Database Users

Extracting and repackaging icons from existing programs

I would like to create a file of icons from programs that run from the sd card, so that those icons can be placed in main memory, and then the links reference that icon file. That way a program that resides on the SD card can have a link in main memory which specifies a main memory icon, and that icon will appear on the start menu (programs on the start menu don't usually have icons).
I have read a fair bit about this without finding out how to do it. Icon_viewer let me see the icons, and identify their number, but I need to strip them out and put them in a dll or exe. This would also make phm_traylnch work better, by creating shortcuts that have their own icon files, so that large programs which aren't being opened don't need scanning for the icons. Indeed, if the links to large files in /Windows/Start Menu/ specified their icons in a file that contained only icons, wouldn't WM5 start up faster?

Firstly which rom are you running? - I had that problem with my old pre-aku2 rom using phm traylaunch but has now gone running aku2 rom.
Icons from storage card appear with no delay, also start menu startup is swift. (plus maybe its my fast min-sd card as well!)
If you really want to experiment try res hacker http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/ it does work on wince progs as well. You can remove/change icons using this program.
For large exe's I found upx compressing the executable made a world of difference to icon refresh/update. see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=49990

2.24
I'm running Xelencin's 2.24 T-Mobile customization. I have an alternate solution for PHM_Traylnch, using SKSchema to run traylnch after 20 seconds, making sure the SD card is available.
I have an A-Data 2GB miniSD; it was the only 2GB available when I bought my MDA. It hasn't given me any trouble but probably isn't super fast.
I don't mind my startup time at all, as it is much faster, but I do have some large programs on the miniSD.
Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll try UPX -- it sounds great!

I've written long posts about this before, and it caused me to write my program VJBrisk.
The way to do it is to create an Icon DLL, and then use modified shortcuts pointing at custom icons in the dll. This will speed up boot time, start menu population, SmallMenu/GSPocketMagic etc, and prevent blank icons loading from SD Card.
I recommend downloading Microangelo on the PC.
Load your target icon .exe into Microangelo librarian.exe.
Click each (or all) icons, and save as .ico.
Modify icons if necessary in Microangelo Studio.
Next, (easiest way) is to start with the PHM Icon library dll. Load into librarian. Rip out all existing icons (optional). (Harder way is to create a blank resource dll in Visual Studio etc).
Drop in your extracted .ico files.
Save the dll, copy to PPC, and smile.
For hints (for beginners) on modifying shortcut icons for files and folders, search against my username for the word "completeness".
I do this for my today screen icons.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
V

Thanks!
Thanks, I am very impressed with all of your programs! Also, thanks for the tip on searching; if one can't find an unusual word, it is difficult to find the right thread, because so many unrelated threads turn up.
Unfortunately, microangelo seems a little steep for the minor purpose to which I am putting this, especially since I already have a solution that works ok using skschema.

Microangelo is very useful for all icon work in my experience. But you can do all of this for free with a Resource Hacker (or Visual Studio, or many other apps):
http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/
V

[REQ] Windows File Swapper

Just a fairly simple idea that occurred to me, I thaught it would be very useful to have a small application that just exchanged files. For example when copying manila files to windows it would be useful if you could exchange the new file for the old one and then when the mess was made it would be easy to just press swap again and all would be as before.
Select file, select destination, press ok and that would be it, the origional windows file would now be where the new one was. If I'm not being clear enough I mean, the windows file would be "backed up" automatically to the location of the file you are exchanging it with, ready to swap back if necessary. Think about it!!

Well I can't make such an app. Does no-one even have a comment on the idea, I think a lot of people would use this if it existed. Or is there already something that can do what I am asking?

uniqueboy said:
Well I can't make such an app. Does no-one even have a comment on the idea, I think a lot of people would use this if it existed. Or is there already something that can do what I am asking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could use a file sync program, most of the good ones have the ability to connect to virtually anything.
I pay for one called "Super Flexible" it has a portable install, if you are interested i could send it to you with a(my) serial?
PM me if you like the sound

MysticGenius said:
you could use a file sync program, most of the good ones have the ability to connect to virtually anything.
I pay for one called "Super Flexible" it has a portable install, if you are interested i could send it to you with a(my) serial?
PM me if you like the sound
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. Probably not a good idea to mention serials here but thanks anyway. I will have a read up about that and see if it can do what I was thinking of.

