Database Users

[DEV-UTIL][19.03.2009]DriverWiz - Make signed CABs from driver DLLs that work

Intro
Lately I've seen a lot of posts by people who are trying to replace WM internal or driver DLLs, either for hacking/testing or to release. Aside from the possibility they are just doing something that won't work in the first place, I've seen failure a lot of times because files aren't properly signed, or if they are, the certificate in question not being in the right certificate stores for it to have any effect. On some ROMs it will still work due to patched NK.EXE, on others it won't, its just not very reliable.
So, I present you with the correct way of doing this by means of a small tool that will do this for you: DriverWiz. It will take care of most of the stuff, and leave you room for additions. You will however still need some basic knowledge of the command line, if you don't have that, you have no business doing anything like this anyways.
Background
I use this technique myself all the time. When just hacking away, replacing system DLLs to trace calls, etc. It's also the same method used for the HTC-CA drivers and the ICS installer. This method works on most stock ROMs as well, though not on all of them (in rare cases some security policies are set that will prevent CAB installation)
Usage
It's fairly simple to use. Just extract the attached zip file somewhere, open the command promt, and change directory to where the zip was extracted. That's the installation part.
Now when you actually want to build a CAB file from a DLL, you use the DriverWiz.bat file.
DriverWiz v1.0 by Chainfire
Usage:
DriverWiz.bat "Description" "CAB-name" "DLL-name-1" ["DLL-name-2" ...]
Examples:
DriverWiz.bat "New DDI" "ddi.cab" "ddi.dll"
DriverWiz.bat "Two DDIs" "ddi.cab" "ddi.dll" "ddiaux.dll"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DriverWiz will take care of signing the DLLs, inserting the certificate, etc, and you will end up with a proper CAB file for this kind of thing. Just copy it to your device and run it to install.
#1. You need to put the DLL files in the same folder as DriverWiz. Do NOT include paths in your DLL names
#2. Include the quotes in the command like in the examples!
#3. The first time you install a CAB made by DriverWiz, your phone may still give you a certificate warning. This is normal, don't worry about it.
Caveats
While this method has never failed me yet, it is possible that some files cannot be replaced this way. Just a disclaimer
Modifying
DriverWiz bases the inf file it will create to build a CAB from on DriverWiz.tpl. If you need to add registry entries to your CAB file, modify DriverWiz.tpl before you run the batch file. You can make other modifications too, add files, etc. Just take care that you don't break it
You can use your own certificates as well, instead of the supplied "Dummy" certificate that comes with DriverWiz. The files you will want to modify/replace are DriverWiz.pfx (used for signing) and DriverWiz.xml (used for injecting the certificate). I'll see about finding a reference for how to do that online and posting the URL here (someday). Creating a new certificate from scratch can be a frustrating effort - make sure you got openssl handy
Changelog
19.03.2009 - 1.1 - Added some file exists checks and attribute changes
Download

Temporary PlaceHolder for more Info.

Whoo this is hot from the plate, looks very promising!
Driver testing withoud cooking! joohie

Well if you replace the wrong files you're still going to need to hard-reset to boot. I advise KITL before you do

Works flawless. You tha man.

Didn't work for me trying to cab up No2Chems Fast Charge battery divers.

ruskiyab said:
Didn't work for me trying to cab up No2Chems Fast Charge battery divers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly happened? Attach the files and such

It made the cab and all, but when I went to install it, the unsigned error message popped up just like when I tried it with WinCE cab manager.

That is perfectly normal behavior. The first time you install a CAB with this certificate it will not know the certificate. However, once you install it, the certificate will be injected in the right place, and the files signed with the certificate (the driver files in the CAB) will be allowed to be run.
It won't happen the second time you try it

So if I try to install it again, it'll work fine? is there aa soft reset required in between? I can replace these drivers manually by renaming the old ones and copying them over, the whole reason I want a cab in the first place is to facilitate the UC process when I flash a different rom

ruskiyab said:
So if I try to install it again, it'll work fine? is there aa soft reset required in between? I can replace these drivers manually by renaming the old ones and copying them over, the whole reason I want a cab in the first place is to facilitate the UC process when I flash a different rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it should just work the first time. Just click OK when the certificate error appears.

Nice nice nice work!

error message
I got error messages when creating a cab from a rilphone.dll. Does it mean anything, or are these errors okay? I guess I'm specifically wondering about the SignTool error. If its okay, then my cab should be good.
EDIT: I think I found the problem. I didn't have UAC disabled in Windows 7. I tried it again, after disabling it, and it works fine now. Thanks for the easy to use tool!

syntax for registry entries?
I was experimenting with creating a cab for the Rogers folks who need a specific rilphone for their Caller ID to work. There are some registry entries associated with this feature, so I was wondering what the correct syntax is for putting the registry entries into the .tpl file. I've tried a few different ways, and I've either a gotten a 'Registry section is empty' message, or a 'Registry has an unsupported registry root key' error. I'm sure its something really simple I'm missing, so any help you can offer is appreciated.
It just seems that since we now have this easy method to sign these dlls, so that they can be used in any ROM, that the Rogers people shouldn't have to jump through so many hoops to get it to work.
EDIT: Nevermind. I'm an idiot that didn't do a little bit of research. All is well now.

