New App Idea - Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General

I was wondering if anyone knew of or could assist in writing an application that makes sense to me:
I spend half my life updating software on my Kaiser (and apps like apptodate, etc are very helpful), and I am constantly rearranging the icons after an update of a program. Icons are placed in the Start Menu generally in the main Start Menu/Programs Folder or in the Games folder, but virtually never anyplace else.
I would love a program that would allow you to select a cab for installation, search for an existing link to that program and move (or overwrite as necessary) the new .lnk file that the program update installs into the identical location of the old .lnk file. If it were a brand new installation, perhaps it could ask where you wanted the icons/links created so they wouldn't have to be moved later.
Does this exist and/or does this sound useful to others? It sounds like a lot of the functionality that is in Sashimi (which I also use and love), but not quite.
Thanks
RK
BTW I spend the other half my life updating the ROM

Related

Folder structures - can't see files from word or excel

Does anyone have a hack that would allow me to view and save data files at a lower folder than the first level?
I.e. my folder structure is \Personal\Financial\ but excel and word can only see files stored under \Personal\ and not the next folder down. I need to be able to access this second level from within the application.
Would be a great help to me.
If you haven't installed Mad Programmer's dialog changer, you're not using your pda properly.
http://www.pocketpcmag.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17133
V
Thanks vijay555 but this is not in relation to installing apps.
There is a particular problem in WM2003 whereby if I store for example my pocket excel files in the folder:
\Financial\Spreadsheets\
I cannot access this folder from Pocket Excel but only from File Explorer. Pocket excel will only show the files existing in the folder "Financial" here. It means that when I create a new excel (or any other document) from within the application, I have to save it to the "financial" directory first, then manually move it to the next folder down.
Same applies to Pocket Word, Listpro etc files (any files in fact).
Paul
pauldcullen: although the link I gave is talking about installing cabs and stuff, Mad Programmer's dialog changer hooks into the OS and changes all of the rubbish OS dialogs (that only allow you to see My documents etc) and replaces them with the more advanced kind that let you navigate anywhere.
The link I gave is a useful one on installing the app itself, because Mad Programmer's website is generally Japanese. But hopefully, try installing the app and you should be able to navigate anywhere for saving files.
http://www.geocities.co.jp/SiliconValley-Cupertino/2039
Ensure you use the right version for your OS.
V
thanks a lot I'll give it a shot - any stability problems with it?
I've never had any and used it for > 1year on both Wm2003 and Wm5.
V
vijay I've installed it and it seems to work for SAVING new files into a sub-directory which in itself is great!
However, as soon as I OPEN pocket excel etc, I cannot see these files in the subfolders, only those in the parent folder - any ideas?
Thanks for your help!
Paul
Hmm, I just noticed that...
It seens mad programmer only hooked the saving, not opening dialogs.
Not the best option I know, but I never open files using word, I use gsfinder to locate them and open directly by double clicking.
Other then that, I don't think Word was "designed" to show the subfolders as you've got them configured. PITA I know.
V

How do I clear recent programs (or disable it)?

