Database Users

Small tip!

Heres how you can organise your programs view (Start->Programs)...
1. Use your normal file explorer and move all your shortcuts into separate folders (stuff like Media, Utils, Connectivity, Office etc.)
2. You can assign an icon for each folder by creating a shortcut in each folder and naming the shortcut as "icon.lnk"
You can do this easily by choosing any one of the available shortcuts and duplicating it...and then renaming the file to icon.lnk
3. I've used VJDialerSms to create a folder called speed dials with sub folders having all my important speed dial shortcuts in separate categories!
silly tips, but i just took some time out and did it....now i have a cleaner and less cluttered Programs menu which makes seaching for my apps so much easier!
Well worth the time spent imo
Cheers,
San

Please note that an extensive start menu will slow the machine down. This is because the operating system will have to search for the icons in each of the linked executables.
For example if you have Skype in your start menu (directly or as a shortcut) you will notice a long delay before the start menu opens. This is because the icon is at the end of the executable, and the Skype executable is over 5 MB big.
So the answer is to prune your start menu from all programs you don't ever need, rather than to fill it with nice to have stuff.

I personally use SmallMenu. What I did is leave everything as it is on my device and copied the shortcuts on my SD card and sort them all out there in different folders. I then use SmallMenu's function to launch them there. By doing it this way, I have the functionality of the Start Menu plus the flexibility of SmallMenu. No delays in lauching either. I was hesitant to disarranged anything in my Start Menu because some applications pops up a warning that it is needed to stay in that folder, although you can still move it and it seems to work anyway, but it still makes me paranoid that it may cause any dead shortcuts or functionality.

Why not give GSPocketMagic++ a try?
(use the english cab from the download)
Still the best around. Also works on WM2005.
Then in Option > Setting... > Program Menu point folder to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs and organize your menu structure in there. Also select "Break menu items"
Also the Control Panel applets are directly selectable from GSPocketMagic++. You can still use the original "start menu" if you tap slightly right from the GSPocketMagic++ menu button.
Cheers

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.

How can i create a shortcut to Program & Setting Folders in Start menu

How can i create a shortcut to "Program Folder " & for "Setting Folder" in Start menu .. as example make the right soft key open setting folder and the left one open programs

Bro' use this - WM 5 NewMenu

Programs > Create shortcut to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Dr.Mazika said:
How can i create a shortcut to "Program Folder " & for "Setting Folder" in Start menu .. as example make the right soft key open setting folder and the left one open programs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have two programs in your \Windows folder, one called "htcPrograms.exe" and the other is "htcSettings.exe" These programs open the folder that is implied in their name, so if you create a shortcut to these programs it should work. Thay are down a bit.
T M Z

tmz said:
You should have two programs in your \Windows folder, one called "htcPrograms.exe" and the other is "htcSettings.exe" These programs open the folder that is implied in their name, so if you create a shortcut to these programs it should work. Thay are down a bit.
T M Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No htcSettings.exe Or htcPrograms.exe
Any Help

Without that htcsettings file I don't think anything will work. And I also don't have that file. I just know that I've tried making a shortcut to the "settings folder" before and no one seemed to know how. The problem is its not actually a "folder". It's something else. You can make shortcuts to the individual .cpls but not the whole "folder"... The programs folder is actually a folder so you can just make a shortcut to that but the settings is a whole other ball game. If you figure it that that'll be great!

Do you have the file \Windows\folderview.exe? If so, this works on my Touch XL to shortcut to the programs listing - icon list, just as if you press programs in the start menu.

