses data).
If that doesn't work, you could also try running AutoDataConfig; by setting a few registry values (easy on LG) you can force data config to run at the next time the phone boots up, which will try to set up neccessary configuration for your carrier (obviously, you must have the SIM card in at the time).
Hope that helps. It would be good to know what things you tried prior to the (generally quite excessive) step of re-flashing your ROM.

Related

Problems with PROVXML files

I've spent the last 6 hours trying to get PROVXML files working with 1.60 ROM and I just can't... Here is what I've tried:
Created my own PROVXML files in Notepad, Notepad++ and XML Notepad, following existing examples and documentation from http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa456134.aspx
Modified existing PROVXML files (e.g., 'copy' command to 'move' command for OEMDrivers\mxip_HtcApps_HTC_Ringtone.provxml) and re-touched with proper timestamp and file attributes (+s +r +h +a)
Cut up portions of Menu_Operation.XML and placed into renamed files, such as mxipupdate_package_ver.provxml and mxip_package_ver.provxml
Saved in ANSI & Unicode
Used BuildOS.exe and BuildOS+Package_Tools-2.7.exe
And no matter what I do, the file operations I'm trying to perform within the PROVXML never happen!!!
I would be greatful for any help or insight. Thanks much!
I've had issues adding new provxml files but have always been able to add operations to existing ones w/o problems. This is essentially how I split out MMS from SMS on my latest ROM. Timestamp/file attributes weren't an issue for me. Instead, my biggest issue was the fact that my ROM wasnt running the MASD provxml that was part of the ArcSoft package. I ended up working around the problem my placing the MMS account provisioning into another provxml. Interestingly, looking at these files with WinHex shows a 3 byte sequence that proceeds the non-unicode provxml files themselves. Definately not a checksum since I've been able to change the contents w/o adjusting this info and the provisioning itself still runs. In fact, deleting the sequence entirely seems to have no effect on whether the provisioning doc runs at cold boot or not. Consequently, I've always been interested in understanding the mechanism that controls what provxml files get run.
The hex bits are only found in provxml files contained with the OperatorPKG folder. Other provxml files have no special hex bits, and unfortunately, I've added those hex bits to my files and still have not had any success.
The main reason why I want to use provxml files is to replace initflashfiles.txt in every package and reduce the amount of memory used by having duplicate copies in the windows folder and the copied folder.
Any additional insight would be appreciated...
Thanks again.
_Alex_ said:
The main reason why I want to use provxml files is to replace initflashfiles.txt in every package and reduce the amount of memory used by having duplicate copies in the windows folder and the copied folder.
Any additional insight would be appreciated...
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You ever have the option to pack the soft into a CAB and install on first boot trough customizacion OEM... i know is not the same, but you gain control about the space on storage.
Cheers.

Sprint - Weather again!

Since the database that holds city information is stored in ROM on the Sprint TP, editing it to add additional cities would not seem possible.
Would there be any way to repackage the ROM some how so that file is NOT stored in ROM but just in regular storage, thereby making edits possible?
Also, when installing a new ROM set, will a hard reset still restore the original factory settings in case something goes wrong?
Thanks,
Chris
If you load a new ROM, THAT is your ROM. Only way to go back is flash to another ROM.
i added new cities exactly the same way i did on my sprint pro as i did my sprint diamond using weather database editor
DomSim said:
i added new cities exactly the same way i did on my sprint pro as i did my sprint diamond using weather database editor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get past the error about changing the read only flag on the database? Using Total Commander, properties for the database that holds the city information show that the file is "in ROM" and therefore cannot be changed. I tried renaming or even deleting the file and couldn't.
Perhaps some Sprint models did not have that file in ROM but in regular storage, I don't know.
What is the model id of the Sprint TP that you were able to change the database on?
Attached is what I see in Total Commander when I look at the properties of the database.
Chris
I had the same problem with my Touch Pro. When you look at the properties of the file, you will see the check marks. If you DOUBLE CLICK on them they will go away.
Dave

