Just thought I'd share this for those that don't know about it.
When you install programs from your computer onto your phone, CAB files are typically left on your computer. Either in a newly created program directory or under the ActiveSync directory.
Since I work in the field a lot and have had to hard reset on the fly and away from my ActiveSync, I've copied all of these CABS to my SD card. If I ever have to do a hard reset, I can also install ALL of the programs I use on my phone directly from the card. This can be done manually or scripted, whichever you chose. I've chosen to do it manually because of several reasons.
I just created a folder on my SD card named !Install! and when I need to install something while away from my system I go here.
ltxda said:
Just thought I'd share this for those that don't know about it.
When you install programs from your computer onto your phone, CAB files are typically left on your computer. Either in a newly created program directory or under the ActiveSync directory.
Since I work in the field a lot and have had to hard reset on the fly and away from my ActiveSync, I've copied all of these CABS to my SD card. If I ever have to do a hard reset, I can also install ALL of the programs I use on my phone directly from the card. This can be done manually or scripted, whichever you chose. I've chosen to do it manually because of several reasons.
I just created a folder on my SD card named !Install! and when I need to install something while away from my system I go here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent advice. Never thought of sharing that useful bit of 'good practise'. I allways have a 'cabs' folder just for this on my SD card.
Also to add to this...Rebuilds can take hours just because of a lack of organisation, so I put all software in to respective folders, i.e;
1) Cabs
2) Exe's
3) Serails
This really saves a lot of time, not having to look for each app and their respective serials.
Then I zip it all up ready for a rebuild or fresh build when changing ROMs, as the old backup files from a previous ROM should not be used....but that's really for another thread.
Cheers for that ltxda, great suggestion for the noobs and all.
Thanks for adding to it!
Oh yea, one more thing. I'm picky about what I install to ROM, SD, MD...so I have a folder in each program install folder and name it respectively - Device - SD - MD, so I don't have to think when reinstalling everything.
Yes it is a good idea, just don't turn on encryption? oops just installed new rom, took a minute or ten to find out why none of the cabs would install! Doh
Ixtana_ran said:
Yes it is a good idea, just don't turn on encryption? oops just installed new rom, took a minute or ten to find out why none of the cabs would install! Doh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, for sure.
Of course we could use a backup restore...before someone mentions it...but if my phone is buggy and locking up, I don't want to restore anything...fresh install for everything....also of course like Mackaby mentioned...after ROM upgrade. ;-)
How ever true your advice is, I find it very cumbersome to get everything installed again from the CABs and more important ... to get all settings again the way you like it.
I rather advice to spend 20USD on this great backup program
http://www.sunnysoft.cz/software.php?idarticle=245
, (regularly) make a self extracting compressed image to the SD card,
and you will be up and running again after a hard-reset in ~10min with all your own settings.
Oh and one more thing....just in case you have to reflash your device from the field...if you ever do..dont forget to copy the apppropriate file to the SD card and ensure you have a copy of the how to flash from SD instructions. Doubt you might ever need this but you never know. Better prepared than sorry.
I have a 2gb MicroSD and carry all my install cabs on there, with skins, and serials for apps I need to install from scratch. That way if I am ever travelling and foobar things badly, I can hard reset and reinstall. Keep a PPC Contacts backup, and/or a full backup app, and you should be able to get working again quite quickly.
To grab cabs, monitor your temp folder, activesync folder, and sometimes specific third party folders (eg SPB might make a folder in \program files\spb with cabs in).
Additionally, use the Universal Extractor to extract cabs from somet troublesome apps.
V
vijay555 said:
I have a 2gb MicroSD and carry all my install cabs on there, with skins, and serials for apps I need to install from scratch. That way if I am ever travelling and foobar things badly, I can hard reset and reinstall. Keep a PPC Contacts backup, and/or a full backup app, and you should be able to get working again quite quickly.
To grab cabs, monitor your temp folder, activesync folder, and sometimes specific third party folders (eg SPB might make a folder in \program files\spb with cabs in).
Additionally, use the Universal Extractor to extract cabs from somet troublesome apps.
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great info! Gotta love Universal Extractor!!!
Related
Hey guys.