Excellent stuff, Microsoft may rant about this way of distributing signtool and cabwiz though.
Chainfire said:
You can use your own certificates as well, instead of the supplied "Dummy" certificate that comes with DriverWiz. The files you will want to modify/replace are DriverWiz.pfx (used for signing) and DriverWiz.xml (used for injecting the certificate). I'll see about finding a reference for how to do that online and posting the URL here (someday). Creating a new certificate from scratch can be a frustrating effort - make sure you got openssl handy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's an intro to cert stores for WM:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa458010.aspx
pfx generation is a 2-liner with openssl:
# Generate a CA certificate
openssl req -new -nodes -x509 -days 9999 -newkey rsa:1024 -md5 -keyout cert.key -out cert.cer -subj "/CN=DriverWiz"
# Convert to pkcs12/PFX format
openssl pkcs12 -export -in cert.cer -out cert.pfx -inkey cert.key

got error messages under vista sp2, any ideas?

I also get an error saying that the latest version of CAPICOM.dll is missing. The ones I can find for download from the internet are version 2.0.0, and the tool requires 2.1.0.1 or later.
Does anyone have the needed version of the dll?
EDIT: Found it, 2.1.0.2 version of the dll is in the attachment.

Time Saver !
Many thanks; DriverWiz /w the CAPICOM.DLL saved me about an hour of troubleshooting.
Cheers,

Thanks for the capicom.dll Even after disabling UAC in W7Rc1 it wouldn't go, so great to have it posted to.
Chainfire, which format should the Reg's be added?
I tried the default .reg formating just under:
[Registry]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Profiles]
@=""
"ActiveProfile"="Normal"
?
Scrap that i found the .inf format
[AddRegistry]
HKCU,"New Key","",0x00010001,1
Many thanks for this, i'll try to Point Driver replacing Sinners from now on to here.

Well INF files are a regular female dog.
If you rather use WinCE CAB Manager, the trick is easily done as well. I do not have it handy right here (I'm not at dev box), but it goes like this.
Put the DLL's and EXE's that need to go in the CAB into the same folder as DriverWiz
Execute the following command from the command prompt in the DriverWiz folder: signtool sign /f DriverWiz.pfx *.exe *.dll
Open your WCM/CAB with CM
Somewhere is an option for "Pre XML" (main screen IIRC).. click to add/edit, and load the DriverWiz.xml file
Save
signtool sign /f DriverWiz.pfx *.cab
Et voila. I should really make an update to DriverWiz to include CAPICOM and write a proper guide on how to do all this manually (including making your own certificates and such). It's easy if you know how
If you could insert another empty post for me at the top, that'd be great.

[HELP] How to register a dll?

I try to create a program which consists of
.asx files (to show online tv channels),
.lnk files (shorcuts to the .asx files) and
a .dll file which contains only some .ico files (icons of the tv channels).
I added all these files to a cab using WinCE Cab Manager and tried to install it on my ppc. So far so good. The problem occurred when the message “The program can not be installed. Choose another location” appeared during installation, just after the process bar was filled.
Although I have no idea about computer programming, I have created many cab’s with WinCE Cab Manager for skins I have created for several programs. Anyway, I realized that the problem occurred due to the .dll file, since this is the first time I add such a file in a .cab.
I created my .dll file using a .dll from another program which had only icons in it, as well. I deleted them using Restorator 2007 and I had an “empty” .dll sized 4KB. Then I added my icon files using XN Resource Editor.
I searched the Internet to see what might be the problem with the .dll and I found out that I have to “register” my .dll file. I really have no idea what this means but it needs to be done. I also found an option in WinCE Cab Manager for “self-registering” file, but it didn’t work either.
So, the question to you dev guys is how can I register my .dll file, or should I create it from the beginning with another way?
Please help! Thanks in advance!

sorry to repost but it seems that posts keep coming in this forum and this thread is already in the second page and I'm afraid that noone will see it and reply to it. By the way, is there any special sub-forum for such questions?

This may help. I use his instructions to edit existing DLL's
http://www.modaco.com/content/i9x0-...88904/lisbian-taskbars-for-i910/#entry1023568
It will unsign the dll which will probably fail on your custom dll but it should sign it when you are done editing.

NilsP
Many thanks for your suggestion but unfortunately it didn't work for me.
As you said, this is mainly for resigning already signed .dll files.
Any other help will be appreciated. I can attach it here if anypne is willing to help. Or just tell me the way. Thanks!

I deploy a few dll's with my app, without any problem. If the installer complains about the location, what did you specify where it should go?

There are 2 approaches to solve this problem:
1.) If you have a private key to match a certificate in the device's certificate store, sign the .dll and .cab with this private key and it will be installed with elevated privledges, and be successful. To facilitate this you can install the "SDK Certificates" - and sign with the matching private key (you should be able to find these on a search, term "SDKCerts" or similar)
2.) Look for an "Application Unlocker" or other security reduction tool, run it, and you should be able to install the cab. On this note, if you check here, it will give you a more technical overview of the security policies. You want to change 4101 / 0x1005 to "SECROLE_MANAGER" (8) - which tells the system to install it with elevated privledges. Also make sure 4102 / 0x1006 is set to 1 to allow unsigned applications.

6Fg8
I don't believe that is the location I specified that causes the problem because when I deleted the .dll file from the .cab, it was installed properly. How do you create your dll files? With programming or you just edit existing files? If I send you my .ico files, will you be able to create the .dll file for me?
Da_G
Thanks but both approaches seem very complicated for me!

So, will I need Visual Basic in order to do this or is there any easier way? Can anyone sign the dll for me?

angelos_cy said:
6Fg8
How do you create your dll files? With programming or you just edit existing files? If I send you my .ico files, will you be able to create the .dll file for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes with programming, C++ or .net. Never had any issue with signing. I can try to make a dll if you send me the icons (or post them here if they aren't too secret ).

