Database Users

What can a newbie do?

Hi all, another noob!
I've done a few searches to no avail so a simple question with lots of possible answers I'm sure:
As I have just received my O2 XDA Orbit, what, if anything, would the Moderators/Admin guys recommend I do to improve the performance of my Orbit (not that I am aware of any limits so far) or what essential bits of software should I have? Please be aware that my knowledge of computers, PDA's and all this other techno-wizardry could be written on the back of a nano-bot in large font, so please, it will have to be kept to a very very simple level.
If I am too dumb to be able to do anything other than enjoy what I have, please feel free to say so!

Garneth said:
Hi all, another noob!
I've done a few searches to no avail so a simple question with lots of possible answers I'm sure:
As I have just received my O2 XDA Orbit, what, if anything, would the Moderators/Admin guys recommend I do to improve the performance of my Orbit (not that I am aware of any limits so far) or what essential bits of software should I have? Please be aware that my knowledge of computers, PDA's and all this other techno-wizardry could be written on the back of a nano-bot in large font, so please, it will have to be kept to a very very simple level.
If I am too dumb to be able to do anything other than enjoy what I have, please feel free to say so!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try reading the wiki - or using the search button for a start.....
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Artemis
But U guess that being a noob you have the honour of asking 1 silly question!!!
Enjoy the forums.

chandlercjh said:
You could try reading the wiki - or using the search button for a start.....
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Artemis
But U guess that being a noob you have the honour of asking 1 silly question!!!
Enjoy the forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see, one stupid question and I get access to something I wouldn't have known to look for. Now all I have to do is understand wtf it's all about. Never heard of a wiki before so I'm not sure what to do about that. That link looks great, but again I have no idea how to utilise it.
Sometimes, some of you guys forget just how difficult it is for noobs to this game!
Thanks though.

Since you are not looking for anything particular, using the search would be useless - the wiki is good but has many information for advanced noobies so why don't you start with reading all the threads that you find to be interesting.
I'd recommend you to go to pocketpcmag.com and check out the "best sites" section and start reading about pdas in general, download some apps and get to know Windows Mobile. Try your first registry hack or simply take a look inside to find out how it funtions.
When you have managed this (could take a month or more) then pick a ROM and flash it to your device. Before you do this be sure to do use the USPL patch and make sure you are doing everthing right BEFORE you do it! When your device is "bricked" you probably need help from somebody in the forum. It's better to have a working backup plan before you try that.
I think Meschle's ROM is a good start if you ever wanna try because he included the USPL patch to be sure that uploading his ROM doesn't mess with your pda.
Have fun using this great pda!

Registerme said:
Since you are not looking for anything particular, using the search would be useless - the wiki is good but has many information for advanced noobies so why don't you start with reading all the threads that you find to be interesting.
I'd recommend you to go to pocketpcmag.com and check out the "best sites" section and start reading about pdas in general, download some apps and get to know Windows Mobile. Try your first registry hack or simply take a look inside to find out how it funtions.
When you have managed this (could take a month or more) then pick a ROM and flash it to your device. Before you do this be sure to do use the USPL patch and make sure you are doing everthing right BEFORE you do it! When your device is "bricked" you probably need help from somebody in the forum. It's better to have a working backup plan before you try that.
I think Meschle's ROM is a good start if you ever wanna try because he included the USPL patch to be sure that uploading his ROM doesn't mess with your pda.
Have fun using this great pda!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that...things do start to become clearer. I will check out that web site and I think I now realise that this site is more for advanced users than complete newbies like me...sorry!
I will try a registy hack (once I find out how to do it... )
Thanks for your reply! <beer>

How can i get rid of the 02 boot screen on my stellar?

hi How can i get rid of the 02 boot screen on my stellar?
many thanks

you may not be able to remove it.. but you may be able to replace it.
It varies by device, but there is a registry key that controls that on most devices.
I'm not sure which HTC device your stellar is... but if you can figure that out, those would be the people to ask.
I've also seen one some phones, people had made an RUU that will replace that picture.

its a htc kaiser, can i replace it though?

