Database Users

Changing "Programs" link in Start Menu

Hi All,
I was wondering of there's a way to change the Start menu or the "Programs" Link in the Start Menu to open another application. I want to develop something like gStart, but for PocketPC (on smartphone u can change the a registry key to set another application as the default app when u click "Start" button). Mio A700 screenshots has a gr8 MioMenu very nice and sexy so i want o do something like that.
thanks for your help

On PPCs the start menu works like in regular windows – there is a folder ("start menu") under windows with all the shortcuts. You can change the files there, create subdirectories etc.
You can also catch the taskbar window (class "SS_TASKBAR I think…) and just cover the start button with your own window.
Hope this helps.

you must edit the shellres.dll file , in this file has the path to the "programs folder"

I think he was pertaining to a custom "programs menu" like calling for example folderview.exe and not the Path or not where the folder is being called.
A programs menu replacement instead of using the defualt one.

I actually saw an app like that some time ago, it was very small like a few kb and just lied in the background waiting for you press the start and when you did it launched an app of your choice instead of showing the start menu...
Don't remember the name though : / think it was based on something called green button or something which is basically the same thing but for the call button... maybe you should around some, or hopefully someone knows what i am talking about and can give you a link

Leonick said:
I actually saw an app like that some time ago, it was very small like a few kb and just lied in the background waiting for you press the start and when you did it launched an app of your choice instead of showing the start menu...
Don't remember the name though : / think it was based on something called green button or something which is basically the same thing but for the call button... maybe you should around some, or hopefully someone knows what i am talking about and can give you a link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=486712

You could add a shortcut to any other folder and then hide the programs link. To do this, set the Programs folder to hidden.

allelimo said:
This one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=486712
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup pretty much like that, but except for the Start or Windows Start, the "Programs" with in the start menu is being intercepted and launching an alternative "Programs Menu"
I guess the only way is to make an ordinary Start Menu replacement (same as the defualt Start Menu) with the exception of having the "Programs" launch another program.
This way, looks and feels of WM is still the same.

Getting Running programs in the tray

On my XDA mini, I had the convenient little icon in the tray (at the bottom of today screen) that was a shortcut to the running programs box in the settings menu.
How do I enable this on the Wizard? I don't want to have to install a whole task manager program, when the one built in works just fine. I just need to get to it easier.

try WM5NewMenu by saman, where you can set a shortcut for this particular setting, among others, through any of the softkeys or the buttons. it's a drop-down menu list, though, not an icon.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=40088

PHMTray.
V

Thanks, PHM tray is closest to what I was looking for, but is it windows mobile 2003 only?
I really would just like to have that little icon that goes to the memory screen back. The Magician had this, and I think other models do too.

This is the solution
Create a shortcut that has the following contents
44#ctlpnl cplmain.cpl,4,2?deviceinfo.exe,-103
You can do this by creating a shortcut to any program, then using activesync explorer to find it, copy it, and paste it on the desktop, open it with Notepad, and edit it. Start with a PPC shortcut so that it in the right character set.
Then return it to a folder on the PPC and put it in PHM Traylaunch. It gives you one touch access to the Settings/Memory program. The part after the ? controls the visual icon.

thanks! I'll try this...
though, I am sure this must be possible through some sort of registry setting...
I am digging through my EXTROM on my old XDA mini to see if I can find out

after all this, I just resorted to putting the shortcut in my start menu... it'll do for me I guess... :?
I've attached the link for those who want it.
I like things to be simple. No extra software to install, no complicated settings. Just click it and done!

thanks for all your help guys

map programs folder to hardkey?

In HTC home plug, I can set one of the soft buttons on the launcher to "launch programs folder". Is there a way to map this function to a hardkey? I don't want to download a third party launcher--I just want to be able to press a button and open the programs folder (and not in the file explorer view).
Any help would be wonderful.
Another folder in which I could put shortcuts in would also work. I just want the icons large and finger friendly like the programs folder.
Is it possible to use folderview.exe to do this?