Hey guys, these two shortcuts exist. Go to windows, it's not in a folder, but down below the folders. Use your sidebar and scroll it half way down. Start looking for those two. Their about 3 to 4 files apart from each other. Roughly in alphabetical order. After you find them hold down on them with your stylus and copy them to whereever your like to create a shortcut for them. i copy them both to my documents and had no problem creating shortcuts to both of them. Hop that helps. I tried posting a picture. I just can't get it to copy in this bo

This is it.

not exist in my windows folder

Dr.Mazika said:
not exist in my windows folder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what WM are you running?

am i missing something here, or can't tmz just post those two files from his/her windows folder? it'd be much faster than going through asking people what ROM they're running, etc.

tmz said:
This is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This? T M Z
I'm some what new at this. I don't know what you mean by "post the files." I thought the picture showing the files in windows is what you were looking for.

try these apps. copy them to any folder and create a shortcut. works perfectly

here are the two programs
just install them where you want

woops, someone already posted files!

asefsef said:
woops, someone already posted files!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the one.
The setting icons have a quite large text, but it is ok.
Folderwiev for programs looks perfect on duttys rom 3.x

Number of icons per row
Thanks - great applications.
In my regular settings, I have changed registry settings so that I get 4 icons per row (Horizontal icon spacing, vertical icon spacing). How do I do that for these programs? Is there a parameter I can pass to them? Or can your program read those values from the registry and adapt the display accordingly?

Hi, Guys, if you don't want to add any additional apps to your phone, here's the pure-shortcuts way:
Please check these two threads for more info:
In this thread ([Guide] How to create .LNK files and use parameters) you'll know how to make a full set of shorcuts for all control-panel settings items, and a ready-made set already there.
In this thread (Control Panel links and icons wm2003se and higher) you can also know how to associate those shortcuts with system icons.
Hence, for 'settings', just creat a new folder in \windows\start menu\programs\ named 'settings' and put inside all the control panel shortcuts.
Edit: The advantage of this wayis: You can map any single item of settings into the softkeys or a hardware button. So shortcuts become shortcut to your target within one touch.
For 'programs', just create a shortcut for the folder \windows\start menu\programs\ inside the folder itself.

Thank you egoist6 for Files
You saved me from HardReset
My problem was crushed manila and no settings shortcut in ROM, there is no htcsettings.exe , no settings.exe , no cplmain.cpl
thank you

small start menu

Hey, some time ago i changed some things on my HTC HD and one of those things is my start menu. When i open the start menu i see a list of smaller icons than you see in the standard start menu. In the beginning you only see the 7 programs that you want your start menu to show. But somehow i've changed my start menu which shows the following now:
Agenda
Messages
Contacts
Internet Explorer
Notes
Telephone
-------------
//Recently opened apps
App1
App2
App3
...
-------------
Programs
Settings
Help
The problem is, is that i forgot how i did this... So i was hoping any of you could tell me how i did this.. If i get the chance all also try to add a picture of my menu and the default menu, so you get a better picture of what i mean.

CannonballOx said:
Hey, some time ago i changed some things on my HTC HD and one of those things is my start menu. When i open the start menu i see a list of smaller icons than you see in the standard start menu. In the beginning you only see the 7 programs that you want your start menu to show. But somehow i've changed my start menu which shows the following now:
Agenda
Messages
Contacts
Internet Explorer
Notes
Telephone
-------------
//Recently opened apps
App1
App2
App3
...
-------------
Programs
Settings
Help
The problem is, is that i forgot how i did this... So i was hoping any of you could tell me how i did this.. If i get the chance all also try to add a picture of my menu and the default menu, so you get a better picture of what i mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a file explorer, you can add or delete new folders to your 'Start Menu' folder. Name them like: Web, Travel, Utilities, System and Media. Copy relevant shortcuts from you 'Programs' folder in your 'Start Menu' folder to each of these new folders. You will need to use a 3rd party file explorer to unhide system files and rom files to see the pre-installed icons to copy them to your folders. These icons are '.ink' shortcuts. Also copy the entire 'Games' folder and 'Office' folder from your 'Programs' folder direct to your 'Start Menu' folder. Finally uncheck all checked boxes in Menus in Settings page. This will allow all 9 folders to show in your Start menu on your home page, where you can access specific apps much quicker. Remember each time you install or remove a program/game, you have to either copy the new 'ink' icon to your category folder or delete it.
You can also use utility apps like HDTweak & Advanced Config to change size of Start Menu
If you go to Start/Settings/System/TouchFLO you also can change Start Menu size

Fallen Spartan said:
If you go to Start/Settings/System/TouchFLO you also can change Start Menu size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That's the one i was looking for ^^

Games

1. Enable Hidden Default Games
Go to the Windows directory and copy bubblebreaker.exe and solitaire.exe to the games folder as shortcuts in Windows\Start Menu. Make sure to unhide system files on the device to see the games listed.
How on earth do i do that? I went to FILE EXPLORER - WINDOWS but i am lost from there.Please help.

click menu -- show all files.find bubblebreaker.exe, press and hold, choose copy, then scroll up to the folder start menu, games, click menu - edit - paste.