Go to the kaiser forum and ckech kaisertweak http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=333898
startup animation

Didnt work
its a great application...
...but it didnt work
any suggestions?

mate, i know youre new.. but theres an announcement saying please refrain from posting unless you're a developer or a hardcore techie.
anyways, its fine, youre new... so nobody really cares if you dont know how things work.
youre best bets are
a) searching google
b) searching the site using google
c) posting in the forum called kaiser software (it just changed its name, so i think thats what its called) because even if people ther say search which theyre likely to, they have probably been asked it loads of times before, so will point you in the right direction.
one thing that might work, but will only change the secondary splash screen is looking in \windows\ for a file called welcomehead.96 or something. write down the name of it, then you can copy another picture file [not sure what type you need] with that name to the windows folder, and it will be your splash. Beware though, i did this yesterday, adn i could only complete the copy because i'm using resco file explorer. also, i wouldnt recommend copying and renaming the file like i suggested, because im pretty sure there are some constraints that it needs to obey...
So check the kaiser forum
[edit] i did the search for you, because ive got nothing else to do (except loads of unwanted homework) heres the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334907 [/edit]
Rory

my bad
thx mate, sorry 4 posting in wrong section. hopefully will learn 4m mistake

[Q] Everlasting Questions

As many of you will have seen I've been quite active on this forum from the moment I joined. I want to figure everything out for myself as much as possible, but it's just not possible to look up (and find!) everything. Thus, here are the questions that I can't find an answer for myself:
1) How do I change the standard SW keyboard, without it resetting after a soft reset? (E.g. to blackstone keyboard)
2) How do I change a registry value, without it resetting after a soft reset, when it normally does? (For instance the value whether your headset is plugged in, I want it to be default ON.)
3) How can I extract a cab file from a ROM? I would like to get WLive messenger from the stock ROM, but I just can't find a guide anywhere!
4) Is there a way to fix the problem that occurs with the HW keyboard when Blackstone SW keyboard is installed? The problem is the first keytap not being registered correctly, so the first letter ends up being the second or later. Call it input lag.
I intend to add the found answers to this post, as well as add other hard to answer questions others may have. That is, if an answer exists. Thanks in advance for those who try to help.

Moved to another topic

Answers in bold.
Angelusz said:
As many of you will have seen I've been quite active on this forum from the moment I joined. I want to figure everything out for myself as much as possible, but it's just not possible to look up (and find!) everything. Thus, here are the questions that I can't find an answer for myself:
1) How do I change the standard SW keyboard, without it resetting after a soft reset? (E.g. to blackstone keyboard)
Use either Sktools to set it as default (it then uses a small program that starts up in startup folder) or Sipchange http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=271008 (not certain if this one works anymore)
2) How do I change a registry value, without it resetting after a soft reset, when it normally does? (For instance the value whether your headset is plugged in, I want it to be default ON.)
the headset is a tricky one, one way would be to run a script (mortscript maybe) to change the reg entry at startup, but I don't know how often the headset is polled (if at all) to check whether it's in or not).
3) How can I extract a cab file from a ROM? I would like to get WLive messenger from the stock ROM, but I just can't find a guide anywhere!
depends on whether it's a cab or not, unlikely. First you need to extract the rom, there are plenty of threads on this. but's it's obvious if you've tried a rom kitchen, you bung the ruu-signed.nbh in the baserom folder, start the kitchen.cmd and follow the instructions.
Then pour over all the folders and see if there's a cab. If there isn't you need to build one.
search for quickcab as a start (although that one doesn't allow you to import reg files (or *.rgu as they come out in the roms) so you have to do it manually.
4) Is there a way to fix the problem that occurs with the HW keyboard when Blackstone SW keyboard is installed? The problem is the first keytap not being registered correctly, so the first letter ends up being the second or later. Call it input lag.
use a different keyboard, I've not had this issue, but then I prefer the raphael one. There's plenty of other free keyboards about, lifes too short to work out why the software keyboard off one piece of hardware doesn't work with another.. ;P
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-tag-keyboard-1-date.html
I intend to add the found answers to this post, as well as add other hard to answer questions others may have. That is, if an answer exists. Thanks in advance for those who try to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

yellowjaap none of those are hard to find answers for questions,
just ones lazy people who can't be bothered to read ask.

fards said:
yellowjaap none of those are hard to find answers for questions,
just ones lazy people who can't be bothered to read ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I'm afraid you're right on that one fards.
Thanks for your replies, can you give me a link to the raphael keyboard? I'd like to check it out.
Also, I've got tools to create a cab, but extracting a ROM the way you proposed will probably prove difficult, I'll look into it.
The headset value is polled by for instance the FM radio and audiobooster from HTC.

