Database Users

Quick & Dirty Installer?

Got some files in a CAB I want to install on a number of units. I would "like" to create an installer that I just double-click on desktop & it installs via ActiveSync - simple. But I'm not a programmer - what would be the best way to do this? Prefer not to copy via explorer & click the CAB on the XDA unit & others may be doing this, so trying to keep it simple. Ideas/recommendations?

I brought Natural Installer a few years back and it has been the business. It is very simple to use, all with a windows interface and creates a single exe as you say that you just double click on to install.
Have a look here :-
http://naturalinstaller.com/

The site does not mention 2003, have you had any problems with that?
Can you define install location? SD Card
How does it deal with chaty cabs (those that want input).

I've had no problems with PPC2003, why don't you download the trial version and give it a go. Post a reply on this thread as to how it works.
As for chaty cabs I think you can make your own setup.dll but I don't know how to and have never done that.
All I wanted was a basic setup that could make directorys, copy files and set some default registry keys as needed, I found that Natural Installer did that very well. As for more advanced stuff I don't know - but as written trial it.

Well I downloaded it and played with it.
For me it seems to be a WinCabManager type appliction.
Yes you can copy files, set reg entries, make dirs, add icons.
All of this seems doable.
What I was hoping for was a selfextracting file that installs a few cabs and not the content of them.
With the BlueAngel you can set up a autorun that runs a list of cabs in the config.txt file. However for this you need to hack the reg to set the pointer for the autorun and config.txt.
I was hoping that this would be more down the lines of cabinstaller that allows you to define which cab you want were but alas does not allow you to define a list of what cabs you want in what location.
So problem for me not solved but thanks for the tip.

Hi Dave
Personally I use NSIS (Nullsoft Installer) - it is basically a very customisable installer which can be scripted to look like any other installer in existance, or you can make it look totally unique to you!
Another great thing about it is that you can make it install multiple cab files at the same time (it's just a case of calling ActiveSync with the cab file you want to install).
Best of all... it's free
Pope <><

Hidden files and registry after Rom upgrade, what's up ?

Hi !
I've just upgrade my 9000 with Rom 1.30.89 ITA
With the previous Rom I can move shortcuts in Start>Programs in sub-folders created by me (for example: PIE in a folder called Web)
But now i see the shortcuts (of the pre-installed applications in Rom as Word, Excel, Agenda....) in Programs are hidden files and I can't move to my customized folders, i get an error !
I have an italian OS and the error is "Accesso negato" (probably in English is "Access denied")
Same error when i try to modify the registry from PC with Mobile Registry Editor or Smartione.
What's up ? :shock:
Is not my first Pocket PC and with all my past device i always was able to move folders in Programs and edit the registry from PC, but now I don't know what can I do...
Anyone with this issue ?
Thanks :wink:

answer
cut and paste the shortcut icons. you will have to have any start menu aplications closed to do this. It will give you an error if you try to move those icons if you don't close those programs also clear out all the checkmarks under start-settings-menu. this should help

I had this issue as well on my Dopod 900. These files seem to be classified as System Files now and are hidden.
I was using Resco File Explorer and it could not see these files. But checking the box "Show All Files", the files could be seen and moved.
Using File Explorer though, I am pretty sure that it sees the files with no problems. You can move them but you get a prompt saying that this might cause some problems with other software. Just have to click OK and it moves it.
Hope this helps.