[Q] How to overwrite Htchomesetting.xml

I have an edited htchomesettings.xml that i want to put on my jade.
Everytime i try to drag 'n drop this file into my windows folder, i get the 'acced denied, be sure the file isn't read-only, in use or that you have enough space left'-error.
When looking at the file's properties (with Resco or total commander) it seems to be fixed in the Rom and i think that's the reason i can't overwrite it.
I already googled it and found some topics concerning this problem, and generally they all give the same advice:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2736263&postcount=500
the problem is, i already used both programs, and apparently it does not seem to work, or i'm doing it wrong or i'm overlooking something...
So, can anyony tell me how to overwrite this file with total commander or resco, if this is possible.
Many thanks, and sorry if this is a stupid question, i searched the web for about 3 hours before asking you guys .
It's a little easier than that. The only thing you need to do is make sure that the plugin is not running. In other words, deactivate the plugin in the Settings menu. Then, do a soft reset, just to make sure that the system has stopped using it. Then you can copy and paste with any program that you like. I have found that using a PC (via ActiveSync) works best. Good luck!!
Thanks for the quick reply thunder.
Unfortunately, it did not work out. I deactivated TouchFlo already (and did the reset). And still it gives me the same error.
"Cannot copy HtcHomeSettings. Make sure your device has sufficient memory, that the file is not set as read-only, and that you have permission to copy this file type"
This time I simply used Active sync as you told me.
Again, does it have something to do with the fact that this file is hardcoded on the rom?
rubain013 said:
Thanks for the quick reply thunder.
Unfortunately, it did not work out. I deactivated TouchFlo already (and did the reset). And still it gives me the same error.
"Cannot copy HtcHomeSettings. Make sure your device has sufficient memory, that the file is not set as read-only, and that you have permission to copy this file type"
This time I simply used Active sync as you told me.
Again, does it have something to do with the fact that this file is hardcoded on the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, if it is built into the rom, you will probably have a hard time copying over it. Have you tried to edit the file directly on the phone? I believe that there are a few xml editors for ppc floating out there, you could try that. Also, is there anything in particular that you want to do that requires you to modify the xml? Reason I am asking is because you could use M2D Customizer if you are only looking into modifying some settings. Hope this helps...
Allright, found out how to overwrite it!
Made a .m2dct file containing my preferred theme and settings, then i edited the included HtcHomeSettings.xml file.
Then i used the M2D customizer to load the .2mdct file, and that worked perfectly.
Thanks for the hint, Thunder!

Need names of default files on htc

I accidentally erased a name of a file using total commander and can't undo myself.
My files show:
//Plugins
Application Data
ConnMgr
Content
Documents and Settings
Music
My Documents
Programs
Storage Card
Temp
Windows
and "wrong name because I deleted it" (in the folder is Manilla_20100401....)
Can someone please let me know what that file name should be? Most of my programs won't fully launch now because of it.
Thank you for your help.
Michael
Just hard reset your phone. That's always an easy fix that's sure to work
I just had this phone replaced due to warranty and had finished reinstalling lots of items but stupidly hadn't made a backup. I was in fact only opening total commander to make certain it was working when I accidentally deleted the file name. I would hate to hard reset when it is just a single file name that needs replaced .... I hope.
Do you have SK Tools? If so, this is a piece of cake. Open the database tool and export Replstor as an .xml. Open it with notepad on your PC and find the name of the file or folder (and its contents) in the list. There could be a few thousand entries, so it may take a while.
Farmer Ted--I don't find any of my file names from my device in this document. Thank you for the suggestion but I am still at a loss for the original names of the folders under My Device.
If only I knew someone with an HTC Fuze, I could just look on their panel under My Device. Unfortunately, most of my folk are Iphone zealots. Their advice usually involves a different purchase!
Michael
Well, I realized after I posted that if you somehow deleted one of the databases, then it won't show up in replstor, because they're all excluded from replstor. Most of them can't be deleted, though. You should have mxip_initdb.vol, mxip_lang.vol, mxip_notify.vol, mxip_swmgmt.vol and mxip_system.vol. If you're missing one of them, then look in the\windows folder and find the rom version and copy it to the root of the device. It may not have everything it needs in it, though. Just post up if you're missing one, and I can probably tell you how to fix it (well, maybe, lol).
Thanks FarmerTed, I'll give it a go as soon as I understand what it means! Just to clarify, I didn't delete any files. I renamed it. Not on purpose. These are just the basic files under My Device.
I've renamed stuff before, too. The best thing to do if you catch yourself is to delete the entire name, then highlight another file. The messed up file will go back to the original name.
shoot. doesn't work. It would have if I would've done that in the first place though, so that is good to know.