Had a quick google on that and it looks rather complex for what I want. The software I want would be a simple tool that only copied to the windows folder while making a backup of the files it was overwriting at the same time. It would not do anything else since there are so many tools that do everything but this already, like Resco or TC. I think a simple tool like this would be of benefit to the whole community. At the moment to say install a new clock in TF3D I might make a .cab or just copy the file into my windows folder with TC, then if I don't like the new clock, it is not so straight forward to simply uninstall the new clock. If I delete the files or uninstall the .cab my manila will not revert back to my previous clock, but it will revert back to the original clock built into the rom, so I have to make yet another installation of the previous clock. I have had a lot of clocks, some I made myself and some by others (whiskeybro and mbord). Often I am just trying a small change, like a date colour or a clock hand or a slider and with the app I am proposing it would be so easy to just switch back and forth. I also seem to be trying a lot of other stuff like new bluetooth icons or shellres192 dlls or phcanOverbmps, I hope you see what I mean.

uniqueboy said:
Thanks for your reply. Probably not a good idea to mention serials here but thanks anyway. I will have a read up about that and see if it can do what I was thinking of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have bought 5 serials, and i only use 1! i got it on a deal!
uniqueboy said:
Had a quick google on that and it looks rather complex for what I want. The software I want would be a simple tool that only copied to the windows folder while making a backup of the files it was overwriting at the same time. It would not do anything else since there are so many tools that do everything but this already, like Resco or TC. I think a simple tool like this would be of benefit to the whole community. At the moment to say install a new clock in TF3D I might make a .cab or just copy the file into my windows folder with TC, then if I don't like the new clock, it is not so straight forward to simply uninstall the new clock. If I delete the files or uninstall the .cab my manila will not revert back to my previous clock, but it will revert back to the original clock built into the rom, so I have to make yet another installation of the previous clock. I have had a lot of clocks, some I made myself and some by others (whiskeybro and mbord). Often I am just trying a small change, like a date colour or a clock hand or a slider and with the app I am proposing it would be so easy to just switch back and forth. I also seem to be trying a lot of other stuff like new bluetooth icons or shellres192 dlls or phcanOverbmps, I hope you see what I mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but what you want it an on-the-fly file changer that needs to access the root of the device (not the internal storage) so this would have to be achieved through activesync, as this is the only way i have seen the windows dir of the device on my pc.
since this is the case you can do this through windows explorer by changing the view settings to the following:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Put a check in the top box, and remove the check from the bottom box.
then when you plug your phone in, select activesync (you dont need to have a setup as this works if you select "connect without configuring"), then you can browse the windows dir and backup and change what you like.
if this solution is not good i can look into writing something.

How about you look into the code of Diamond Config. It does something VERY similar except it deletes all the manilla files first and then transfers them over. It also has a backup feature. IF you could modify it and make it not delete and just overwrite, then it shoud work. Or PM the creator of Diamond Config.

[Touchflo 3d Theme] "Clean Windows" -- Blue / Black & White Manilla Theme

[Touchflo 3d Theme] "Clean Windows" -- Blue / Black & White Manilla Theme
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Hello,
First post here at XDA. I've been a member of a couple other boards but like XDA the best because people only post when they have something useful to say...on with it then...
This theme is a combination of two different TF3D themes and a few cabs...not an all in one install but only a few simple steps...very clean look, runs extremely smooth...
I can post cabs / themes if anybody really needs to get them from this thread, but I encourage people to search like I did because you will find lots of useful content and information while searching around
Here is a hopefully noob proof set of instructions....
I am using a SPRINT DIAMOND ON STOCK SPRINT ROM
Use the newest "Diamond TF3D Config" to install two TF3D themes. (this prog will also let you restore you default theme should you screw anything up)
1.) Installed The O2 blue theme for TF3d
(search for "o2 theme")
Only use the "O2 Theme" under the today theme settings, not on tf3d...this is what gives the top and bottom bars the dark blue color, it also gives you a nice blue start menu...when you install the "white theme" in the next step everything else gets over-ridden anyway
2.) Install The "White TF3D Theme" for Touchflo 3D
(Search for "White TF3D Theme")
this gives you the slider, icons and curtains for TF3D...the included clock doesn't work but that brings us to step 3.
3.) Install Nisse's Sprint2Flip clock, then black flip clock then background for all tabs hack, to get a working black flip clock and background for all tabs.
(search for these three things, very easy to find)
4.) Installed Nisse's black font colour cab
(guess what to do to find this...)
5.) Installed Call history tab, HD Contacts Tab, and HD Weather Tab
(wasn't that easy)
also removed the sprint music store icon from music page and used program "Personalizer" to change text from "Sprint" to "Dynasty Labs"

This is a nice theme that i had never seen!
May i have a download link?