Check here for the solution...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1644004&postcount=7
I used this to create a shortcut in each and every sub folder under Programs so once in a sub folder, I can easily go back to the Programs folder without having to close the window and open the Programs again from the HTC Home App.
I called the shortcut '!Back to Programs.lnk' so it appeard at the beginning of every folder and the shortcut is setup as follows...
Code:
53#\Windows\folderview.exe #?\Windows\shellres.dll,-8208
Copy the above into simple binary text editor and save to have your shortcut.
I guess you wouldn't need the '53#' and '?\Windows\shellres.dll,-8208' bits to link to hardkey. This is more to give the shortcut a nicer icon in the folder view.

Been looking for this. google search "launch programs folder" found this thread. Ought just be a 'icon view' option in file explorer dontcha think? Thanks!

Hmmm... it's not doing quite what I'm after...
As the FolderView is an application, when you click the X in the top right corner, it closes the window. If you were in the 'Start' => 'Programs' folder and were in a sub folder, pressing the OK button would simply return you to the previous folder.
I counter acted this by adding a shortcut to the FolderView app in every folder as mentioned above but for some reason this no longer works correctly. I think it has something to do with the HTC Task Manager I have upgraded to (v 2.0.30995). Works better than previous version but for this one thing, I think it's stopping multiple instances of the FolderView app.
So, this brings me to... How can you load the Programs Folder so you can go back from a sub folder?
Can anyone hack the FolderView app? A simple 'Up' button could be added to the lower left of the window, similar to the view of File Explorer. This way, the X can still be used to close the FolderView App and the 'Up' button takes you back up the Programs list.
In case your wondering, I have various apps loaded on my Pocket PC and have categorised them and placed into sub folders. I've then created an icon association to each folder so it looks a little more pleasent when viewing. However, I want to freely browse the folder. See attached Tumbnail...

the link works on sprint touch. I call it "_Up" so it always appears at first position.
I note that folderview when you close it doesn't appear in task menu like file explorer and most other app.
folderview with some options would be great because it's a fast finger friendly interface ... must faster and easier to configure than various cubes.
ps
I came across this in another thread. I haven't tried it yet but I'm gonna take a look when I get a chance.
Possibly it could be used to add some features to folderview:
http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/

I'm glad I stumbled across this thread because I think it's exactly what I want to do...I just need a little help as I'm not as savvy as some of you guys might be.
What I'm wanting to do is create sub directories in my programs folder like viglante_xix does (grouping Office, GPS Programs, Media Programs, etc.) and point to it as a shortcut in rlToday. I think I might have been able to figure this out on my own after tinkering, but I don't have the folderview.exe in my windows dir. Can someone send me a copy or know of an alternative?
Also, I'm not completely ignorant to programming; I know a little VB, Java, and C++. I understand how the code above works, but what program do I use to make this shortcut...preferably something free.
Thanks in advance.

Mapping Start button directly to programs folder

Searched around for quite a while and couldn't find a solution to this, maybe someone with with more knowledge on resource hacking can help out.
Using the start menu on WM Professional devices is not conducive to single handed use, its actually quite cumbersome. I would like to remap the *on-screen* start button to simply open the programs folder ala WM Smartphone. Is this possible? I believe it would be much easier to manage on the go and would skip a step which is always beneficial. The only problem I could see is creating a link to "settings"
Any help on this would be much appreciated.

Search for the application folderStartPgm.exe
And after from Settings -> Personal -> Buttons, assing the button to this application(firs must to make a shortcut points to \startmenu\programs folder

I've seen that before, and although very cool I would still like to remap the Start button and avoid an unnecessary step. Any other ideas?

dancer_69 said:
Search for the application folderStartPgm.exe
And after from Settings -> Personal -> Buttons, assing the button to this application(firs must to make a shortcut points to \startmenu\programs folder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cant find folderStartPgm.exe in windows folder ??!!

I don't know about mapping the Start button to bring up the applications folder, but using WA3 (or probably a registry tweak but I don't know it) you can remap the Start button to Windows\Start Menu\Programs, and have all of your applications displayed in the first drop-down menu rather than just 7. It also leaves access to Settings too...