It doesn't let you just paste though (at least mine doesn't).
You have to paste shortcut.

samsamuel said:
click menu -- show all files.find bubblebreaker.exe, press and hold, choose copy, then scroll up to the folder start menu, games, click menu - edit - paste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I did exactly that but when I checked PROGRAMS-GAMES I cannot see the games j have added in the start menu

as shortcuts in Windows\Start Menu. Make sure to unhide system files on the device to see the games listed
How I do that?

Please help me on this.

just paste the shortcut

just looked at this - open File Explorer and navigate to windows find the bubblebreaker.exe file and press/hold - at the bottom of the box that pops up is 'Send Shortcut to Programs' select this and you should now find a shortcut in the program list you get when selecting the icon in the top left corner of your home screen

xponline said:
just looked at this - open File Explorer and navigate to windows find the bubblebreaker.exe file and press/hold - at the bottom of the box that pops up is 'Send Shortcut to Programs' select this and you should now find a shortcut in the program list you get when selecting the icon in the top left corner of your home screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont get this option, i just get a "send" option which gets my email accounts up on screen. im having the same problems as the above poster, iv put the shortcuts in the games folder yet the games are not showing.....what gives...?

donwhann said:
i dont get this option, i just get a "send" option which gets my email accounts up on screen. im having the same problems as the above poster, iv put the shortcuts in the games folder yet the games are not showing.....what gives...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if ur on hd2 press cut then paste in games then the sort cut came up for me

It worked perfect on my phone
Thnx for the info guys

donwhann said:
i dont get this option, i just get a "send" option which gets my email accounts up on screen. im having the same problems as the above poster, iv put the shortcuts in the games folder yet the games are not showing.....what gives...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easiest way to do this is to use Resco explorer as it gives you the option to send a shortcut to the programs folder.
However as you have to pay for it I can understand why you might not want to so I had a look at trying it with the windows file explorer and here is how I did it.
Ok so in to the huge windows file and scrolled on down to BubbleBreaker and I've got 4 files with that name but only 2 have the BubbleBreaker icon. The first one is 46.0K in size and thats the .exe file we're after. The other one is just an .lnk shortcut file.
So long press on the .exe file brings up the edit menu. Select copy.
Now go up in the windows folder and in to the Folder named Start Menu, then in to Programs and finally in to Games.
Now if you give a long press on a clear bit of the screen avoiding other files you should have a menu come up giving you the option to Paste Shortcut.
Hit the button and all should be well.
Worked ok on my HD2, I'm running the standard WWE 1.66 Rom
P.S Don't forget to chose the option to show all files in explorer. Just click Menu then put a tick in the Show all files box.

rhitey said:
The easiest way to do this is to use Resco explorer as it gives you the option to send a shortcut to the programs folder.
However as you have to pay for it I can understand why you might not want to so I had a look at trying it with the windows file explorer and here is how I did it.
Ok so in to the huge windows file and scrolled on down to BubbleBreaker and I've got 4 files with that name but only 2 have the BubbleBreaker icon. The first one is 46.0K in size and thats the .exe file we're after. The other one is just an .lnk shortcut file.
So long press on the .exe file brings up the edit menu. Select copy.
Now go up in the windows folder and in to the Folder named Start Menu, then in to Programs and finally in to Games.
Now if you give a long press on a clear bit of the screen avoiding other files you should have a menu come up giving you the option to Paste Shortcut.
Hit the button and all should be well.
Worked ok on my HD2, I'm running the standard WWE 1.66 Rom
P.S Don't forget to chose the option to show all files in explorer. Just click Menu then put a tick in the Show all files box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cheers bud, its sorted. i was copy an paste'in the smaller of the files....doh