Database Users

Remote Application Install

Hi Everyone,
I am just starting to explore developing software for mobile devices. I want to be able to develop an application, generate a CAB file, copy them to a selected device and the make the device automatically expand and install the CAB file.
Does anyone know of an easy way of automating the installation of a CAB file on devices - this is basically so that the end user does not have to be involved in the installation of new software.
Thanks
Dan

I'm interested in it too!
Do you mean that you want to remotely update the software installed in the mobile? Do you plan to send the new installation file by GPRS?

You can't push files over GPRS unless you have a VPN or similar tunnel (most people don't.)
While developing I like to run Eiichiro Ito's ftpd for Windows CE (works with any version from 2.0 to 5.0 - http://www.oohito.com/wince/arm_j.htm) and I have a rule in my Makefile which automatically uploads the new binary to the storage card, ready to run.
Of course if you only want your program to check for updates and install them automatically, then it is just a matter of making it check a website and download available updates each time it is run. This requires extra code in your application but it's the only way to do it for released software. Also it will annoy the user by trying to connect to GPRS every time they run the program.

It sounds like to me you want to know how to make a cab file. Is that right?
If so I can offer some code. The part about getting the cab to automatically work is not so easy. Unless you have some process already running that expects the cab, what will execute it?(unless of cource you mean the device is synched)
Give more detail.

Mobile2Market Privileged certificate Problem

Hi all i did post this in the generic upgrading but as it's an issue with the M3100 i though i would try here.
Anyhow i have been trying to get a safemode app to run on a couple of Orange phones (M3100 & M600) and this was the reply i had from one of the developers
"An app properly signed with a M2M certificate will run on every Windows Mobile 5.0 device EXCEPT:
Devices shipped by Orange do not include the Mobile2Market Privileged certificate, but do include the Normal M2M certificate"
(http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsmob...s/default.aspx)
So my question , Is it possible to extract the cert from another phone and Add them to my phone ?
and if so which ones do i look for and how would i do it ?
Thanks
dean

AFAIK, the only time the privileged cert is required is during device customization (extrom load). Is this something you need to do? The standard M2M cert allows you to set up services that auto-load etc...

Thanks for the reply
I had previously tried Ilauncher & SPB Safemode apps and could not get either to work on my M600 until i upgraded the rom to a generic one.
Now i have the same issue with the M3100
So now i have tried the safemode app from www.monocube.com
and that has the same problems.
The developer in the forums wrote
"The only thing I can think of is that Orange ROMs do not have the Microsoft M2M privileged certificates installed. SafeMode (and other safe mode apps) uses this certificate, because it calls privileged system functions.
I know Orange has a special developer program, in order to get an application signed for their models, however I didn't look into it so much. The only suggestion I have at the moment is to change the rom - but I will look into their developer program. "
Then confirmed it with
"It seems I was right:
"An app properly signed with a M2M certificate will run on every Windows Mobile 5.0 device EXCEPT:
Devices shipped by Orange do not include the Mobile2Market Privileged certificate, but do include the Normal M2M certificate"
(http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/partners/mobile2market/smartphoneapps/default.aspx)
Unfortunately, it's a bit too expensive to get an application signed for Orange devices, because it also needs to be certifed for Windows Mobile ($600), and then pass their own tests."
This would add up to be correct as the M600 only worked when a generic rom was installed which obviously had the correct M2M cert included
I have downloaded different hermes roms and looked at the Cert cab files in the EXT roms but they made no difference after installing them into the orange rom.
The problem is i don't know if they need to be enabled in the rom or if they are just certs that can be ripped from another phone.
Any more info is apreciated
Dean

Just a bit more info i found other Certs from a couple of roms and again no joy
Just to tie this down to the orange certificate issue can anyone with a Hermes other than a M3100 (or a M3100 with another Rom) please confirm that a safemode app works.
Thanks

Yep, Safemode is one reason... Only priviledged apps can run then.
Orange must only supply their operator cert for priviledged mode execution.... I don't think installing an operator root can fix you. Only apps signed with that operator's certs will run when that is the case.
Your fix should be to install a M2M priviledged mode root cert. Not sure what you need to do that though.
I can confirm that SPB safe mode works on my TyTN.