Re: answer
sandrobber said:
cut and paste the shortcut icons. you will have to have any start menu aplications closed to do this. It will give you an error if you try to move those icons if you don't close those programs also clear out all the checkmarks under start-settings-menu. this should help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sandrobber, I always close all the running application before moving the shortcuts and I clear all the checkmarks
@capkapak
You're right when you say "These files seem to be classified as System Files now and are hidden."
Anyway thanks for your suggestion, I can move files with TotalCommander also (not only Resco) and modify the registry with PHM RegEditor
Obviously both installed in my 9000
But i would like move files and modify registry from my PC....
Ps: This is strange for me, I always was able to move files with ActiveSync and modify registry with Smartione without any problems.....
Thanks guys for your replies :wink:

Cannot change themes anymore

I am not sure when it happened but i have lost the ability to change themes. I have it set to the Windows Default theme and can't change it to anything else. When i go to settings, then Today, I get a list o fthemes. But if i select any of them and hit ok, nothing changed, even after soft reset. Th eonly thing that changed is when i highlight an object, the highlight is a different color.
I am sure a hard reset will fix this, but I don't want to do that yet.
What exactly happens when you select a theme? Does it extract some files from the .tsk file? If so, what are they and where does it go?
Perhaps, those files are write protected andcan't be copied over in my case.

superflysocal said:
I am not sure when it happened but i have lost the ability to change themes. I have it set to the Windows Default theme and can't change it to anything else. When i go to settings, then Today, I get a list o fthemes. But if i select any of them and hit ok, nothing changed, even after soft reset. Th eonly thing that changed is when i highlight an object, the highlight is a different color.
I am sure a hard reset will fix this, but I don't want to do that yet.
What exactly happens when you select a theme? Does it extract some files from the .tsk file? If so, what are they and where does it go?
Perhaps, those files are write protected andcan't be copied over in my case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW, this is happening to me right now and it's driving me nuts! it seems to have happened after i tried a blackish greyish theme called vista something. Have you found a fix for it?! or does anyone know how to fix this? all i can use is the windows default aqua theme

This is happening to me right now also. Has anyone come up with a fix for this yet?

im still looking for a solution. if i find it, ill post it here. if you find it, please share!

This is happening to me too. I decided to change themes the other day and nothing happend after selecting and hitting 'ok'. Even the themes that came with my Mogul dont work.
I have tried removing themes and soft-restarting and no luck.
Does anyone know what files are modified when you select a theme? my guess is that something is getting corrupted.

Using a registry editor, go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\AppInstall\
Do you see a key named after the theme you installed?
If so, change the value of Role from 64d to 24d and then remove your theme as you usually do.
Here is an expert's explanation:
BenThon said:
Nevertheless, there is a light problem with TSKs created with XML :
I have found a drawback writing TSK with _setup.xml :
New keys in registry :
HKLM\Software\Apps\name of TSK
HKLM\Seurity\AppInstall\name of TSK
And it creates a folder in Windows\AppMgr\name of TSK with a tmp file inside. You can't delete these folders as they are System.
Tsk installed with XML have registry key :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\AppInstall\TSK_Name\Role = 64d
So, When this key is set to 64d, application are masked to the uninstaller.
If you put the value 24d, as other applications, you can uninstall TSK with classical uninstaller.
It deletes the registry keys of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Apps\TSK_Nameand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\AppInstall\TSK_Name
and it deletes folders concerned.
So :
actually, when a TSK is loaded with xml, it creates keys in HKLM\Security\AppInstall\TSK_Name\Role = 64
and folder in Windows\AppMgr\TSK_Name
But you cannot uninstall the TSK by normal procedure because the uninstall is hidden by the value 64 of Role.
If you set this value to 24, it is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

borealcool,
So if I understand you, you are saying that when I change to another theme, the system is trying to 'uninstall' the current theme? So if I change the value in the registry it will be able to change or 'uninstall' it?
I was thinking that it could have something to do with a locked file of some sort becuase I have also been stricken with the 'access denied' phantom. I can't delete files from file explorer no matter what they are or where they are stored. (and no other programs are running)
I guess I'm going to have to become familiar with the registry...ugh. Do you have a recommendation for an editor?