I have a Cingular/HTC 8125 running the latest official ROM from HTC. On my start menu I have a list of recently used programs (the last five or so). I want to disable this feature so only the applications that I want there are there.
Does anyone know how to disable it or at least clear it?
Thank you.
I would love to know too
madmatt079 said:
I have a Cingular/HTC 8125 running the latest official ROM from HTC. On my start menu I have a list of recently used programs (the last five or so). I want to disable this feature so only the applications that I want there are there.
Does anyone know how to disable it or at least clear it?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a small app here that does the job http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=35536
VJEschaton has this feature built in too - but with the same limitations, it only takes effect after the reset.
I think there may be another way to entirely remove recent programs, but it needs some hacking that I don't have time for right now.
If anyone is interested and would feel competent to write it, PM me.
V
The first solution worked well. Thank you.
Although if there is a method to remove "Recent Programs" all together then I'd like to know.
Thank you.
Dont they disapear when you soft reset ?
In another forum some guy (sorry I can't remember where and who), gave this solution:
"Use some type of utility (like Resco File Explorer or just browse to the PDA while in the cradle from your PC) and browse to the Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder on the PDA. Create sub-folders in the root of the Programs folder (such as Utilities, Applications, Games, etc) and copy all of your shortcuts from the Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder into these sub-folders. Once complete, go to Settings and Menus. From here, uncheck all of the programs that are checked and place checks next to all the sub-folders that you just created (* Make sure you stay under the maximum limit of 5 (or whatever)).
It seems that the "recent list" only monitors the Start Menu\Programs folder. If you move your shortcuts out of this folder, they no longer appear on that dreaded recent list. The major bonus that I've noticed is that the Start menu no longer has that 3 - 5 second lag!!!
Note: Using this work around, you will need to move the shortcuts of any newly installed applications into your sub-folders manually. Also, be sure you remap your PDA buttons to the location of the new shortcuts. Other then these two "cons", this solution works GREAT!!!"
I've tested it and it sure works great!!!
I forgot to mention that with this trick you can DISABLE recent documents list
Danny-B-, yes, it worked well.
jolas, I attempted this exactly as you described. I renamed "Accessory" to "Accessories" and created "Tools". I moved everything that I didn't want to appear in the recent programs list including moving Calculator to Accessories. I then launched Calculator and it appeared in the list.
None of which except the defaults (IE, Messaging, WMP, etc.) are checked in the menu settings.
Did I miss something?
Thank you.
Delicious, worked for me on my Cingular 8125 w/ 2.25. I was really getting tired of running ClearTemp all the bloody time.
Interestingly enough I have a folder called "Settings" and it won't let me show it on the Start Menu - I had to rename it to "Utilities".
madmatt079 said:
jolas, I attempted this exactly as you described. I renamed "Accessory" to "Accessories" and created "Tools". I moved everything that I didn't want to appear in the recent programs list including moving Calculator to Accessories. I then launched Calculator and it appeared in the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Screenshot added of what your tree should look like after this change. Removed confusing post.
rubbercow, your `drawing` is as confusing as words.. with the DO, DO NOT seems to be at the same place.
Anyway, I was confused myself too. However, after reading through and some fiddling around, I finally got what these posts are trying to say.
Just to make this as clear as possible.
Definition:
Sticky Start Menu Item (SSMI) - I defined it as those items that always appear on your start menu (top section). You can add/remove your SSMIs in the Settings->Menus
Recently Launched Programs (RLP) - the items in the Recently launched program list (e.g. the list under SSMIs list).
Fact:
WM5 will not put any of your SSMIs into the RLP list (or else, you will have duplicate icon/item of the same program in your start menu).
More talking:
Using the fact above, we can avoid programs that we do not want to be put into the RLP list (e.g. stuff in SD card that is large and takes ages for it to load the icon when you press the Start) by having them as SSMIs (in the list). However, WM5 only allows up to 7 items in the SSMIs list. So, we create a folder for it.
E.g. By default you should have a directory structure that looks like this
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Games
To test it, you can try putting the `Games` folder (the folder!) into the SSMIs list. After doing so, any programs (games) you start (that is under the Games folder) will not appear on the RLP list. This is the thing we are trying to exploit.
Hence, to avoid stuff going into the RLP list, you create some other folders, e.g. Tools