Tytn - security Screen - Intellisync

Hi,
Since I've installed this new version of this software I've been using for a long time now each time I soft reset my device I got stuck on the windows mobile blue background. I can get pass it!!!
Now the good news is via activsync I can still connect to my device and explore it. I can also remove the software (intellisync) and this will let me regain access to my device.
The problem is I can't live without Intellisync so I end up reinstalling it evrytime.
The problem is link (I guess) to the security screen which replaces the default winm 5 one.
Questions :
1 where can I find a step-by-step description of the boot process ?
2 What is the name of the security app object ?
3 Who could help ???
Many Thanks

It beats me, but then it does often

Hi,
I have just completed my first XDA program using VB.Net 2005 and have targeted to a Pocket PC 2003, which is the operating system of the XDA but I get this message what can I do? VB.Net does not have any other options for Pocket PC 2003.
Error 1
The specified program requires a newer version of Windows on the device. Device Connectivity Component

Please don't be insulted by this but VB was, is and always will be the crappiest language in existence.
My personal rants aside, try installing .NET CF 2.0 I know by default that is what VS 2005 uses and WM 2003 devices only have CF 1.0 / 1.1 in ROM.

Please don't be insulted by this but VB was, is and always will be the crappiest language in existence.
You may well be right given the problems I am having but sadly it’s the only one I know and I quite frankly was well happy when I manged to create this my first mobile app which works great on the emulator
My personal rants aside, try installing .NET CF 2.0 I know by default that is what VS 2005 uses and WM 2003 devices only have CF 1.0 / 1.1 in ROM.
I have tried your fix fix but my XDA does not like it and comes back with the message
The File “\windows\appmgr\install\microsoft.net\CF 2.0.CAB” is not a valid Windows CS Setup file
Am I doing something wrong

Thats odd. Only thing I can think of is try and re-download the installation from here.

No, done it again with the same result.
Do you know the exact file name for the correct cab and then I can perhaps search my hard drive and manually copy it to the XDA and execute it there

Anyone

Hi,
All have cracked the problem myself, the XDA has Pocket PC 2002 is there anyway to upgrade it to Pocket PC 2003?

what is ipl and hdpl???

can someone tell me what ipl or hspl is?
and for what is this?sorry i am beginner xD
thanks for help

Frequently Used Acronyms in PPC World
Frequently Used Acronyms in PPC World
.CAB Files : Cabinet - is the Microsoft Windows native compressed archive format. cab files are files used to install programs. cab files are similar to what you might know as .exe files from your PC. cab files can be downloaded directly to your Hermes with Wifi or GPRS, you can also transfer them to your Hermes using File Explorer on your PC. cab files are not supposed to be unpacked/unzipped on the PC. Copy the intact .cab file as you downloaded it directly to your Hermes
ActiveSync :This program by Microsoft is what we all use to connect to our computers at work or at home. It allows contacts, tasks, emails and Calendar events to be synchronised with Outlook aswell as such things as media and favorites. In Windows Vista this has been replaced by the Windows Mobile Device Center. In addition ActiveSync allows browsing of the device in Windows Explorer.
AKU: Adaptation Kit Update - they usually patch up existing bugs and enable several new features. Each newly released AKU pack retains fixes found in previous versions of AKU. Starting with Windows Mobile 5 Microsoft began a policy of updates similar to that of the desktop windows. Rather the replacing the whole OS some functionality may be added. For example AKU 2.0 introduced push mail. These updates are distributed through the OEMs and are given to the consumer in form of ROM updates. Note that OEM may choose not to create an update with the latest AKU for their devices. Getting an AKU for your phone is like getting the SP2 (Service Pack 2) for your Windows Xp.