6Fg8 said:
I can try to make a dll if you send me the icons (or post them here if they aren't too secret ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have sent them to you by pm. They are not secret at all but I will create a "program" (wannabe ) with that dll and I want that program to be a surprise for users of the forum where I'll post it. I may post it on xda too, but it's nothing important.
Many thanks!

angelos_cy said:
The problem occurred when the message “The program can not be installed. Choose another location” appeared during installation, just after the process bar was filled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens because you've changed resources in signed file, which changed file checksum and invalidated it's signature, and Windows installer refuses to install file with invalid signature. But it won't refuse to install this file WITHOUT signature at all - so use unsigner (search for it on XDA) to remove signature completely; if you encounter error, try to remove signature from original (unmodified) file, and then change resources in it...

6Fg8
the_ozyrys
Thanks to both of you!
6Fg8 has created and signed the dll for me and it finally worked, but I also tried the_ozyrys' method and it also worked.
So thanks to baniaczek too, since he created the unsigner.exe.

Everything worked fine with the dll. Now the cab is installed properly.
However, I have another problem. Just after the installation of the cab on my ppc, it seems that the device freezes for about a minute. This is propably because my cab contains a lot of shortcuts (.lnk files) that go under Programs folder.
So, I would like to ask for another favour, if it's possible. As I said I intend to give this cab to others too. Since this delay can make them believe that my program has freezed their device, I would like to make the cab restart the device just after installation and after uninstallation as well. I think this is made with the "Setup.dll" which I don't know how to create.
If anyone knows how to do this and has the time for it, could you please create this setup.dll for me. If the cab is needed to do this, just tell me to send it to you.
Thanks in advance!

Anyone? Plzzzzzzz!

If you want to sign .dll or .exe u can use the apps posted in the two posts below
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=432041
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3530246&postcount=18

raykisi
Thanks for your answer but 6Fg8 and the_ozyrys already helped me on that.
My question now is how to create a setup.dll in order to make my .cab to prompt the user to restart the device after installation and uninstallation. If anyone can do it for me, I can send you the .cab which I alreday created and you can add the setup.dll with those functions.

how do i install files in a folder and out of the folder is registry file?

how do i install files in a folder and out of the folder is registry file?
when i down load a file. some of them come not as a cab file but it comes it contains a folder and a registry file out of the folder. i believe folder contains program file. where do i put which and where? can u help.

tazwik said:
how do i install files in a folder and out of the folder is registry file?
when i down load a file. some of them come not as a cab file but it comes it contains a folder and a registry file out of the folder. i believe folder contains program file. where do i put which and where? can u help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you trying to install?...and where? I am sorry if I am miss understanding you but it sounds like you have a file with a reg file and another folder named files? is this right?

something like that. when i down load a file its not a cab file.it is a zip file. when i unzip. it has a folder with program with some files in the folder, but out of the folder or root directory there is 2to 3 files look like reg file. i do not know where to place these file.

tazwik said:
something like that. when i down load a file its not a cab file.it is a zip file. when i unzip. it has a folder with program with some files in the folder, but out of the folder or root directory there is 2to 3 files look like reg file. i do not know where to place these file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you link me to the file so I can see it?

im tryin to install it in to my htc hd2 phone. its a program i downloaded. from xda. like camara hack. ther is a folder and files on the root directory. in the folder though there is a camara icon or program.

tazwik said:
im tryin to install it in to my htc hd2 phone. its a program i downloaded. from xda. like camara hack. ther is a folder and files on the root directory. in the folder though there is a camara icon or program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post the file or link me to where you got it please. I want to make sure I give you good info so it works.

sounds like a cracked app, where you get the prog folder and a reg file to crack it.

samsamuel said:
sounds like a cracked app, where you get the prog folder and a reg file to crack it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought so as well till he\she said they got it on xda, that made me think maybe a kitchen ext package

The cab files can be opened with winzip on your PC. The contents of a cab file is usually an xml file, icon file and other files for installation. Are you sure you are not opening a cab file in winzip?

zelendel said:
I thought so as well till he\she said they got it on xda, that made me think maybe a kitchen ext package
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh yea.that makes sense.

ok for example. forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=611007
CUSTOM-djet-CameraSettingsPatch , it is a rar file costum patch. when i down load it has a folder and a files where do i place the folder and where do i place the files on my THC HD2

Thats an OEM package for use in kitchens when cooking ROMS. You cant install it to a running system. (Well, not in that form anyway)

tazwik said:
ok for example. forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=611007
CUSTOM-djet-CameraSettingsPatch , it is a rar file costum patch. when i down load it has a folder and a files where do i place the folder and where do i place the files on my THC HD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made the files into a cab for you.

zelendel said:
I made the files into a cab for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does that one do exactly?

sirphunkee said:
What does that one do exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the look of the reg it enables one of the hidden functions in the camera. I thought most cooks enabled all the functions when they cooked up the rom but could be wrong. I know I do

zelendel said:
From the look of the reg it enables one of the hidden functions in the camera. I thought most cooks enabled all the functions when they cooked up the rom but could be wrong. I know I do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, thanks man! Just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything I don't already have

icons
can u help me with one more thing. i downloaded some icons. it does not have any other files but icons and album file. when i place the file into the windows directory. gives me an message that it can not be overitten due to not enough space and file is being used. how do i change go around it.

thks jelendel. for making file in to cab.