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Games
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools
And move everything into this `Tools` folder. Make this `Tools` folder as one of the SSMIs. Then any software under this Tools will not appear on the RLPs list.
Process Summary
Simple procedure. Modified to suits your needs.
(1) Create a `Tools` (or any name) folder under the Start Menu\Programs. Example, this folder
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools
(2) Move everything into this newly created `Tools` folder.
(3) Make this `Tools` folder (the folder) as sticky on the start menu by 'ticking' it in the Setting->Menus
- now all your stuff will not appear in the recently launched programs list
- end -
hanmin said:
rubbercow, your `drawing` is as confusing as words.. with the DO, DO NOT seems to be at the same place.
Anyway, I was confused myself too. However, after reading through and some fiddling around, I finally got what these posts are trying to say.
Just to make this as clear as possible.
Definition:
Sticky Start Menu Item (SSMI) - I defined it as those items that always appear on your start menu (top section). You can add/remove your SSMIs in the Settings->Menus
Recently Launched Programs (RLP) - the items in the Recently launched program list (e.g. the list under SSMIs list).
Fact:
WM5 will not put any of your SSMIs into the RLP list (or else, you will have duplicate icon/item of the same program in your start menu).
More talking:
Using the fact above, we can avoid programs that we do not want to be put into the RLP list (e.g. stuff in SD card that is large and takes ages for it to load the icon when you press the Start) by having them as SSMIs (in the list). However, WM5 only allows up to 7 items in the SSMIs list. So, we create a folder for it.
E.g. By default you should have a directory structure that looks like this
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Games
To test it, you can try putting the `Games` folder (the folder!) into the SSMIs list. After doing so, any programs (games) you start (that is under the Games folder) will not appear on the RLP list. This is the thing we are trying to exploit.
Hence, to avoid stuff going into the RLP list, you create some other folders, e.g. Tools
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Games
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools
And move everything into this `Tools` folder. Make this `Tools` folder as one of the SSMIs. Then any software under this Tools will not appear on the RLPs list.
Process Summary
Simple procedure. Modified to suits your needs.
(1) Create a `Tools` (or any name) folder under the Start Menu\Programs. Example, this folder
\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools
(2) Move everything into this newly created `Tools` folder.
(3) Make this `Tools` folder (the folder) as sticky on the start menu by 'ticking' it in the Setting->Menus
- now all your stuff will not appear in the recently launched programs list
Thanks for making that clearer hamin - I think i eventually worked it out.
But still begs the question - why do people not want programs showing in the recently loaded program list? I find this useful and my startmenu always starts in less than a second even after soft reset. :wink:
- end -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
meschle said:
Thanks for making that clearer hamin - I think i eventually worked it out.
But still begs the question - why do people not want programs showing in the recently loaded program list? I find this useful and my startmenu always starts in less than a second even after soft reset. :wink:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are the lucky one, I guess There are many (including me) which seems to find the start menu to be slow (e.g. this one ). I'm not sure why mine is slow (1-2 seconds), probably because I had many of the software installed on my SD (instead of the main memory) and my phone is a Charmer. Topic aside, is Wizard faster than Charmer (is there any benchmark to it)?
Other than the start menu, the Start->Setting pages are also very slow (a second or two) after each softreset. You don't have this problem?
madmatt079 said:
Danny-B-, yes, it worked well.
jolas, I attempted this exactly as you described. I renamed "Accessory" to "Accessories" and created "Tools". I moved everything that I didn't want to appear in the recent programs list including moving Calculator to Accessories. I then launched Calculator and it appeared in the list.
None of which except the defaults (IE, Messaging, WMP, etc.) are checked in the menu settings.
Did I miss something?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Goto '\Windows\Start Menu' and create a directory (name it e.g Applications).
Now, under the 'Windows\Start Menu' there must be 3 subdirectories (Applications, Programs, Settings).
If yes, then move the desired apps, from the '\Programs' folder to the '\Applications' folder. (Before you remove the apps make sure that you have uncheck them from the 'Menus' list (Start -----> Settings -------> Menus).
:wink:
i cant move any
it gave me error access is denied when i try moving any shortcut
please help
ok i guess it was my expedition it was easy sory
and am shy of my weak knowledge ... thank you all any way