Was out and about yesturday with my mate who also owns a Universal, and thought we would just fiddle around with them. I had MS Portrait and we wanted to try it out, but he didnt have it installed, and I did. I know you can install the program via a PC, or through a cab. But, what if you dont have these when you are out? I though Cabbackup would do it, however, i have heard that it is not WM5 compatible. So does anyone know of an app that you can copy programs from one device to another?
Any help would be much apprciated
Chris
Hi Trunk_z!
Programs are usually stored in /Program files/Name_of_app/ folder. You can transfer it via bluetooth, create a shortcut and use it.
Glaive said:
Hi Trunk_z!
Programs are usually stored in /Program files/Name_of_app/ folder. You can transfer it via bluetooth, create a shortcut and use it.
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Click to collapse
Assuming it is completely contained within that directory. Wont work if the program installs files to another folder, like Windows, or edits the registry on the device...
hi people,
is there a way to save the contacts onto a sd card?
Tell us why you want to do that, probably we can get you a definate answer.
You can save contacts by means of backing up your phone, whch can be done with various software which can make an exe into your SD card. This exe can then be used to restore your phone (and contact)
Try Spb Backup, Sprite Backup
If you are trying to... ok, just tell us why you want to do that. I can go on and on and one.
In general, you can't store your contacts on your SD just like that.
at now my computer doesn't work and i am sitting in a internet cafe, so i can't sync my contacts with my PC. The other problem is, that i will send my prophet in the next days to repair the speaker in it.
have you got an idea how to seve the contacts??
Get Activesync and download SPB Backup and install on this internet cafe. Use SPB Backup to backup your stuff into your SD card, it ought to backup your contacts as well. Keep the SD card. Once you got your phone back, just execute the EXE file by SPB Backup, it will restore everything of your phone including theme, programs, settings, contacts, calendars.. etc.
You can also use the tool I'm gonna post below
It saves all your contacts to one file on your SD-Card.
Havn't tried to restore a backup file though..
BTW The file came from some PDAmobiz package.
hanmin the owner of the internetcafe doesnt allow me to install activesync or anything else.
mccune thank you very much. i'll give a try. thx again.
Don't bother with all that, I had the same problem in that I had to return my phone.
levenum, offered me the solution
"As for backing up contacts, there is a simple and painless way that doesn't require any installation.
In the built in file explorer select "show all files" option. Then in the root of the device you will see a file named 'pim.vol'. Just copy that to your SD."
If the phone says it can not copy as part of the file is locked, rename it first and then copy it, I don't why you can rename but not copy if it is locked, but it works.
When you transfer it back onto the phone it might not let you overwrite the original saying it is locked again. Just rename and then copy your file to the phone, you will need to soft reboot for the contacts to show.
serhataga said:
hanmin the owner of the internetcafe doesnt allow me to install activesync or anything else.
mccune thank you very much. i'll give a try. thx again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAve you got a pendrive with BT? put it on the internet cafe and try to do everything with BT. Not! find a friend with Internet and download Jeyo Mobile, you can make with this tool a backup of your contacts to your sim or from your sim to your device.
the software that mccune has posted works fine. also the hint of NewSPV is great. ofcourse you can save your contacts to SIM but than you have by one contact if it has more than one number or adress more entries on the SIM of that person instead of one outlook contact.
thank you all for your replies.
problem's solved now
I must apologise, I thought that the software from mccune was the terrible one I had that demanded net framework 2.
I have just tried it and it is great. I have had a problem from day one with Outlook and Activesync, in that they would not sync and I kept getting 'Synchronzation Error'.
I just ran this bit of software, and it somehow just fixed my 'Synchronzation Error', all contacts loaded to Outlook.
Thanks
Since the file - pim.vol stores the Contacts database which is located at the Root Directory.. Copy it and Save it on your Storage Card using the BUILT IN FILE EXPLORER ( won't work on third party File Explorers like Resco and Total Commander etc.. )
Now you got a backup of your Contacts on your Storage Card, or for security purposes, you may copy them and save it on your PC..
To restore..
Just rename the current pim.vol on the device to any file name ( ex. pim.vol1 or pim.volx ) then copy the pim.vol you have just save to your Storage Card using again the BUILT IN FILE EXPLORER
Reboot device and it is restored. See no ActiveSync involved? :lol:
Goodluck.. and just to make sure, try this before sending your Prophet for repair but i am pretty sure it would work.
