Microsoft (MS) eReader Issues and a Fix - HD2 General

Not much has been said about the Microsoft (MS) ereader app on this forum (that I could find), but I found an extensive discussion on a Microsoft forum (http://social.answers.microsoft.com...e/thread/49DD09A8-3B32-4F97-AAA3-2585818F03DF). The problem is that MS Reader does not work well with WM6.5. Several people, including me, have been told by MS support staff that MS Reader does not work with WM6.5. That is not quite correct. There are activation issues (see below), but the main problem is that DRM/locked (copyrighted) books cannot be opened on WM6.5 systems such as the HTC HD2. Trying to do so will cause the program to hang and a soft reset is necessary. I was able to open and read unlocked, public domain books in the LIT format.
The current version of MS Reader for smartphones is 3.4.2. (See http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.aspx) It was intended for WM6.0 and WM6.1. Changes in WM6.5 apparently conflict with the reading of DRM books.
A number of HD2 users experienced problems activating MS Reader. Apparently, a file - OEMInfo.xml - was missing. This file is required for the activation process. The missing file may be due to replacing the stock ROM. My HD2 with stock ROM 2.13.531.1 has the file, and I was able to install and activate the MS Reader. If the file is not available from HTC, the link above has references on how to obtain the file. (I tried contacting the person referred to, but never heard from her.) If you want to use MS Reader to read your old LIT files, first make sure you have the OEMInfo.xml file in the Windows folder, or try to obtain a copy.
There are some programs that can convert LIT files to other formats that other ereader apps support, but these converters will not convert DRM/locked files. My solution was to use the ConvertLit program's "down convert" feature. I used the GUI version of the program because it was "easier" to use (see http://dukelupus.pri.ee/convertlit.php). With this program on my PC, I was able to unlock or decrypt the DRM books I had purchased over the years. I consider this "fair use" since it for my personal use and I don't make the files available to anyone else.
You will need to have the desktop version of MS Reader installed and activated on your PC (http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/pc.aspx). I am able to read my DRM books with the desktop version on my Vista PC. (Please read and follow the directions on the MS Reader website for using PCs with Vista to activate MS Reader on the PC or smartphone. It requires running your browser in Administrator mode. Windows 7 PCs have a different set of problems. I can't even get a Win7 PC to recognize my HD2, but that is another issue.)
Next, install the ConvertLit GUI program and start it. Also start the desktop MS Reader program. Select a LIT file in ConvertLit, in the My Library folder under My Documents by default. Select your output folder or check the box to use the input folder. The converted file will be renamed so you don't lose your original file. Click on the Downconvert button at the top. The first time you do this, you will be prompted that the keys.txt file is missing. Also, you may be asked to select a DRM book in MS Reader. Open the MS Reader library and select any DRM/locked book. You are asked if you want to use the Key Convert program. Click Yes to any prompts. After a short time, you should get a message that the keys.txt file has been created. Close the dialog for the key conversion program.
You may still get an error message that the keys.txt file is missing when you again click the Downconvert button. I believe the keys.txt file got created in the My Library folder. You may need to copy this file to the ConvertLit folder under Program Files on your PC. The error message indicates where the file is needed. Once I did that, I was able to select a LIT file, click the Downconvert button, and get a decrypted file, slightly smaller than the original file. I copied the file to my HD2 using my PC's File Explorer. (I also removed the locked copy already on my HD2 that would not work.) I was able to open and read the file with no problem. I was even able to convert multiple books at one time.
The advantage to this process is that is does not require converting the file to another format, although ConvertLit can do that after unlocking the file.
One issue with the MS Reader is page turning. The program was designed for hardware buttons or the D-ring to change pages. These don't exist on most new smartphones. It is necessary to tap on the turn page links at the bottom of the screen. This takes some practice and occasionally multiple taps.
With both Amazon and Barnes & Noble providing ebook readers for various other OS's, I would not be surprised to see them on the new WindowsPhone 7 phones in the near future.. But I will be surprised if we see an upgrade of the MS Reader for LIT files. Taking your LIT files to a WinPhone7 system probably will require converting files to another format that has a WM7 supported ereader program.

I bought an DRM'd book a while back and it was in M$ Reader format. I've gotten it to work on my desktop but never have on my Hd2 (or before that on my Toshiba). I do have my HD2 activated (what a pain) but it's worthless in my opinion.

mknewman said:
I bought an DRM'd book a while back and it was in M$ Reader format. I've gotten it to work on my desktop but never have on my Hd2 (or before that on my Toshiba). I do have my HD2 activated (what a pain) but it's worthless in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The method I describe above may not be worth the time and effort for one or two locked MS reader LIT books, but if you have a number of them as I did, it is very useful. I now have my DRM books unlocked and readable on my HD2.