Program List

Don't know if it is possible, but is there anyway to organize the list for your progams (i.e. Put all office products in a folder), been looking and havent seen anything and the long list i have is getting old fast!
Thanks
What do you mean by "the list for your programs"?
The menu under "Start"?
The "browser" you get with Start>Programs?
Something else?
For the first two, there surely _is_ a way to organize in folders ...
But maybe you get a little more precise first?
Organize into Sub-Folders
I've got the same issue, and it seems pretty straightforward to me. Instead of having all the programs in one large lump, I'd like to create sub-folders, or somehow organize programs by subject so they are easier to find.
using file explorer,
windows\start menu\programs
create and edit as you like
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING - if you do it can be sorted, but it's a hassle
Duh!
All it takes is knowing the incantation. I would never have thought to look in the Start Menu.
Thanks!

Cant add programs to list

HI, i have seen on this WM6.5 that i can't add any program (ie one thats not say google maps or one of those big companies)
i can run the program via file manager and clicking the application .exe
the phone still wont see the application as a program.
i had a jasjam before and the prgrams i am trying to add worked fine but now on 6.5 cant do this.
the only way is to run these apps, well not run but to get a short cut, is on a program like CHome but then i move away from HTC sense start up display that is nicer looking.
like i said the programs work fine, just can see them in programs.
anything that will help?
cheers
have you posted a shortcut to your windows\start menu\programs\
I'm running 6.5 and any time I have a program installed on my sd card or trying to run an .exe from the storage card (or even if the .exe is just in another folder) thats what I do and it shows in my start menu or whatever subfolder I put it in in the start menu.
Aaron McCarthy said:
have you posted a shortcut to your windows\start menu\programs\
I'm running 6.5 and any time I have a program installed on my sd card or trying to run an .exe from the storage card (or even if the .exe is just in another folder) thats what I do and it shows in my start menu or whatever subfolder I put it in in the start menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeap, in programs folder as an .exe, other folders like goggle maps are there too. The programs still don't show or work. Should i not try and get an .cab version? since looking into this takes you into trying to understand a pda rather than a PC. The .exe files still cant be seen, i have to run them via file explorer, although now loaded a short cut via button strokes so am using that to make the task a little easier.
I ran a .cab file on another program and found it distributed files with icons and other th9ngs that seem to integrate better into the host rather than an .exe
Also been looking at all the apps these phones can have its amazing.
I have one on my phone that can change a set of traffic lights in my city!
With authorisation of course, its my job, just saying how the PDA has really started to take off. become the real modern Swiss army knife.

[Q] Duplicate file in file system: cannot remove either. Video included

Hello,
Earlier today, I copied a file named AVATOR.PNG into the \Windows folder of my HTC Touch HD (running Grzegorz10s custom Dusk ROM). The file was meant to replace an existing Avator.png file. (The graphics file is part of a skinned Manila 2.5 installation, but that's beside the point.) I ended up with two separate files in \Windows; one named AVATOR.PNG and the other named Avator.png.
At this point, I can't remove either file, nor can I change their file properties. A few days ago (before doing a task 29 and reflashing the ROM to improve device performance), I could replace the packaged file without problem. The procedure at that time was simply to stop HTC Sense from the list of Home Screen items, remove the read only attribute of Avator.png, and overwrite it with another graphic with the same name.
This time, I apparently didn't pay enough attention to upper and lower case characters.... To view the symptoms and issue, please refer to this YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMQkgENs0DA
Can anybody help me out? I could always reflash the ROM but it seems like too much work for something this "simple."
Thanks,
Svein
ok, you already wrote, you will care for case sentitivity next time, so no lecturing there
these might sound stupid, but have you tried, either renaming AVATOR.png (the one you copied there, if i'm not mistaking) to Avator.png (should either ask to overwrite or at least give another error) or something completely unrelated (to get rid of the conflict)?
can you maybe move that file to, say, my documents\ and delete it there?
the only other things, that would come to mind would be to write a script to delete that one file and run it in startup, before anything else starts, or in a UC environment, where also nearly everything else is stopped, but to be honest, you should rather perform a hard reset, much faster.
Chef_Tony said:
ok, you already wrote, you will care for case sentitivity next time, so no lecturing there
these might sound stupid, but have you tried, either renaming AVATOR.png (the one you copied there, if i'm not mistaking) to Avator.png (should either ask to overwrite or at least give another error) or something completely unrelated (to get rid of the conflict)?
can you maybe move that file to, say, my documents\ and delete it there?
the only other things, that would come to mind would be to write a script to delete that one file and run it in startup, before anything else starts, or in a UC environment, where also nearly everything else is stopped, but to be honest, you should rather perform a hard reset, much faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Tony. Yeah, the case sensitivity is a given - my bad. And I will likely opt for a hard reset. I had *really* looked forward to not having to reconfigure my device again, now that I finally found a ROM that I thoroughly enjoy, but alas... The files are locked (can't move, delete, or change attributes no matter what...)
Googled "UC environment" with both HTC and windows mobile as keywords and came up with Unified Communication. Is that the right way to go or did I just blow my cover and will get tossed outta here as the functional, non-techie user that I just professed to be?
by UC, i was referring to the automatic customizations (formerly known as EXTROM), run after a hard reset or through an automatic installer integrated in many roms, i saw it as XDA_UC or Cloudy AutoInstall. Because the purpose of these automatic customizations are to install settings (mms, internet) or skins and wallpapers, usually done by your carrier, when running this setup, all connections are cut, all apps are shut down and only a basic windows mobile is running (also sense is shut down).
these autoinstallers can use cab or xml or mortscript files, but setting up a mortscript to try and delete a file, when you've never done it before, probably takes longer than hard resetting and setting up your device again. yet, you can make use of autoinstallers to get all your programs up and running, sync with myphone, and all that is left to do is make some basic settings like owner information. usually that should take less than an hour, that way, being much faster than searching solutions for several days
This software worked for me - dublicatefilesdeleter.com

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