similar problems/questions
most cab files/apps i download and install are very straight forward and I save to storage card and there are right there on my "start" screen. others I download and I cant find them? I look through the file explorer but either cant find them or dont know what to do if I do find the file.
example, egg timer 1.0 -I can find it listed on "remove programs" page page so I know I got it. but how do I get it to a more 'usable' location.
another example. I want to get the Bluetooth toggle (BTtoggle) from pocketnow site. I downloaded the app, then it says I need to edit my registry (I understand the dangers of this) at
"HKLM\software\HTC\Manilla" and change the value of HomeLSKPath to the path to your BTtoggle.exe .....etc.....
First time editing registry, so sounds like I need to get a registry editor. I looked for a free one. CeRegEdit version 5.2.exe file. looks like it downloaded ok but I cant find on device??
LASTLY, I use CoOkies home editor and I really like it, but does that mean I cant do other changes/app installs to any HTC sense items/lock screen/home screen/etc? thanks for reading this far....steve
Or if you know of easier to get bluetooth toggle or any kind of timer applications so I dont burn food at the fire station, feel free to reccomend...Thanks

808Granato said:
Or if you know of easier to get bluetooth toggle or any kind of timer applications so I dont burn food at the fire station, feel free to reccomend...Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aloha, and just because you're in civil service like that, I'll give you a hand with this one here...but it's usually best to open a new thread with a bunch of questions like that. You can just edit your post above to just say "moved to new thread", and then copy all that you wrote into a new thread you start...you'll probably get more views/responses that way too
These cabs will give you a toggle for bluetooth, wifi, and a reset button. Once you run the cab, you can find them in your start menu, but they're most useful when you assign them to one of the quicklink spots (on your home tab), just like you would any other program.
P.S. you'll find a lot more useful stuff for your new phone right here in these forums, and 99% of it is free, and known to work on the HD2 (unless stated otherwise). Start HERE and HERE

[Q] Unsigned Folders ?

First of all, sorry for openeing a new thread; but surely i have searched all of chef central din't find anything much or maybe din't understand which one was my solution.
The problem is after boot of my ROM ( regardless of which boot ie 1st 2nd or 10th ) i get 2 pop up errors:
1) "The file 'programs' cannot be opened. Either is not signed with a trusted certificate or one of it's components cannot be found.If the problem persists please try reinstalling or restoring this file."
2) "The file 'Tools' cannot be opened. Either is not signed with a trusted certificate or one of it's components cannot be found.If the problem persists please try reinstalling or restoring this file."
I have a folder called "Tools" in the start menu, and it works fine, and everything inside also works good. But still this error.
I'm pretty sure all the Packages cooked which are meant to go in this folder do go in.
And the programs error is it anything to do with the fact that in the APP.DAT in almost all packages i have used similar naming:
Code:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-Directory("System")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\Tweaks"):-File("Flip_IT.lnk","\Windows\_Flip_IT.lnk")
and also added similar REG in the REGS :
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start\Tools\Tweaks\Flip_it.lnk]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As i was not sure which one will decide the location, so some packages have only .REGs, some have only APP.DATs and some have both ( but all the locations are same that is sure !)
Please help me with this.
Thanks alot.
PS: I have enabled NoCert in EVK, and also cooked in the latest ( 2015 ? ) SDKCerts EXT. And after that no other apps give an unsigned problem.

Just a question, this isnt the full app.dat right?
Code:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-Directory("System")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\Tweaks"):-File("Flip_IT.lnk","\Windows\_Flip_IT.lnk")
If yes, you miss some lines,this app.dat is just copying a link to startmenu but i guess that you need the program in Windows.

i'm afraid that is the full App.DAT
here is another one
Code:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-Directory("System")
Directory("\Windows"):-Directory("appdb")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_end_mid_2.png","\Windows\_end_mid_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_end_mid_8.png","\Windows\_end_mid_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_folder_2.png","\Windows\_folder_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_folder_8.png","\Windows\_folder_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_folder_8_2.png","\Windows\_folder_8_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_lock_gray.png","\Windows\_lock_gray.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_lock_green.png","\Windows\_lock_green.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_lock_red.png","\Windows\_lock_red.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_logo_2.png","\Windows\_logo_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_single_2.png","\Windows\_single_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_single_8.png","\Windows\_single_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_start_2.png","\Windows\_start_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_start_8.png","\Windows\_start_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_suite_2.png","\Windows\_suite_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_suite_8.png","\Windows\_suite_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_ack_2.png","\Windows\_ack_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_ack_8.png","\Windows\_ack_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_compiling.png","\Windows\_compiling.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_disable_2.png","\Windows\_disable_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_disable_8.png","\Windows\_disable_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_dt_2.png","\Windows\_dt_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_dt_8.png","\Windows\_dt_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_dukeok_2.png","\Windows\_dukeok_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_dukeok_8.png","\Windows\_dukeok_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_empty.png","\Windows\_empty.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_end_ams_2.png","\Windows\_end_ams_2.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_end_ams_8.png","\Windows\_end_ams_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\appdb"):-File("_logo_8.png","\Windows\_logo_8.png")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\\Tools\System"):-File("Java.lnk","\Windows\Java.lnk")
This seems to be correct right ?
Can you please tell me does APP.DAT decide the position or REG ? and what if both exist.
Thanks.
Can an incomplete app.dat cause those errors ?
EDIT: i have identified 3 packages have incomlete app.dat
1) task manager
app.dat says :
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\"):-File("Task Manager.lnk","\Windows\dotFred Task Manager.lnk")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\Utilities"):-File("Regeditor.lnk","\Windows\dotFred RegEdit.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reg also defines a location.
2) flip it
app.dat says
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-Directory("System")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\Tweaks"):-File("Flip_IT.lnk","\Windows\_Flip_IT.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reg defines location and settings.
3) torch
app.dat says
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\Utilities"):-File("hTorch Flashlight.lnk","\Windows\hTorch Flashlight.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reg defines settings only.
4) reg editor
app.dat says:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tool\Utilities"):-File("PHM RegEdit.lnk","\Windows\PHM RegEdit.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reg defines sttings and location.
Can anyone of the above cause the issue ?
can some please help me correct them ?
Thanks.
EDIT: can someone please tell me the REG to enable Call Waiting Tone.
I don't hear any tone it when i have a call waiting.