Application Unlock: Most Windows Mobile devices only allow you to load applications that have an acceptable digital signature. If you try to edit the registry or load an application it will give you an error. Application Unlocking removes this barrier and allows you to install any application or edit the registry to your liking.
Baked ROM : that the original shipped complete ROM (CE, Extended and radio) has been modified. A Baked ROM could have a CE ROM from one operator, a Radio stack from a second operator, an Extended ROM from a third operator or even a “cooked” extended ROM.
Bootloader : The bootloader is the first thing to load once you turn on the device, this does the job of booting up the device hardware and loading various items into memory before the ROM starts in the device. The bootloader is also responsible for enabling the flashing of new ROMs and other components such as the Radio and the Ext_ROM. Two modified bootloaders for the Hermes are HardSPL and SSPL. To enter the bootloader, press and hold the OK and POWER buttons while inserting the stylus into the reset hole on the bottom of the Hermes.
Chef / Cook : Its a term coined by the developer community to refer to people who build custom ROMs ( ie; people who cooks ROM ). Personal favourites are : Jasjamming and Schaps
CID lock (aka vendor lock): Carrier Id - put on your device by the manufacturer to prevent installation of a ROM not released by them. Commonly used in the form `CID-Unlocking`. If you purchase your phone (example) from 3Mobile (3Mobile is the ‘carrier’), your phone will only accept 3Mobile ROMs (the carrier’s ROMs). If you want to flash ROMs from other carrier, you’ll need to CID-unlock your phone, so that your phone will accept other ROMs. All bootloaders (apart from HardSPL and SSPL) will only allow a ROM with the correct CID to be flashed onto the device. A device which has been CID unlocked will have ‘SuperCID’ which allows ANY ROM to be loaded onto the device, SuperCID also unlocks the Ext_ROM and allows it to be mounted. Note: In general, the phrase ‘unlock your phone’ usually refers to SIM-unlock, not CID unlock.
Cooked ROM : means that the ROM has been modified with other files
CustomRUU: is an RUU (Rom Upgrade Utility) which has support for all SPL versions including HardSPL and SSPL.
Device Lock : The device lock is a today screen plugin that locks all the buttons (and the touch screen) until you unlock it, it will allow you to answer calls. To use it simply tap the ‘device unlocked’ today item and it will lock the device, to unlock press the left hand soft key and tap the unlock button on screen.
Dopod 838 Pro / i-mate JASJAM / O2 Xda Trion / HTC TyTN : all of these are essentially the same deice
ExtROM: Extended ROM - is the section of the ROM which the distributor of the phone (eg O2, T-Mobile, iMate, etc) store their customization (eg Today theme, ring tones, extra software) data. In WM5, the customization data will be automatically installed after the initial configuration (after every hardreset), just after the security section. In most cases, ExtROM can be unlocked to allow users to store/build their own customizations that will be automatically installed upon every hardreset.
Firmware: This is a piece of software that is stored in a device to make it function. It is, unlike ordinary software, usually semi-permanent and resides in a non-volatile storage area which is unaffected by “hard resetting” a device. The term usually refers to low-level code that controls individual hardware components such as a radio rom.
Flashing : a ROM is the process putting a new ROM on your device or otherwise know as upgrading.
Hard Reset : Switch the device off. Press and hold the Left SOFT KEY and Right SOFT KEY, and at the same time, use the stylus to press the RESET button at the bottom of your device. You will be presented with a menu saying ‘press R to reset, X to exit’. If you press R, your device will be set back to factory default settings. Hard Reset will delete all data you have put on the device: Programs, Settings, Mail, SMS, MMS, etc., so be careful and make a backup before doing this. After a hard reset, you will have a complete clean new install of Windows Mobile on your device. Data on \Storage Card & \Extended_Rom folder will not be deleted