Everything you need is available on the forums for you to put it together just like I did.
I wouldn't feel right posting up this theme right away because I didn't custom make any of it, it's just pieces from multiple themes put together.
I'm going to wait and see if enough people like it and if they do then I will try to make it a single cab install or one master folder with all the needed manila files for people to copy over.
My friends who have noob english...
Download link doesn't exist, there are too many files.
If people like, I will try to make it a download

Why not...I can't sleep so here you go.....This is my first try at packaging up a theme...
How I made this theme myself can be found ABOVE^^^^ if you copy these files you may still need to tweak it by using some of the above mentioned steps
Through Manila Customizer, I used the "backup current theme" option, which copies ALL manila files from your windows directory, and backs them up into another folder for you.
Attached are all the manila files that cuztomizer backed up.
These are all the manila files, use total commander to copy the files into the windows directory....at your own risk

wallpaper.

bump...
There seems to be some interest so I'll give this a quick bump then I'll let it die out. 23 people have downloaded it so far any input would be nice

Bottom curtain...

hey, i was just wondering if there was a way to make the bottom curtain in TF3D invisible so you can see the background, but at the same time only show that part of the background, and not things that overflow behind the curtain, such as "About" in the Settings tab (see below).... maybe a way of tricking the manila, or by buliding up a few layers to compromise of the curtain.... i dunno, just a thought
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

manoli20 said:
hey, i was just wondering if there was a way to make the bottom curtain in TF3D invisible so you can see the background, but at the same time only show that part of the background, and not things that overflow behind the curtain, such as "About" in the Settings tab (see below).... maybe a way of tricking the manila, or by buliding up a few layers to compromise of the curtain.... i dunno, just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this. Should work for you. .net compact 3.5 should be installed to.

Crazyrooster said:
Try this. Should work for you. .net compact 3.5 should be installed to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cheers for the reply, but i already know about the different curtains availabale and how to edit manila files etc, i was jus wondering if there was a way to create a manila file, where the bottom curtain is the same as the bottom part of a background, thus eliminating overflow in tabs, but also maximising wallpaper space...

manoli20 said:
hey, i was just wondering if there was a way to make the bottom curtain in TF3D invisible so you can see the background, but at the same time only show that part of the background, and not things that overflow behind the curtain, such as "About" in the Settings tab (see below).... maybe a way of tricking the manila, or by buliding up a few layers to compromise of the curtain.... i dunno, just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, the picture you posted is not about a curtain or something. it is part of the team glassflo3D. all the tabs are invisible except for the one selected. take a look at the link below. what you could do is download the glassflo3d theme and compare the manilla files with a stock one for example to see the modifications.
good luck!
glassflo3D
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=460924&highlight=invisible

deeren said:
hi, the picture you posted is not about a curtain or something. it is part of the team glassflo3D. all the tabs are invisible except for the one selected. take a look at the link below. what you could do is download the glassflo3d theme and compare the manilla files with a stock one for example to see the modifications.
good luck!
glassflo3D
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=460924&highlight=invisible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
....
Does nobody understand what i mean????????????????????????

There is a thread for this already try it out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=426796

ok, seeing as nobody understands me....
im trying to get from this
View attachment 171700
To this (made on photoshop)
View attachment 171701
as you can see the curtain still has the invisible effect, but u cant see any interaction from the tabs themselves, only the background....

Yes you can, you need to download any bottomcurtain file, open it in manilla editor or cfc gui, export the image and replace it with the part of the wallpaper that the bottomcurtain covers. after that, replace the image in the manila file, disable tf3d and copy the manila to windows.
It's a lot of work though for just a change in two tabs, but if you really want it, it's possible.
Grtz

im also experiencing this problem any ideas except of this one above?

paulw84 said:
Yes you can, you need to download any bottomcurtain file, open it in manilla editor or cfc gui, export the image and replace it with the part of the wallpaper that the bottomcurtain covers. after that, replace the image in the manila file, disable tf3d and copy the manila to windows.
It's a lot of work though for just a change in two tabs, but if you really want it, it's possible.
Grtz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that wont work as the manila file is a certain size... it jus repeats it self along the curtain.