Pim
Since the file - pim.vol stores the Contacts database which is located at the Root Directory.. Copy it and Save it on your Storage Card using the BUILT IN FILE EXPLORER ( won't work on third party File Explorers like Resco and Total Commander etc.. )
Now you got a backup of your Contacts on your Storage Card, or for security purposes, you may copy them and save it on your PC..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering if anyone was going to mention that. I do this every so often with my Wizard, works great no extra software needed.
NewSPV said:
In the built in file explorer select "show all files" option. Then in the root of the device you will see a file named 'pim.vol'. Just copy that to your SD."
If the phone says it can not copy as part of the file is locked, rename it first and then copy it, I don't why you can rename but not copy if it is locked, but it works.
When you transfer it back onto the phone it might not let you overwrite the original saying it is locked again. Just rename and then copy your file to the phone, you will need to soft reboot for the contacts to show.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked for me, but I have heard that it is not a reliable way to backup if you are going to reflash the device in between backing up and restoring. Can anyone confirm this? I hard reset to get back a blank phone, and then restored this file, and it worked, but I think I need to use a real backup method before reflashing the phone with a newer WM, since pim.vol might be an unrecognized format to the new WM.
I managed to backup the pim file then put it back into another device got the contacts on it cool. I renamed the original to pin but cannot delete it how can I delete it.
I'm sorry but the software that mccune posted doesn't run the setup on my windows! Can anyone help here!
the file works on windows mobile platform. it is not meant for windows.
can someone walk me thru how to fix n intall a .cab on my tmobile wing thank you
a thread name should describe the "problem" like in this link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=466562&highlight=install+cab
the search is powerfull! use that power.
i just dont know what to do when the cab is unpacked i dont know how to pack it so i can install on my tmobile wing
http://www.pocketpccentral.net/help/tutorials/install_cab_file.htm
mur1 said:
i just dont know what to do when the cab is unpacked i dont know how to pack it so i can install on my tmobile wing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WHY did you unpack it ? You must only...
(... go to the Search in xda-dev's and if don't find anything, ask for, and you'll be told that cab's are installed...)
...copying the CAB into the device (better into the SD card) and execute it using the File Explorer.
****** IMPORTANT ******
Please, before installing any CAB, get sure it's safe. Maybe you'll need to install first a "SafeMode" starter in your device, so that you'll able to boot it when you destroy almost everything by using an unsafe CAB or EXE.
**********************
Before continuing (I see you posted only 3 times and your question is a basic one), please read the conditions and the suggestions for newbies. It's the safest way to preserve your device from bricking it (that's called, "you'll be only able to use it as a wall brick but not to phoning or computing")
when i download the cab into jzip it unpack it by itself
Well... that's easy.
Just download it like a usual file. Right-click on the link and choose "save as", so that Jzip will not open it by itself. Save it into a folder, i.e. "My downloaded CABs"
Try to install a "safemode" manager for your device. Thus, you'll be able to boot it when your installation will be the wrong way. A good ROM (maybe the original for your device if you didn't play with it) is also necessary near to you for the same reasons.
Also, try to download and launch a CAB analizer like MSCEInf.exe and you'll be able to understand what is into your CAB, TSK and some other files you feed into your device. The most of the problems when installing something come because you're using the wrong version, or because the installation asks for a startup process or a change in the registry, and looking into the CAB will allow you to modify the installation.
Then, you may use Activesync or similar to put the CAB into the device (better into the SD card if you have small space to put files, as happens with the Herald). You may also switch off the phone (this is OFF, not hybernated!!) and take the microSD card and put the files inside via USB reader.
Launch the File Explorer (better if you use other managers, I like TotalCommander) and tap on the CAB file. Remember if you didn't modify the settings, the CAB will be erased once it will be installed.
If you have not many space in your "programs RAM" you can move the files from \windows\appmgr to a similar folder into your SD card. Do not delete them, as you'll need those files/folders when you'll uninstall some app.
*****WARNING***** If this is your first experience with Windows Mobile, take a surf into this web and read, read, read, print hardcopies of everything you'll consider interesting, and only after this you'll be able to work with your device with no danger to damage it forever. (you'll only damage it for some hours, till you'll have hard-reseted it).
thank u so much
So I tried to search but couldnt find what I was looking for.