Frequently Used Acronyms in PPC World
HardSPL : This modified bootloader (by Olipro) allows a much safer flashing process to take place since it reduces the chance of permenently bricking your Hermes device. It also removes the need to CID Unlock the device since it ALWAYS reports SuperCID when flashing.
IPL: Initial Program Loader - It boots up SPL. Its the bootloader for PPC, much like the BIOS is the boot loader for your PC. Note: IPL/SPL are highly hardware dependent, flashing the wrong IPL/SPL is much more serious than a flashing the wrong ROM. It may be noted that, sometimes a ROM package also contains the IPL/SPL which will be flashed into your phone. Hence be extra careful what you are flashing. Note: although a ROM may also contains the IPL/SPL
OEM : Original Equipment Manufacturer - is a company that supplied equipment to other companies to resell or incorporate into another product using the reseller’s brand name.
OS: Operating System - the platform software for your phone, much like the Windows Xp/Vista for your PC. Upgrading the OS is like, in PC terms upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista. Os for PPC are WM2002, WM 2003, WM2003SE, WM5, WM6
PIE : Pocket Internet Explorer - is the default browser that comes with the Windows Mobile Operating System.
PPC : Pocket PC - is a hardware specification for a Personal digital assistant that runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system.
Program memory: The non-persistent memory part of WM5, which is used for all the temporary memory requirements, much like the RAM of your PC. A soft-reset or flat battery will erase everything from the program memory. You can’t adjust the ratio of Storage memory and Program memory in WM5 like WinCE2003.
Radio: commonly used in the form `upgrading the Radio/GSM` - in the field of ROM upgrading. The `Radio` is essentially a ROM that controls the phone function part (as oppose to PDA function part) of your phone. Upgrading this `Radio` software may have effect on your phone reception quality, battery life (optimized phone function), signal strength, etc.
RIL: Radio Interface Layer -
ROM: Read Only Memory - commonly used in the form of `ROM upgrade`. The ROM is the firmware/software, which controls everything on your phone. ROM itself usually comes in a package, with IPL/SPL, OS, Radio, and ExtRom. However, in most cases, `upgrading a ROM` usually means just the OS and the ExtRom, as these are the obvious/visible part of an ROM upgrade.
RTM : Release to Manufacturing or Ready to Market.
RUU: ROM Upgrade Utility - Its the s/w used on your PC to do a ROM upgrade for your PPC
SIM: Subscriber Identity Module - commonly used in the form `SIM unlock`. Some phones are locked to the specific telco from which you purchase your phone, eg you can’t use a locked 3Mobile phone with a Vodaphone SIM/smart card. To use SIM card from other telco, you need to SIM unlock your phone. Note: In general, the phrase ‘unlock your phone’ usually refers to SIM-unlock, not CID unlock.SIM Unlock: Use any carrier’s SIM in the device.
SIP : Software Input Panel - for devices that does not have a hardware keyboard the SIP is used to enter data on to the PPC eg: the software keyboard, Symbol Pad, Block Recoganizer, etc . Note : SIP can also stand for Session Initiation Protocol , check the wikipedia entry SIP as a voice over IP protocol.
Smartphone : Pre WM6 class, Smartphone is defined as a mobile phone which offers advanced capabilities like that of a PC. It will not have a touchscreen as compared to a Pocket PC. With the introduction of WM6 all mobile phone devices running Windows Mobile are no classed as Windows Mobile powered Smartphones
Soft Reset : Put your stylus in the hole in the lower left corner. Soft Reset will reboot your device just like when you reboot your PC. No data will be lost, under normal circumstances.
SPL: Secondary Program Loader - Loads the actual OS.
SSPL : is a modified bootloader (by Des) which is loaded into RAM when run, this allows us to overwrite any aspect of the ROM, Radio or Bootloader far easier than using mtty.
Storage memory: The persistent memory part of WM5, where all the files and documents are kept, much like the hard disk of your PC. Data in the storage memory is unaffected by soft-reset or a flat battery. You can’t adjust the ratio of Storage memory and Program memory in WM5 like WinCE2003.
SuperCID : by CID unlocking your device the value of the CID is changed to SuperCID . This allows the flashing of ANY ROM to the device regardless of the carrier and also unlocks the read/write capability of the Ext_ROM.
Touch Cube : usually simply referred to as the Cube. It is a 3d navigation interface created by HTC that uses their TouchFlo technology. The interface was introduced with the HTC Touch and has since been used in several other devices. It has also been ported to devices that pre-date the Touch.
TouchFlo : This is the HTC version of the flick-to-scroll technology often associated with the iPhone. This is not to be confused with the Touch Cube which is another HTC technology. It was 1st seen in HTC Touch.
TouchFlo 3D : this was code named ” Manilla ” and is another HTC technology , its an extension on to the today screen to give the user a finger friendly approach to using the PPC. It was 1st seen with the Touch Diamond.
UI : User Interface - some notable examples would be TouchFlo, PointUI
USSD : Unstructured Supplementary Service Data - is a capability of all GSM phones. It is generally associated with real-time or instant messaging type phone services. There is no store-and-forward capability that is typical of ‘normal’ short messages. Response times for interactive USSD based services are generally quicker than those used for SMS. Its used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network eg: *123# for balance etc.
USIM : Universal Subscriber Identity Module - is an SIM for UMTS mobile telephony running on 3G mobile network.
WindowsCE / WinCE : aka Windows Embedded CE since version 6.0 Microsoft has stated that the ‘CE’ is not an intentional initialism, but many people believe CE stands for ‘Consumer Electronics’ or ‘Compact Edition’;The first version, was known during development under the codename “Pegasus”.
WM: Windows Mobile - the OS of the PPC
WM Classic : Windows Mobile Classic - the OS for PPC device without a phone.
WM Professional : Windows Mobile Professional - the OS for Phone enabled device with a touchscreen (formerly Phone Edition).
WM Standard : Windows Mobile Standard - the OS for Phone enabled device without a touchscreen (formerly Smartphone).
WWE Edition: World Wide English Edition - Its usually appended along with new ROM releases , to show that its a ROM that will have English as the default Language
WDA : Wireless Digital Assistant - This is the term that Hewlett Packard coined with their new 928 WDA Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition which integrates a cell phone with a Pocket PC.
XDA : Extended Digital Assistant - This the term that O2 coined with their new Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition which integrates a cell phone with a Pocket PC.
XIP : Execute in Place - The execution of a program stored in ROM or flash that is run directly from the location where it is stored. The execution does not require the program to be copied into ram before execution. This reduces the amount of ram that an application requires since it does not all have to load into RAM.

oh thanks dude
nice help^^

Nice explanation !
thanks