TSK and _setup.xml
I think you are right borealcool !
It seems that I have played with fire by permitting to create TSK with information file "_setup.xml" :
if there is not a conventional inf file (with extension ".000") themes does not work with OS < WM5.
there is a drawback with theme and _setup.xml (which I explained here in september 2006 : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1016599#post1016599 and in a RTF file (TSK and XML (EN).rtf) which is in the zip file of ThemeGenCE.
I have found the same problem in this forum : http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1291292
Please read the TSK and XML (EN).rtf where I explain how to solve the problem and give a solution with ThemeGenCE and PocketPC connected with ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center.
I can give you an advice if you do not want to have problem with themes :
Create themes with ThemeGenCE with setting for create the themes in the Options Tab for TSK with "+ Inf" only selected.
If you load a theme from Internet and you are not sure how it was built, take it into ThemeGenCE, check the "+Inf" option only and save the theme with your modifications.

Same problem here.
I have the same problem it will only load the one default .tsk file no matter what tsk file i select. if i go to reg and check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\AppInstall\
I don't see any entries for the tsk.
I also checked HKEY _CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\TODAY
It shows the tsk file i have selected but theme still remains the green generic one. Ican select a picture as background but I have some cool themes too. Any other ideas to fix this?
I'm using aT-mobile Wing WM6
Thanks all Randy

can those who are having the theme problem still successfully connect via activesync?
qu1nn

activesync
Activesync works but I just reformatted my computer and loaded activesync a couple of days ago.

I know this question is prolly silly but do I install themegence on my computer or on my WM6 phone? Also which version should I use for creating themes on my mogul? Thanks

It seem happends when I changing theme with task tray hidded.
I used to hide task tray with dciNoBar.exe.
And then, the CAB files can't be installed too.
WM6 seem can't creat TSK entry in today category.
So, I have'nt found solution, just hard reboot and reinstall all.

I was having the same problem until I noticed HTC X-Button 1.5 was the culprit. I changed the Button settings to "End programs by tapping and holding "X". This solved the problem until I was able to get the theme changed then I changed it back to "End programs by tapping "X".

How to install .XML files??

How to install the .xml files bundled in the cabs.rar?? I do not know how to make the extrom run automatically after the HR so i have to install each cab file 1 by 1, can anyone help??

Use the ones in cabs2. Also make sure you know what are those .xml for (they are replaced with .cab (s) in cabs2)

xml files are a typicaly a formatted text file like html
not really binary exe programs files
some programs use xml files to store settings and data
maybe they need to be in a location the program in question
will look for them

Rudegar said:
xml files are a typicaly a formatted text file like html
not really binary exe programs files
some programs use xml files to store settings and data
maybe they need to be in a location the program in question
will look for them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you mean copy the .xml files to the location of the program file ??

use HTCustom1.7.cab

yup...

I am having the same issue. I keep seeing these .xml files. I am not a computer guru lol. Do I cut and paste it somewhere on my phone or what? I am so lost please help.

Same thing here on my side mixtape_butcha. I'm subscibed in an Universal forum and have to install a USB switch which is a folder containing an xml file. I asked many time a guide on how to use it but nothing came back.
If you happen to know how to handle it, let me know. I'l do the same with you.
bests
Michael

first of all it is nice that you looked up a matching post yourself and obviously searched for a solution there, but...
if i get your problem right, it doesn't match the ones before. they were talking about .xml files that came with a cab file and stored the settings on how to install and execute.
you, however, talk about a subscribtion to a thread, meaning your xml file is an RSS feed, for which you need a special reader, since PIE is not a proper desktop browser and therefore does not handle feeds. but there is a lot of software out there to handle rss feeds. i personally use spb online 1.2, but there is also freeware, like this: http://www.dewantoro.net/search/pda+rss+reader+cab
i don't get the point with the usb switch though, maybe if that didn't solve your problem you should post further details about that issue and maybe post filenames or screenshots so we all know exactly what you are about to do.

You need not worry to install xml file if it comes with a cab. Cab file should be designed to use it automatically. xml files store usually configurable settings, it may be worth opening those files using any text editor like note pad or even IE to check the contents, that may help if any change is needed. But 99% chances are that you need not do any thing with those xml files.