fards said:
yellowjaap none of those are hard to find answers for questions, just ones lazy people who can't be bothered to read ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah You're soooo bl**dy right
I owe you another beer fards
A "please search and read!!" SUPER POP-UP would solve 99% of the ubiquitous questions posts

Angelusz said:
Haha, I'm afraid you're right on that one fards.
Thanks for your replies, can you give me a link to the raphael keyboard? I'd like to check it out.
Also, I've got tools to create a cab, but extracting a ROM the way you proposed will probably prove difficult, I'll look into it.
The headset value is polled by for instance the FM radio and audiobooster from HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't even remember where I got teh keyboard cab from, I'll post it when I get the phone working again!
extracting the rom really is easy, the kitchens make it simple..
that new rom kitchen I linked to makes it even easier, but I still prefer the out and out gui pleasantness that's Pofs Linux rom kitchen
I don't mind answering your's and gtrabs questions, they seem to be the right questions !
just noticed I'm rapidly approaching a kilo posts, must make sure it's not a grumpy post that one...
I managed to miss some text out, but basically when you find the folder containing your desired files take the files out of the folder you want, including the corresponding 409 (or whatever language) folder and stick 'em in the cab software pretty easy to do .
Sometimes it doesn't work so try changing something or try to see if there's a dependency that's missing.
it's really not as secret or hard to do as it's sometimes is made out to be. The hard work has been done by the genius who write the software to let us do this.

turns out it's Smabergs keyboard I use..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2966597

Ah, very nice. Thanks. I've tried smabergs, it has some bugs (landscape mode broken) and it doesn't seem to be supported anymore. Will tinker around with it a bit, as it's good for portrait mode. (Blackstone, but then without the bugs!)

Of course you can find the anwsers to the blackstone cabs, if you would search them all individuality.
I found numerous people asking this question. Call them lazy, but this forum does not make it easier to find information in a convenient way. All i want is to make a nice overview of what all the cabs do and what they look like.
Member Norti has done the same with all the programs/tweaks. If you continue your statement you might also think that topic is unnecessary. I think this forum is very unorganized. Do you think its strange that people keep asking the same questions? I think the problem here is not in the hands of the people asking, but in the forums way of storing data. The search function is not a great tool to search with. Does anyone have some input so we kan make it better?
Maybe this is the wrong topic to post this in, but i thought it was a question many would like to have answered...

yellowjaap said:
Of course you can find the anwsers to the blackstone cabs, if you would search them all individuality.
I found numerous people asking this question. Call them lazy, but this forum does not make it easier to find information in a convenient way. All i want is to make a nice overview of what all the cabs do and what they look like.
Member Norti has done the same with all the programs/tweaks. If you continue your statement you might also think that topic is unnecessary. I think this forum is very unorganized. Do you think its strange that people keep asking the same questions? I think the problem here is not in the hands of the people asking, but in the forums way of storing data. The search function is not a great tool to search with. Does anyone have some input so we kan make it better?
Maybe this is the wrong topic to post this in, but i thought it was a question many would like to have answered...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough. Do me a favor and move that post to a seperate topic, it's quite long.

New User - how to make cabs

Hello,
Forgive me if this has been asked before, I've done a search and haven't come up with an answer.
I'm looking to start making my own sliders and icon sets, can anyone point me in the right direction where I might find out how to do this? (i.e. how to make cab files)
Many thanks.

far2rare said:
Hello,
Forgive me if this has been asked before, I've done a search and haven't come up with an answer.
I'm looking to start making my own sliders and icon sets, can anyone point me in the right direction where I might find out how to do this? (i.e. how to make cab files)
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a developer or WM skin designer/ROM chef, but I think your question is a little like asking "how do I strike the bottle of Champagne exactly right when I build my first ship and launch it?".
In other words the cab file is the end of the process, the final delivery system for installation by multiple users. I would imagine that a good start would be to have created your sliders and icon sets, understanding of course where the files/icons go on the target system, that they all work properly, tested by friends, which systems are supported is known/documented, etc, etc.
Then you want to put these finished and tested files into a cab file for re-use and/or distribution to others. I'm sure there are some good tutorials (Google is your friend) out there on creating Windows Mobile cab files, when you're at that stage.
Also for general development/app questions a more generic XDA forum like this would be a better place to start.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=523
Always remember that search boxes (Google on the outside, forum search in here) are good things to become proficient at - especially if your goal is learning some new skill.

far2rare said:
Hello,
Forgive me if this has been asked before, I've done a search and haven't come up with an answer.
I'm looking to start making my own sliders and icon sets, can anyone point me in the right direction where I might find out how to do this? (i.e. how to make cab files)
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use WinCE Cab manager, since it seems to be the best out there. It allows you to package files, registry settings, etc., and has an easy wizard for people who don't know how to use the program. It has a 30 day free trial, and after that, it's $99, but it's worth it if you regularly make and modify CAB files.
Otherwise, if you don't want to buy that, Extendir Cabs is alright for basic CAB file needs. It doesn't do all the comprehensive stuff that Wince Cab manager does, and it isn't as easy to use, but it gets the job done.