The app.dat decide the position of file and folders.
I found thi " Flip-IT" from a Tom Codon thread and i used Cab Converter for extracting it.
This is the App.dat that i got:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools"):-File("Flip_IT.lnk","\Windows\Flip_IT.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In red are the subfolders that doesnt come with the original.
There are some difference with your but i dunno if this is the problem but worth try.

Umm well i have defined those locations as to fit them lnk in the place i want in the start menu.. isn't that the way ?

Im Quoting you from 1st post:
1) "The file 'programs' cannot be opened. Either is not signed with a trusted certificate or one of it's components cannot be found.If the problem persists please try reinstalling or restoring this file."
2) "The file 'Tools' cannot be opened. Either is not signed with a trusted certificate or one of it's components cannot be found.If the problem persists please try reinstalling or restoring this file."
you got this popup error automatically, no need to open any folder\file?
It seems that you put a wrong shortcut to files called "Tools and programs" in your StratUp folder.
Check some other App.dat

i have checked all APP.DAT in the EXT can't find any which i cook and does not get cokked in the correct location ?
Umm and the two errors are seperate not in one only.
So i guess the conflict is there with 2 seperate folders "Tools" and "programs" respectively.
Ideally it should not conflict with tools, because i do have a tools folder in the start menu.. so everything should go there :/
any other help?

Try to cook a rom without one of the latest apps that you have add and if the problem gone then you have find the issue,after that post here the responsable so we can look at it.
madnish30 said:
i have checked all APP.DAT in the EXT can't find any which i cook and does not get cokked in the correct location ?
Umm and the two errors are seperate not in one only.
So i guess the conflict is there with 2 seperate folders "Tools" and "programs" respectively.
Ideally it should not conflict with tools, because i do have a tools folder in the start menu.. so everything should go there :/
any other help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

af974 said:
Try to cook a rom without one of the latest apps that you have add and if the problem gone then you have find the issue,after that post here the responsable so we can look at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try and cook without the 5 EXT i identified with wrong app.dats ?
I have had this problem since long, but i din't bother much, so i really don't know whats the issue..
it has been there basically since i tweaked the start menu locations.
now i have to get rid of it cuz any ROM user won't like to just press ok and continue with the ROM.
I'll try.

My suggestion is to try one by one but ofcourse this way you need to flash 5 times your phone.
Did you ,maybe,tweaked your Initflashfile.dat?
madnish30 said:
I'll try and cook without the 5 EXT i identified with wrong app.dats ?
I have had this problem since long, but i din't bother much, so i really don't know whats the issue..
it has been there basically since i tweaked the start menu locations.
now i have to get rid of it cuz any ROM user won't like to just press ok and continue with the ROM.
I'll try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

No i don't play with initiaflash... because i don't know much about it..
I guess i will not cook anyone of them so that if its one of them i will just download fresh CABs for them and convert them into EXTs rather than flashing my phone 5 times..
Thanks alot.

i tried cooking without those apps no luck
Same 2 errors hence those 2 apps are ok..
Attached my Initflashfile.dat if that helps.
Please help.

You really need to look in your startup folder to see what is in there. That's the first thing to do. Then, look in the start menu and see if anything weird is going on. Particularly, look for corrupted files or folders. If there are any files that look like folders, that could be the issue.
You're initflashfiles.dat is effin' huge!! Learn to make a cab, or relocate apps to windows. You must be wasting a ton of storage space.

thanks for the help Ted,
In the startup i see 2 folders
1) programs in which there is tools->system->Arkswitch.
2) tools -> system -> XDA_UC.
rest are the normal i guess.
Then in the startmenu it seems fine.
but one problem there i see in the start menu i see a system folder which is empty AFAIK i did not create and such path why is that there ?
You're initflashfiles.dat is effin' huge!! Learn to make a cab, or relocate apps to windows. You must be wasting a ton of storage space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not good with initflashfiles.dat i don't know much about it.
Can you please link me to a thread where i can learn about it.
Also what do you mean by CABs ? does that mean using UC to install via CABs ?
And how can i reloacte apps to windows ?
can you give a little explaination please.
thanks alot for the help.
The app.dat for Arksswitch is
Directory("\Windows"):-Directory("StartUp")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-Directory("Tools")
Directory("\Program Files"):-Directory("ArkSwitch")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch"):-Directory("Theme")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch"):-Directory("NLS")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\NLS"):-File("1033.xml","\Windows\1033.xml")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\NLS"):-File("1036.xml","\Windows\1036.xml")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\NLS"):-File("1040.xml","\Windows\1040.xml")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\NLS"):-File("1049.xml","\Windows\1049.xml")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\Theme"):-File("config.xml","\Windows\config.xml")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\Theme"):-File("status-bar.png","\Windows\status-bar.png")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\Theme"):-File("x-deselected.png","\Windows\x-deselected.png")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch\Theme"):-File("x-selected.png","\Windows\x-selected.png")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch"):-File("Microsoft.WindowsMobile.Gestures.dll","\Windows\Microsoft.WindowsMobile.Gestures.dll")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch"):-File("ArkSwitch.exe","\Windows\ArkSwitch.exe")
Directory("\Program Files\ArkSwitch"):-File("ArkSwitchNative.dll","\Windows\ArkSwitchNative.dll")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\System"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
Directory("\Windows\StartUp\Programs\\Tools\System"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and the app.dat for XDA_UC is
Directory("\Windows\StartUp\Tools\System"):-File("XDA_UC.mscr","\Windows\XDA_UC.mscr")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please help me correct the two in order to remove the warning.
Will try and cook without them to see if they cause they problem.