Copy the attached file programs.lnk , to your \windows\start menu\programs , and use the buttons settings to bind the link to the program.lnk
---
To create a shortcut to a folder:
Use Total commander, browse to the location of which you want to make a shortcut, highlight the folder/file you want, from the File menu in Total Commander, choose >>>> on top , and then choose create short-cut, then save the output link to the \windows\start menu\programs.
---------------
Hope this helps

oseven said:
I don't know about mapping the Start button to bring up the applications folder, but using WA3 (or probably a registry tweak but I don't know it) you can remap the Start button to Windows\Start Menu\Programs, and have all of your applications displayed in the first drop-down menu rather than just 7. It also leaves access to Settings too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a great alternative to the classic (limited) start menu, but I want it gone completely. It's too cumbersome for use in the car.
Anyone?

veeru27 said:
Copy the attached file programs.lnk , to your \windows\start menu\programs , and use the buttons settings to bind the link to the program.lnk
---
To create a shortcut to a folder:
Use Total commander, browse to the location of which you want to make a shortcut, highlight the folder/file you want, from the File menu in Total Commander, choose >>>> on top , and then choose create short-cut, then save the output link to the \windows\start menu\programs.
---------------
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great idea and rereading my post I can see how it may be slightly confusing, you see I want to change the Start menu button in the top left corner of the screen that opens the menu to directly open the programs folder. If anyone of you has used a windows mobile smartphone you know what I mean. That way all you have to do is tap the top left section of the screen and scroll to your app. no more tiny menu to hunt and peck on while trying to do important things like you know driving, or bike riding, etc...
Thanks for all the suggestions so far guys.

Aqrab said:
cant find folderStartPgm.exe in windows folder ??!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't in windows directory. Search in the forum or google to find it. After download, copy it to your device and make a shortcut for the program like explained above.

nowhere
I haven't find him in the forum or no where else on the web, can someone make an attachement please;

N'da said:
I haven't find him in the forum or no where else on the web, can someone make an attachement please;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah someone upload it here

Me to has been looking for this. To make pressing the on screen windows icon pop up the programs folder, but one other problem, how to then access settings folder.
folderStartPgm.exe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for me the filename to start programsfolder is folderview.exe
just need a way to link it to the icon.
Good luck anyway

Try this program.

In search for a solution, you can maybe use "LargeStartmenu.cab". It makes the starmenu (and text in programs) larger. The version in the "Diamond Apps (OEM + CAB)" thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=395400
works for my Touch

You can find folderStartPgm.exe here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2136821&highlight=attach#post2136821

Adding Programms to "TF3D-Programs-Tag"

Hello,
i think it's just a simple problem, but i couldn't solve it till now lol.
On the one hand there's the program-path on windows, and on the other hand there's another on tf3d, which u can reach by the tf3d icons (2 pics to show at attachments).
I just wanna know how to add programs to the way with tf3d. Or isn't that possible?

Just click on the empty gray icon with a plus in it. Then you get the "add program" dialogue.

well ye, i'm sorry, my bad english in this thread is leading for missunderstandings.
U r right ofc, but that's not my problem. I meant how to add programs which r not in the list!
So for example: i installed mobile navigator and i wanna have the program in that path. There're just about 10 programs in the list and no button like 'add more programs'.

4varic3 said:
well ye, i'm sorry, my bad english in this thread is leading for missunderstandings.
U r right ofc, but that's not my problem. I meant how to add programs which r not in the list!
So for example: i installed mobile navigator and i wanna have the program in that path. There're just about 10 programs in the list and no button like 'add more programs'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see.
I think the list of "Add programs" applications comes from the \windows\start menu\programs directory.
So, if you want to add a program to TF3D program Tab you first need to copy a short-cut link to the program into the above directory.
UPDATE: It looks like the TF3D collects all programs in the \windows\start menu directories (not just the "Programs" directory). So, make sure there is a link to the application you want somewhere there.
Then, add using the empty grey icon. Finally, if you wish, delete the link to the file.

thx for ur answer, but it didn't solve the problem. As it seems, it hasn't anything to do with each other. The files in \windows\start menu\programs r just for the start-menu, and the files in \windows\start menu\ i dunno what they r for. Neither putting an app in the first, nor putting it in the second path causes anything.
I had a closer look at the folders in the \windows folder, but didn't found anything which could have to do with touchflo!
The most important thing i noticed:
When i go for the icon on touchflo, first there's the screen which program i wanna start. Now i can tab on the 'plus' which normaly therefor is used to add more programs, such as everyone would expect it. Normally so far! but now: in the next screen (look attached pic #2 from first post) there's no dialoge like 'add more applications' (like i said before). So the only way to fix this problem is about windows. But there's no folder i saw. I think finding the right place for the apps is the only way to fix it.