Personal favorite for me is QuickCab. Requires zero intellect to figure out how to use it.

ohyeahar said:
Personal favorite for me is QuickCab. Requires zero intellect to figure out how to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second QuickCab. Only rule is that if the cab is registry values only then you need to add a file (even if it's empty) since it's a requirement. If you're just doing registry values then try this: http://www.fuzemobility.com/make-a-customized-cab-for-your-registry-tweaks/

New to everything regarding PDA and XDA (looking for noob friends ;) )

Hi all,
Yeeeah, so the Leo was finally announced at the major/best 3G network in Denmark, the worldwide operator "3". And thats awesome, so of course I hit my wallet and cashed out and got the phone yesterday. Brilliant.
Got the phone in my hand, my god, its beautiful and all, its my first PDA phone so I'm very noobish and overwhelmed by everything, but I'm lovin' it so far! Okay, well I started looking around on the big www and came across this fantastic site and now I'm thinking, I wanna get involved with this shizzle and start cooking - or at least start looking at the menu!!
But I realize that I don't know anything about how to do all this, so started looking around in the Leo Wiki, Tips and Tricks sticky and so on but I feel that its all very comprehensive and I simply don't know where to start, and I don't think the (otherwise awesome) guides are as extensive as could, at least not for my understanding. I haven't come across a newb forum/thread where all the very, very basics are introduced/discussed, so I'm thinking: any noobs out there? or post-noobs? who wanna share some of their mighty wisdom and experience with me? (yeah, I want some Leo-friends)
Okay, so I found a few things I wanna try:
From Leo hints and tricks sticky:
7. Get the old Task Manager Back
To be able to really close programs using the X instead of just 'minimizing' the program and leaving it in memory,
install Duttys HTC Task Manager (attached below), restart and the X is back. Also in Settings you can configure its function.
8. Add Task Manager to Home Screen Quick Links
Copy the hidden TaskMgr.exe file from your Windows folder to your Start Menu/Programs folder. Now it's possible to place a shortcut on your Manila today and you can open/close running programs with ease.
So how do I install this dutty cab? I mean I downloaded it, but where do I unpack it, and how do I run it on my phone?
Okay, next thing:
The location on "my today" is wrong, I saw in the tips and tricks that a lot of users had issues with this, but how can that be? There isn't any way to fix it, cause mine is showing that i'm about 15 clicks away from where I really am, but the navigator works fine? :S
3rd thing:
My network only provided me with a 2gb sdhc card, so if I want to tuck in a 16gb baby how will it work because the OS is stored on the sdhc card, or is it only in the ROM?
Another thing, I see the ROM upgrade from the danish HTC website is newer than the one installed on my phone, but do you think that I should upgrade to the 1.6 which is leaked here, or should I start with the HTC official rom from the website?
WARNING: some danish might appear when clicking here (this is the danish HTC ROM link, look at bottom of page)
I have about a zillion other questions, but my mind is empty right now. I really hope that I'm not out of line when posting this topic, and I hope to hear from some friendly HTC lovers Please let me know if this topic is not appropriate and I'll edit/delete it. (yes I did read the RULES)
Kind Regards

Welcome and Hello
I`ll take 5 minutes to write a reply seeing as no one else can be bothered.....
Welcome to the forum, you`ll find all you need here, My advise would be to READ READ READ , and if you have any questions SEARCH SEARCH SEARCH, you`ll get flamed if you post something thats been posted before, even though if you do post, it moves from the first 2 pages so fast hence no answers......
16gb sd card will work fine,
Read carefully the goldcard method for updating ROMS and only if you feel confident enough would i recomend it...I`ve flashed 1.61 no issues....
Richie

same as i am......i am currently waiting for my beast and been reading and reading and reading this forum all this while........but the problem is.....i am a really3 noobie person on IT....some topic that were discuss here i can understand but some of have no idea at alll...hehehheh hopefully can get some knowledge from u guys.......[please forgive my english...heheheh]