[Q] Messed up registry

Hello,
I experimented with the WP7 Root Tools and tried to add an own theme by creating a folder called "2" inside the Themes folder in the registry. After I did that I could not open any app anymore. I can't open the Root Tools app or any other marketplace-app. I tried to fix the problem with the MFG menu of my LG e900 but I can't start that either.
Do you have any way to fix my problem? I don't want to reset my phone and loose all my text messages and my dictionary!
If you don't have a recent backup (which you seriously should; why would you go poke the registry without knowing one???) then yeah, hard-reset it pretty much the only option. You could try opening the Theme control panel in Settings and see if it clears things up for you, or you could try writing an app that uses the LG provxml driver to delete the offending registry key *BEFORE THE APP LOADS ITS UI* so that it *might* get run before crashing, but those are my only guesses as to waht might save you.
If you're going to semi-blindly poke the registry, *ALWAYS* have a backup at hand.
GoodDayToDie said:
you could try writing an app that uses the LG provxml driver to delete the offending registry key *BEFORE THE APP LOADS ITS UI* so that it *might* get run before crashing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think this is possible? So I might give it a try.
Do you know where I have to read to learn this?
Do you have any WP7 dev experience? The basic concept is pretty straightforward, but it helps if I don't have to explain the basics of app development. I've attached a ZIP archive that contains the source code for a very basic app that uses LG provxml.
Your app will need the following things:
NewSysInfoComDLL.dll (native library that talks to the LG provxml driver).
WPInteropManifest.xml (file that allows your app to talk to native code).
ID_CAP_INTEROPSERVICES in WMAppManifest.xml (to access drivers).
Reference to the InteropServices .NET framework DLL (for the ComBridge API).
In the constructor for the main page, or possibly even in the app initialization code that goes in App.xaml.cs - whichever place gets executed first - you'll need to do the following:
Initialize the COM bridge to the native library (the *Interop*.cs files will help here).
Call the LG provision XML API with a provxml string that deletes the registry ney you created (you can find the provxml reference for Windows Compact 7 on MSDN).
If you're very lucky, this will fix your registry before the app tries to read the registry, goes looking for the additional theme data, doesn't find it, and crashes.
reason adocde
Thank you so far!
I am a very basic programmer, so I don't know very much about it, but I have created a few apps already.
The example looks really interesting, but I think it only shows how to read a registry key. How can I write one instead?
ProvXML reference (I did tell you how to find this yourself...) http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg155017.aspx
You want the registry provider, obviously, and you want to delete a key, so that will be a nocharacteristic element.
Physatty said:
Hello,
I experimented with the WP7 Root Tools and tried to add an own theme by creating a folder called "2" inside the Themes folder in the registry. After I did that I could not open any app anymore. I can't open the Root Tools app or any other marketplace-app. I tried to fix the problem with the MFG menu of my LG e900 but I can't start that either.
Do you have any way to fix my problem? I don't want to reset my phone and loose all my text messages and my dictionary!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had the same issue, but i tried it a few months ago manually, to manage the second folder. but i messed the same thing up, its not the fault of wp7 root tools, its just to the registry. my out was an hard reset. which resets the registry too.
Dinchy87 said:
i had the same issue, but i tried it a few months ago manually, to manage the second folder. but i messed the same thing up, its not the fault of wp7 root tools, its just to the registry. my out was an hard reset. which resets the registry too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's what I did now.

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