I have found some people run in to this problem when they download a .cab file from the internet and once downloaded it is a .rar so you extract the .rar to find NOT .cab but .xml
Here is more about it and how to fix it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2367946#post2367946

I am trying to install a game on my MDA Vario IV , it does have .xml file. But no .cab files , only .000 file , .002 , .003 , and .004 files. How do i install this game then ? The installer is the .xml file.
EDIT : Nvm , fixed it , i needed not the files within the .cab file , but just the .cab file itself to extract in on my mobile.

Hello guys iam actually looking to install a sat nav software on my HTC TOUCH HD phone and i got this file called SETUP.XML Document and there's thousands of other files in the same location called KB, which i have no idea what they are but my problem is when i copy those files to my phone and open the SETUP.XLM Document, it opens by the internet explorer in the phone and it does nothing, please let me know if u know any answer to this.
Thank you very much....

nickholas said:
Hello guys iam actually looking to install a sat nav software on my HTC TOUCH HD phone and i got this file called SETUP.XML Document and there's thousands of other files in the same location called KB, which i have no idea what they are but my problem is when i copy those files to my phone and open the SETUP.XLM Document, it opens by the internet explorer in the phone and it does nothing, please let me know if u know any answer to this.
Thank you very much....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple of things:
You are in the wrong subforum. This section is for the Blue Angel. You should look for the Blackstone (aka Touch HD) section.
Now, the file that you opened is a cab file. You don't need to extract the contents of a cab file. Just copy it to your device and click on it one. The cab will install everything, including the settings in the xml.
Good luck!

Gili50 said:
I am trying to install a game on my MDA Vario IV , it does have .xml file. But no .cab files , only .000 file , .002 , .003 , and .004 files. How do i install this game then ? The installer is the .xml file.
EDIT : Nvm , fixed it , i needed not the files within the .cab file , but just the .cab file itself to extract in on my mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple of things:
You are in the wrong subforum. This section is for the Blue Angel. You should look for the MDA IV (aka Touch Diamond) section.
Now, the file that you opened is a cab file. You don't need to extract the contents of a cab file. Just copy it to your device and click on it one. The cab will install everything, including the settings in the xml.
Good luck!

[Q] Awful Save dialog box - need folder tree

Hi all
I'm sure this has been discussed on the forum, as it bugs the hell out of me and I suspect many others, but I could not find the right search words to find it.
Please point me in the direction of known thread (if exist)
Problem:
Saving to a USEFUL folder.
In most of the applications it uses a useless save dialog box, that only goes 1 layer deep of folders.
I save everything on to my SD card, and as a home windows user I am used to having directories for everything to keep them organised.
at the moment I have to save in /Storage card/DOCS/ then use total commander to move it to the correct place. to open a file I then need to use total commander again to find the file then open from there.
An awful set up.
Is there any programs or hacks that change that dialog box to a folder tree based dialog instead of a 1 level dropdown?
or ever a multiple of dropdowns would work?
Please help - this is driving me mad
G

Hey, I too hate the standard windows mobile file dialogue, but I remember finding a freeware alternative for my old phone (TyTN II) which I still had lying around on my computer. I can't remember where I got it from exactly, its called gsgetfile.dll and there's a little control panel applet to go with it. I've attached the dll to this post, just unzip to the /Windows directory on your phone. Then install File Dialog Changer, enable and voila!
EDIT: Found the site, http://www.pocketpcfreeware.com/en/index.php?soft=752

Thanks for that
I searched xda for file dialog changer and came across this thread:
FDC
I shall try it and hope it doesn't mess up Faria ROM........
Thanks for the suggestion
Damn! must be how Faria made her ROM. I copied the 2 files across and it made no difference at all.
Then I noticed the option in the control panel to turn it on - Doh!