Hi WildL,
I understand the noob feelings. Although this site has a wealth of information, it's not the noob friendliest place.
.cab files are like .exe files for your pc. You don't unpack it anywhere, simply copy/download to your device and run (click on it through file manager) it from where ever you saved it. It will unpack itself and install. Your only option generally is to install directly onto your device or onto your SD card.
Not sure on the location thing as I haven't experienced it.
For your SD card, there is nothing on there you have to worry about. The ROM is stored on the device and the card is simply additional storage. Feel free to shove a new one in there.
As for changing ROMs. As a noob, stick to stock updates for now. You're on the newest device with all the newest features so custom roms won't offer much except little tweaks (but the phone is fast enough already) and additional apps you can just install yourself. Some MAY be more stable but current it's not worth the risk of bricking your device. Read read read and when you feel comfortable and think your ready, then start looking into cooked roms.
Good luck!

WildL said:
7. Get the old Task Manager Back
To be able to really close programs using the X instead of just 'minimizing' the program and leaving it in memory,
install Duttys HTC Task Manager (attached below), restart and the X is back. Also in Settings you can configure its function.
8. Add Task Manager to Home Screen Quick Links
Copy the hidden TaskMgr.exe file from your Windows folder to your Start Menu/Programs folder. Now it's possible to place a shortcut on your Manila today and you can open/close running programs with ease.[/I]
So how do I install this dutty cab? I mean I downloaded it, but where do I unpack it, and how do I run it on my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend you use this instead...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=584415
It means you have the X which you can configure to close apps or minimize them (you can open settings for it by tapping it on the sense ui and going to the wrench). You can also list open apps from the sense ui by clicking it and simply switch to or close anything in the list. Have a play - it's the best all-round solution.
WildL said:
Okay, next thing:
The location on "my today" is wrong, I saw in the tips and tricks that a lot of users had issues with this, but how can that be? There isn't any way to fix it, cause mine is showing that i'm about 15 clicks away from where I really am, but the navigator works fine? :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least your location works! lol
It uses your provider's network to get your location - not GPS. It's always going to be within a mile or 2. Since it's only meant for general info, it doesn't really matter much. I doubt the weather 2 miles down the road is much different than it is where you are
WildL said:
3rd thing:
My network only provided me with a 2gb sdhc card, so if I want to tuck in a 16gb baby how will it work because the OS is stored on the sdhc card, or is it only in the ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SD card is purely for storage. You can take it out and the phone will still function properly. This obviously changes if you install software on the card. Unfortunately, the HD2 has a pitiful amount of internal storage memory, so I'd actually recommend using the card to install stuff on. With this in mind, I got myself a 16GB SD card and use that, treating it as if I'll never remove it. I'd obviously recommend this, cos it's what I do
WildL said:
Another thing, I see the ROM upgrade from the danish HTC website is newer than the one installed on my phone, but do you think that I should upgrade to the 1.6 which is leaked here, or should I start with the HTC official rom from the website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone is pretty new and you've not done much setting up, it's probably the best time to make sure you've got the most up-to-date ROM. If you got the phone from a provider then you can officially only upgrade using ROMs that they supply. If you got it completely SIM free, then you can use the HTC ones that are out there. The current new one (1.61) is actually an official HTC one, so it will be as risk free as flashing a ROM can ever be. It's just not officially released yet. (I believe HTC "leak" their ROMs so that this community can beta test for them, before they release to the general public, but that's just my belief )
Since the phone is still so new though, I don't really think that it makes much difference. The ROM upgrades seem to be doing so little at the minute that you may well not notice any benefits.
Either way, if it's official, you've at least got some comeback if it bricks your new phone!
Basically, this is just a preference. Do what you think feels right. Just bear in mind that a ROM flash means a hard reset, which means setting EVERYTHING up again, from scratch.
WildL said:
I have about a zillion other questions, but my mind is empty right now. I really hope that I'm not out of line when posting this topic, and I hope to hear from some friendly HTC lovers Please let me know if this topic is not appropriate and I'll edit/delete it. (yes I did read the RULES)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're in the best place to ask your zillion other questions. This is the right place to ask this kind of question, and I'm sure that there'll be plenty of people to follow me in welcoming you here. I've been a member of this community for just over 18 months now, and it's been great. There's a lot of good people on here who are more than happy to show off their knowledge er... I mean be helpful! lol
Have fun with your new toy