I don't use xda_uc, but delete the sub-folders in startup and the problems go away.
App.dat copies files from windows to other places. In many cases, an app works fine in windows. You just need to fix paths (shortcuts, registry) so they point to windows. It's a complete waste to have two copies of all your files, especially when the ones in rom work perfectly fine. Personally, I don't even use app.dat's, except to create directories and to copy the important customization links into startup.
Edit: ok, so I'm looking at your initflashfiles.dat. One, there's something weird with your Manila twitter lines. Why does it appear twice? That's kind of a waste, and will slow down 1st boot. Also, you've got a dozen mui files in there. Just put in the one you need (0409 or whatever), and delete the rest. You've to two copies of a bunch of files that you don't use. Remove the lines you don't need from the app.dat.
As far as relocating apps, you've got 20 or so that would work fine in windows. For example, clean ram does not have to be in program files. Just leave the exe's in windows, and send 1 lang file to \windows\lang. The app will work fine. Do you really need 20 lang files for cleanram? Dude, that's a total waste.
Here's an easy one to fix: pocket rar. You've got two copies of it now on your device. Just get a shortcut for it to windows, and you're done. You stick rar.exe in a package, along with the shortcut, and send the shortcut to the start menu as normal. Speaking of which, it looks like you've got a syntax error there:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\\Tools\System"):-File("Pocket RAR.lnk","\Windows\_Pocket RAR.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get rid of the extra \.

Thanks sir i got it, now i will impliment it.
Sir if you don't use app.dats then how do you chose which package shows up where in the start menu ?

I do pretty much everything with morscripts. I put all files and directories in zip files that are unzipped during customization, and all shortcuts are created by a script. This reduces the rom file count by hundreds (I have about 1800 rom files), and the zip files reduce the storage memory for files that have to be inserted elsewhere. There's also a restore script that resores files that change a lot and that aren't practical to cook in.
Anyway, were I you, I'd work on fixing all of your packages to make the rom more efficiently designed (instead of worrying about upgrading build numbers). I bet you could removed 500 files and clean up a crazy amount of memory (like 50 mb). It can be tricky moving an app to windows. Some apps have .ini files or similar settings files, and the app will crash or not load if the setting file is read-only, so you need to get the file into windows without having it read only (do it with an app.dat that copies or renames it to windows). Some apps have their settings in the same damn file name (like settings.txt), so you can't have them both in the same directory.
To relocate to windows, almost anything in the root program folder (like \program files\cleanram) can be moved straight to windows. Sub-folders generally just need to be moved to \windows. Typically, an exe looks for .dlls first in its own directory and second in \windows, so just about any dll can be moved to windows without issue. It will then usually look for the support files in the same directory that it's located in. The only apps I've had problems with are resco keyboard (the skin files seem to be hard coded to program files), and the latest Power Radio (2.4.0.2, or something like that). I had a bunch of power radio packages that worked fine in windows, but the latest wouldn't, so I just didn't do the upgrade.
It's usually easiest just to test things without cooking. In your case, you've already got everything in windows. Just click on exes and see what works and what doesn't. Some apps will need sub-folders relocated to windows, and it looks like your cab-to-ext package unfortunately renamed the rom files, so some files in the program folder will need to be copied to windows. Just do this for testing purposes, to see what works and what doesn't. I bet your rom is effin huge, and you could make it a lot leaner by cleaning your packages up. The cab-to-ext makers all more or less suck; it's better to do things manually (or with kheb 1.1).
Edit: you've got the tachan black theme in there twice, too. You really, really don't need those files copied elsewhere. I'm guessing there's a reg file with all the file locations (in HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Today). Fix it!!! All you need to do is do a 'replace all' and replace \\My Documents\\Themes\\tacchan23black with \\windows. Then delete that gawdawful app.dat file (both occurrences). That will remove 101 redundant files.

Do you remember this from your 1st post?
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-Directory("System")
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools\Tweaks"):-File("Flip_IT.lnk","\Windows\_Flip_IT.lnk")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is (marked in red) your System folder (empty) in startmenu.
madnish30 said:
Then in the startmenu it seems fine.
but one problem there i see in the start menu i see a system folder which is empty AFAIK i did not create and such path why is that there ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks ted & af974.
i will try to do things you suggested.
But Ted, what does the attachment mscr do ?

I attached and EXT package from Chucky's Rom thanks to birkoffsjunk, i guess you will understand what mscr does looking at it.
madnish30 said:
Thanks ted & af974.
i will try to do things you suggested.
But Ted, what does the attachment mscr do ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Solved][Q] EXT packages + app.dat = duplicates of files in \windows\

I tried to keep the title as descriptive and short as possible, I hope it makes sense
I picked up the kitchen of nhathoa (a retired Topaz cook) hoping to get it customized to make it exactly the way I want but I'm running into some issues.
Long story short, I'm using Ervius Visual Kitchen (1.8.2) and I noticed that the EXT packages I added end up leaving two copies of the files, a copy under \windows\ and another one in the places I specified using app.dat using:
Code:
Directory("\Program Files\bla\"):-File("bla.exe","\Windows\bla.exe")
Is there some way to get rid of the copy under \Windows\ ??
I know that I could simply leave everything there and discard the app.dat files but I would really prefer having everything organized properly (I have a bit of an OCD when it comes to organizing everything neatly ).
I'm pretty sure that this is a rather simple and noobish issue but I couldn't find anything relevant by searching and I took a look at some ext packages by various cooks and noticed the same behaviour.