4varic3 said:
thx for ur answer, but it didn't solve the problem. As it seems, it hasn't anything to do with each other. The files in \windows\start menu\programs r just for the start-menu, and the files in \windows\start menu\ i dunno what they r for. Neither putting an app in the first, nor putting it in the second path causes anything.
I had a closer look at the folders in the \windows folder, but didn't found anything which could have to do with touchflo!
The most important thing i noticed:
When i go for the icon on touchflo, first there's the screen which program i wanna start. Now i can tab on the 'plus' which normaly therefor is used to add more programs, such as everyone would expect it. Normally so far! but now: in the next screen (look attached pic #2 from first post) there's no dialoge like 'add more applications' (like i said before). So the only way to fix this problem is about windows. But there's no folder i saw. I think finding the right place for the apps is the only way to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, sorry it did not work - we need a better expert to understand this than me !
clearly TF3D is getting a list of possible applications from somewhere. I thought this was the \windows\start menu directory.
I don't know where else - maybe the registry, etc ???

well, me neither, else i wouldn't have started this topic.
I wondered founding nothing with the search function. I can't believe that i'm the only one with this question. In my opinion the function of that "Apps-Site" is a luxurious advantage of the phone, also having the fact to reach it that simply by tf3d, and not over the start-menu.
But, i really dunno how to fix it... registry could be a possibility, but i dunno much about it, so i'll keep my hands out of it, at least with self-testing..
Well, maybe another one can help me?

Ok, i concentrated on the registry now, but didn't find anything which could have to do with my problem.
So no1 can help me with this problem?

*push*

Cheesy Dave said:
So, if you want to add a program to TF3D program Tab you first need to copy a short-cut link to the program into the above directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the way it should (and does) work.
Adding a shortcut to the windows\startmenu(\programs) folder will also show the application in the WM program path, so check there to verify if you added an application shortcut or perhaps did something else.
Also make sure you don't have more than 6 programs added to the Windows\Startmenu folder itself as it will not work properly otherwise.

If I understand the problem correctly, you want to add a shortcut of a given program in the All Programs list.
Easily done, here's the procedure :
- make sure you have installed the HouMing File Explore Extension ;
- now open File Explorer ;
- search the file you want to see in the All Programs list ;
- touch and hold the file name until a context menu appears ;
- choose 'Send Shortcut to Prog ...' ;
DONE !
Now you can choose your program and add it to the list.

omfg -.-"
i found the solution...when i tried to hit the 'plus' and reached the "all programs" screen, there have been just a few programs, like on my screen showed. I didn't know, that i can scroll down those programs!!! The whole time i thought, there would be just these 10 programs.
So the only problem was not knowing that i can scroll in that screen through all those programs...
I'm really sorry for my own stupidness!!!
Thanks to every1 for helping me... *head -> wall*

He he, good news.
I understand entirely. I was surprised ages ago by the tap & hold function !!

Georgeous2008 said:
If I understand the problem correctly, you want to add a shortcut of a given program in the All Programs list.
Easily done, here's the procedure :
- make sure you have installed the HouMing File Explore Extension ;
- now open File Explorer ;
- search the file you want to see in the All Programs list ;
- touch and hold the file name until a context menu appears ;
- choose 'Send Shortcut to Prog ...' ;
DONE !
Now you can choose your program and add it to the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey you guys this is off subject but it also involves this thread..
ok, so we only have about 30 shortcuts on our programs tab right? well i added more, so now i have up to 51 shortcuts on my programs tab. i click on the extra ones added and everything goes well until after selecting a primary program to add, it doesnt add.
this is what i did.. maybe i missed a step!
Open Regedit and i went to the following root
*HKLM\Software\HTC\Manila\ProgramLauncher.
i created new folders 31-51 and inside each folder i created the following strings and dword:
String Values Name: Command
String:
String Values Name: DispName
String:
String Values Name: IconPath
String:
String Values Name: Path
String:
DWORD Value Name: IsReadOnly
Data : 0
Then i went to the following root:
*HKLM\Software\HTC\Manila\ProgramLauncher\totalItemCount.
and i changed the DWORD Data to 51.
i Restarted my phone and i stopped there.
Please advice cause this would be pretty badass if we can keep adding to our programs tab.

Solutions found, thread closed