How do you exactly install apps, themes or games properly on this phone. The only program I found that somewhat worked was Omarket. Reading here in the forums people suggested that all the apps or themes I would need were here. I found both apps and themes I like but cannot get them on the phone to work.
I download the the theme or app on my computer then I make a custom folder on my SD card then extract all the files to that folder. When I go back into my phone and try to do a set up I get taken to a blank white screen that says something like
file://localhost/Storage%20Card/<name of program or app>
Im new to this phone been trying to research alot about it.
I tried finding all the "noob" post to read but maybe Im not finding the right ones
If for some reason you needed to know my software info here it is.
ROM Version: 2.13.531.1 (90963) WWE
Radio Version: 2.10.20.26
Thx for any and all of your help. Im trying! =P
Apps that can be installed from the phone will have a .cab extension. Locate the folder with the .cab files and click on one. It will start the install process.
Apps with .exe extensions will need to be loaded from you computer. Make sure your device is hooked up via activesync and click the .exe app you want to install.
So for the .cab files I have to go to the website from my phone and download them there for it to be on my phone properly? Or is there any way I can download them to my desktop then transfer it to my phone and then install it on my phone?
Evolution-22- said:
So for the .cab files I have to go to the website from my phone and download them there for it to be on my phone properly? Or is there any way I can download them to my desktop then transfer it to my phone and then install it on my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"How to install a cab.
You simply download the cab to your computer. Then, copy/paste the cab to your storage card using the USB connection. Then, using your file explore on your phone locate the cab file in your storage card and install it by double taping the file. Install onto device or storage card. I prefer installing onto the storage card."
Take a look at my sticky, you'll find it to be very helpful.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=663845
you can do it either way. If you download them to your desktop, connect your phone via active sync, copy the cab and past it to where ever it is that you want to save it on your phone. (sd card is prefferred for space reasons) after that, open the location where the cab is stored and you can run it from there. If you download from your phone, determine where you want to save the cab, your options will be device and card. You will also have an option to save in a specific folder. after that, locate the cab and instal.
i have read and searched and cannot find oat sorry for asking newbie question
I have the latest ENERGY Rom installed and on my storage card i have the XDA_UC folder and i have cabs in there that on first boot install to my device,
How to i get cabs to be installed in the storage card, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any cabs placed in XDA_UC\SD will require a user input
this will allow you pick the install location.
also of you look in the XDA_UC thread it mentions this in the 1st post
.cab files in "\Storage Card\XDA_UC\Storage", These cab files will be tempted to install to Storage Location
i have not tried it but assume its what your after
Usually though i have only 1 cab (fpsece) i install to the SD card as its almost always better to install software to the phone
rumpleforeskin said:
Any cabs placed in XDA_UC\SD will require a user input
this will allow you pick the install location.
also of you look in the XDA_UC thread it mentions this in the 1st post
.cab files in "\Storage Card\XDA_UC\Storage", These cab files will be tempted to install to Storage Location
i have not tried it but assume its what your after
Usually though i have only 1 cab (fpsece) i install to the SD card as its almost always better to install software to the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hanks for the answer but have tried the \Storage option and nothing happens
many cabs are hard coded to install to phone memory regardless of where you try to install them. perhaps what you are trying to install is one of these?
for example, cookies home tab mod replaces files in the windows folder, so cannot (i assume? certainly 'should' not) be installed anywhere else, regardless of if you choose sd card during install.
Mine doesn't work either, on EnergyROM 6.5.5 CHT, I slavishly followed Nunsky's instructions, and when I manually install the cabs, they do install into either main or storage card memory just fine.
samsamuel said:
many cabs are hard coded to install to phone memory regardless of where you try to install them. perhaps what you are trying to install is one of these?
for example, cookies home tab mod replaces files in the windows folder, so cannot (i assume? certainly 'should' not) be installed anywhere else, regardless of if you choose sd card during install.
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Click to collapse
Are your applications already installed before you update your rom on the SD. if so you just need to add a shortcut back to the start menu which XDA_Uc can do from the start (or start menu i cannot remember) folder. i backup my start menu before i update then just restore after update