MusikMonk said:
I tried to keep the title as descriptive and short as possible, I hope it makes sense
I picked up the kitchen of nhathoa (a retired Topaz cook) hoping to get it customized to make it exactly the way I want but I'm running into some issues.
Long story short, I'm using Ervius Visual Kitchen (1.8.2) and I noticed that the EXT packages I added end up leaving two copies of the files, a copy under \windows\ and another one in the places I specified using app.dat using:
Code:
Directory("\Program Files\bla\"):-File("bla.exe","\Windows\bla.exe")
Is there some way to get rid of the copy under \Windows\ ??
I know that I could simply leave everything there and discard the app.dat files but I would really prefer having everything organized properly (I have a bit of an OCD when it comes to organizing everything neatly ).
I'm pretty sure that this is a rather simple and noobish issue but I couldn't find anything relevant by searching and I took a look at some ext packages by various cooks and noticed the same behaviour.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's call Read-Only-Memory (ROM) and is the reason you can hard-reset your phone. Every file you cook into the ROM is in \windows. Two ways I know of to reduce the amount of files would be to zip them and have a mortscript unzip them to the proper location during customization or cook in a cab containing all of the files and have it run during customization.

That makes a lot of sense, I really feel ashamed that I didn't figure it out earlier
EXT packages seemed easier than bothering to read about customization but I guess it's time to start reading about this kind of stuff.
Thread marked as solved.
Thanks for the quick reply!

Yup, files in rom are in rom forever, or until you flash again, lol. The trick is to just run bla.exe from \windows. I would say that 90% of the time, bla.exe runs just fine out of the windows directory (especially if it's the only file in the package). When people create cabs, they naturally install the app in \program files, but in general apps don't need to be in a specific folder. If there are other files present, usually an .exe will search within its own folder for those files. So, if you just cook everything straight into windows, you'll be good to go. It's easy enough to test: just move all the files from program files to windows after installing a cab, fix the shortcut in the start menu, and then try to run the app. It's always a good idea to do a soft reset and try again (found this out the hard way many times). The one thing you have to watch out for is settings files, like .dat files. These files frequently have to be archived (not read-only). Particularly with apps that use net 3.5, if there's a setting file that is read-only, the app won't boot and you'll get an error message. The fix is to name the file settings-1.txt (or whatever) and have an app.dat rename it to settings.txt (and keep it in \windows).
Also, remember to fix the shortcut path in the start menu, and examine the registry entries to see if there are any paths for files present-you may need to change them to point to \windows (this could also be true in settings files).

mwalt2 said:
No, it's call Read-Only-Memory (ROM) and is the reason you can hard-reset your phone. Every file you cook into the ROM is in \windows. Two ways I know of to reduce the amount of files would be to zip them and have a mortscript unzip them to the proper location during customization or cook in a cab containing all of the files and have it run during customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This actually made me think a little bit. When you think about read only, I always thing can't delete or overwrite. Obviously I can run a cab and replace a file that is located in the \Windows directory, that leads me to believe there is a way to delete a file or maybe even replaced with an empty file of the same name.

You can over-write a rom file, but the rom file is still there. The file system just flags it somehow or another and tells the device to ignore it and instead use the new file.

TMartin03 said:
This actually made me think a little bit. When you think about read only, I always thing can't delete or overwrite. Obviously I can run a cab and replace a file that is located in the \Windows directory, that leads me to believe there is a way to delete a file or maybe even replaced with an empty file of the same name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new file you copy over goes into the "user" partition of the file system and windows knows to use that file instead. Once you delete this newly copied file from \windows, the old one from the ROM will take its place back in the filesystem.

Farmer Ted said:
Yup, files in rom are in rom forever, or until you flash again, lol. The trick is to just run bla.exe from \windows. I would say that 90% of the time, bla.exe runs just fine out of the windows directory (especially if it's the only file in the package). When people create cabs, they naturally install the app in \program files, but in general apps don't need to be in a specific folder. If there are other files present, usually an .exe will search within its own folder for those files. So, if you just cook everything straight into windows, you'll be good to go. It's easy enough to test: just move all the files from program files to windows after installing a cab, fix the shortcut in the start menu, and then try to run the app. It's always a good idea to do a soft reset and try again (found this out the hard way many times). The one thing you have to watch out for is settings files, like .dat files. These files frequently have to be archived (not read-only). Particularly with apps that use net 3.5, if there's a setting file that is read-only, the app won't boot and you'll get an error message. The fix is to name the file settings-1.txt (or whatever) and have an app.dat rename it to settings.txt (and keep it in \windows).
Also, remember to fix the shortcut path in the start menu, and examine the registry entries to see if there are any paths for files present-you may need to change them to point to \windows (this could also be true in settings files).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, a small question about the underlined part, just to make sure that I got it right: it won't be exactly a rename just a copy with a different name, correct?
Some of the apps I use need a specific directory structure for the resources and files they use, so just dumping them in one big folder won't work.
Another possible issue that I think I'll run into is having two files sharing a generic name (let's say settings.xml) while each belongs to a different app. I didn't personally encounter such a situation just yet but my packages are still a work in progress and I did see a post or two about this while searching.
I was still hoping there would be a simple way to arrange the files in folders while keeping them under \windows\ but I can't find such a method either. Doesn't seem like I have other options than to decided on a firstboot customization method: Runcc, autorun, xda_uc or something that I haven't read about yet...
"Runcc" is currently used in the base kitchen so that gives it an edge right now.
Edit:
Remembered that I had another question, and it's probably not worth a new thread.
I was looking at how to manually create .lnk files and I noticed something that I didn't understand and couldn't find info about.
For example:
Code:
21#"\Windows\MSDict.htm"
What exactly does the "21" refer to?? I tried changing it randomly to other values a couple of times and it didn't effect anything.