[UTIL] NEW Replacement pRSSreader Icons! [32 Varieties] -- [Updated: 27-06-09]

[Updated 27th June 2009] - Look below for list of updates/changes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After Posting here a few days ago about wanting to change the default (and rather ugly) pRSSreader program and notification icon, I took it upon myself to look into the issue rather than sit around waiting for replies.
Suffice it to say that, after a quite bumpy learning curve, I produced my own set of icons for the main program shortcut and taskbar notification from any good-looking RSS icons I found on the internet that were available.
I wasn't happy with just one icon and one new notification, so since I had amassed quite a few RSS icons during my searching, I decided to utilise the best of those I found and created a varying set of icons for all of you to enjoy!
Due to the varying nature of some of the icons I found, I turned my little quest for a new icon into a full-blown modification of the icons within the application as well.
...So, I present to you below, the (I guess version 1.0) of my modification icon set for pRSSreader. The icons were tested and created for version 1.4.4 of pRSSreader, so compatability cannot be guaranteed with earlier versions.
A COUPLE OF THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE DOWNLOADING & INSTALLING:
> In an effort (and my own personal desires) to have smoother curves and 'glossier' icons, the 'pink' used for global transparancy has been removed in favour of using the standard white/grey background with a default install of pRSSreader - otherwise pink boarders are visible around the edges of the new icons. Providing you have the default colours, everything should blend seemlessly. Not really an issue, but worth noting!
> This is the first time I have ever created ANYTHING for windows mobile, so it'll be difficult for me to solve any problems any of you may have. That said, most of the CAB's were tested on my own Diamond repeatdly, and providing the instructions below are followed, everything should be fine.
> When you choose your desired icon MOD set, please choose the location to be the INSTALL LOCATION WHERE YOU INSTALLED 'pRSSreader'. So if you installled to 'Phone Storage' then choose that, otherwise choose 'Internal Storage' if that is where pRSSreader was installed.
> Once installed, PLEASE SOFT RESET in order to affect the changes inside of TF3D & the shortcut links. I would recommend a SOFT RESET over disabling TF3D temporarily. A soft-reset can't hurt can it !
WARNING:
The MOD files will OVERWRITE you existing pRSSreader files. You wont loose your feed data or podcasts, but, should you so desire to have the original program icons back, you will need to use the supplied 'RESTORE ORIGINAL FILES'. Please Ensure you UNINSTALL THE MOD FIRST, if you decide to do this.
Again: The 'original file restore' CAB, is for version 1.4.4 of pRSSreader. If you do not want to use this CAB or have a different version, you could overwrite your installation by using the original creators installer CAB.
And now the fun bit...
Look at the table that I have designed below and choose your desired icon set. Pick your desired program icon first then the notification icon.
Find the CAB NUMBER/NAME by cross-referncing where they join together and download the necessary CAB below.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
A preview of the replaced icon set and what one of the new MODs looks like during real use is shown below.
Do Enjoy!
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
------ UPDATES: ---------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
[25-06-09]
> Added TWO new program icons. Those being:
> Added a 'Today Screen' plugin patch to replace the original purple [R] icon, with the new default RSS feed icon. This patch can be found in a later post (look below) - entitled 'Today Screen Icon Patch'.
NOTE:This patch is NOT NECESSARY if you have chosen to use program icons 7 & 8 - The patch is already pre-applied in the setup!
It is also not necessary if you don't use the Windows Mobile standard Today Screen. Only use it if you don't have Titanium or Manila TF3D or similar (SPB Shell for example) enabled.
----------------------------
----------------------------
[27-06-09]
> Uploaded new feed & enclosure MOD icons. Check the latest post for details and download CAB files. Enjoy!

More MOD Files....

More mod files....

More MOD Files...

Even more MOD files...
(Please take note of the CAB numbers - Due to updates, they are now out of sequence)

The new feed icons for news & podcasts/enclosures. Just download this update CAB and enjoy! You can use the 'RESTORE FIRST MOD FEED ICONS' CAB to revert back to the other ones if you don't like these.
Remember to choose the same install location as to where you installed the pRSSreader application.