NRGZ28 said:
The new file you copy over goes into the "user" partition of the file system and windows knows to use that file instead. Once you delete this newly copied file from \windows, the old one from the ROM will take its place back in the filesystem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok now that makes a lot of sense. I guess I'm just use to Android and being able to see that separate partition. Thanks for the explanation.
That sort of leaves me to another question. Can't someone develop a way to overwrite directly to the "system" partition? It would almost be like a root/superuser for WinMo.
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G!

MusikMonk said:
First of all, a small question about the underlined part, just to make sure that I got it right: it won't be exactly a rename just a copy with a different name, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that's correct. Another approach is to take all similar files that go into windows and stick them in a zip file that unzips to the windows directory. I do that in a few cases (power radio comes to mind; it has an ini file). What I do in most cases though is use a backup/restore mortscript. The backup copies all settings files (and similar things) on my device to my sd card. During customization, the restore copies them back. It's convenient for apps where I change the settings a lot and I don't want to have to constantly fuss with the packages.
Some of the apps I use need a specific directory structure for the resources and files they use, so just dumping them in one big folder won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you do in that case is move the sub-folders into windows. In this case, I'll use a zip file to unzip those folders into windows. Using app.dat files to copy large numbers of files blows. It increases the rom file count as well as the storage used. A zip file is a single file, and usually it saves space.
Another possible issue that I think I'll run into is having two files sharing a generic name (let's say settings.xml) while each belongs to a different app. I didn't personally encounter such a situation just yet but my packages are still a work in progress and I did see a post or two about this while searching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, you're screwed unless there's a registry key that lets you change the name. I've run into a few complications; tcpmp and OMarket both use a common.dll. My solution was to buy Core Player, lol.
I was still hoping there would be a simple way to arrange the files in folders while keeping them under \windows\ but I can't find such a method either. Doesn't seem like I have other options than to decided on a firstboot customization method: Runcc, autorun, xda_uc or something that I haven't read about yet...
"Runcc" is currently used in the base kitchen so that gives it an edge right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using cabs or zip files is the way to go if you want to copy large folders in one shot (with a mortscript; you can also un-rar rar files, but I don't know how. Yet, lol). Zips are easier to make and edit than cabs, but you need to have mortscript cooked in and know how to write the simple script (aka cut-and-paste).
Edit:
Remembered that I had another question, and it's probably not worth a new thread.
I was looking at how to manually create .lnk files and I noticed something that I didn't understand and couldn't find info about.
For example:
Code:
21#"\Windows\MSDict.htm"
What exactly does the "21" refer to?? I tried changing it randomly to other values a couple of times and it didn't effect anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 21 is the number of bytes after the #. It doesn't matter. I usually just change the first number to 1. It works fine. Counting bytes blows.

That was extremely helpful. Too bad these boards don't use a rep system
Farmer Ted said:
Yup, that's correct. Another approach is to take all similar files that go into windows and stick them in a zip file that unzips to the windows directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if I'm going to follow this method, and it seems like I am, I don't see why I would still have to limit myself to the \windows folder. I can just put everything the way I originally wanted to do. I only looked at arranging files under \windows when I found out that there's no way to get rid of the duplicates.
Farmer Ted said:
Using cabs or zip files is the way to go if you want to copy large folders in one shot (with a mortscript; you can also un-rar rar files, but I don't know how. Yet, lol). Zips are easier to make and edit than cabs, but you need to have mortscript cooked in and know how to write the simple script (aka cut-and-paste).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried writing mortscripts yet but I've seen enough to figure out the basic and notice how easy it is. I'm gonna check how usable is the WM version of 7zip, as long as it accepts arguments combining it with mortscript will be easy and perfect for me.
7z archives can get smaller in size than half of the zip archives for the same files. And cabs are too annoying to work with and keep updated later on.
Only issue remaining now is checking whether I should put the archived files under \windows or use the sdcard for customization. I'm leaning toward the first but I'll have to wait and see how much memory I would be sacrificing that way.
Farmer Ted said:
The 21 is the number of bytes after the #. It doesn't matter. I usually just change the first number to 1. It works fine. Counting bytes blows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah! I thought about counting bytes/characters and noticed that it works sometimes. But I thought it was a coincidence after I experimented in changing the value and noticed that it wasn't always the right count in the .lnk files that I found.
[rant]
Nice, I was messing around with some packages to free up ram and storage and I seem to have ended up with a rather b0rked up xTask. And then there's still convincing Resco Explorer that the registry add-in IS in fact there.
Figuring out the causes should keep me happily busy for a while (and probably heavily pissed for another while afterwards).
[/rant]
Edit:
Just for the record, I ended up using xda_uc it's a lot easier than doing things manually. Although it would help if there was some kind of documentation available, took me a while to understand what .xda, xdai, xdas & .xdaz files are supposed to be.

hi by the way is it possible to convert ext packages of QVGA phones to one another?