Related

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

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

How to Open PWI FIle on Windows XP

I have created on Note Containing some diagram in NOTES Application in Windows MObile 6.1
The file saved is of extension .pwi.
I want to open the file and copy the contents from it on to my Laptop.
Please Help..
Ashu
Just open it with Word..
Wouldn't life be easier...
It would be so nice if it were that simple... I have Word 2007. Do I have to install any plugin?
Thanks
when you open it with MS word,the system will warn you to download a new patch,then go on,IE will open the page of MS automatic, ok, guy, download the file ,you can open the File Format pwi
my ENGLISH is so poor,but i belive you konw what i mean....
didn't work right
I tried both openign this in office word 2007 in which I was promted to pick and encoder either ms-dos or windows 9default or other and non of those did anythign but show the .pwi as code not a drawing and office word 2007 did not ask for me to download said patch do you know were I can get the patch manually
I also tried opeing it with IE with no results please help
.Pwi
.Pwi In 2002
.docx In 2002
Allowing Microsoft office 2002 to open a document that is 2007 docx.
also pwi documents, & .Txt
*this convertor available from microsoft will hopefully allow you to open
.docx
.Pwi
.Txt
.and a few more i cant be asked to list...
in microsoft office 2002
Available from
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...70-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displayLang=en
**I personally use Office 2002, and it works fine, should also work seemlessley with office 2007
Casper the friendly ghost the friendlyiest ghost in town
If for any reason it doesnt work please feel free to contact me directly, as i have mine working absolutely fine and am now going to try and make 2007 do the same thing... I actually only do this so i can scribble up how to's and resolve compatability issues so if you have a problem Please bug me, if my one works so can yours!
*excuse the title but life behind a machiene gets a lil boring!
Can't open PWI files with Word 2007
I've got the same (or a similar) problem to others in this discussion. I've got lots of Note (PWI) files created on my XDA using Windows Mobile 2005. I want to open these with Word (or any other desktop application). I've only got Word 2007 running on Vista, which doesn't recognise these files. OneNote 2007 doesn't recognise them either. I can't believe it's a good idea to try to install a converter that was written for Word 2002 into Word 2007, as suggested here. I don't feel like taking this risk unless someone has actually done it and can say it works...
Surely there _must_ be a way of accessing these files on a Vista/Office 2007 PC?
Thanks - Rowan
how to open psi file in XP or Vista
Hey, try to use My Mobiler to open your .psi directly from your computer,
highlight the content of your whole file by selecting all,
copy n paste the text onto a new notepad.
There you are.
Above all, you need to download My Mobiler and install it. It's a freeware n has been around for quite sometime.
For details can refer to
http://www.pocketpcfreeware.com/en/index.php?soft=1866
or google for it.
Thanks for this idea. I've downloaded this package and it does work, as you say. But it's a very roundabout and tedious way of opening a PWI file that I have on my desktop PC. I've got to:
1. Connect my mobile up to my PC.
2. Copy the file from my PC to my mobile.
3. Open up the virtual window on my mobile using MyMobiler.
4. Open the document on my mobile, via the virtual window.
5. Select and copy the text.
6. Paste it into a document on my PC.
Why on earth can't there just be an import filter into Word 2007, or a notepad-like application that can open PWI files as text? Why, for that matter, can't I open them in OneNote 2007? Are Microsoft trying to punish me for moving to Office 2007 or something?
I know other people need to import "ink", but I hardly ever use this, so I'm just interested in text.
Thanks - Rowan
This is simple:
1. Open Word (2007)
2. look for the file pwi to open
3. open it!
If you do this just by clicking the file it won't work. Why? Because some knucklehead in Microsoft didn't think things through.
mikexmyers said:
This is simple:
1. Open Word (2007)
2. look for the file pwi to open
3. open it!
If you do this just by clicking the file it won't work. Why? Because some knucklehead in Microsoft didn't think things through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THAT DOES NOT WORK!
Not opening in word by clicking it is simple and easy to fix. It's called file association.
But Word 2007 does not recognise the pwi file format. I've recently installed both office and the converters (which do say that they are for 2007 BTW).
(edit) OK - after that I got it to work.
You HAVE to have activesync installed on the machine you are trying to open it on.
It didn't work - I installed activesync - it still didn't work.
I connected the PDA - and copied over a pwi file to the PC. I could then double-click the file, and word did recognise the file format then.
g.turner said:
THAT DOES NOT WORK!
Not opening in word by clicking it is simple and easy to fix. It's called file association.
But Word 2007 does not recognise the pwi file format. I've recently installed both office and the converters (which do say that they are for 2007 BTW).
(edit) OK - after that I got it to work.
You HAVE to have activesync installed on the machine you are trying to open it on.
It didn't work - I installed activesync - it still didn't work.
I connected the PDA - and copied over a pwi file to the PC. I could then double-click the file, and word did recognise the file format then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What can you do if you no longer own the PDA that made the .pwi files? I need a way to read these files...
mikexmyers said:
This is simple:
1. Open Word (2007)
2. look for the file pwi to open
3. open it!
If you do this just by clicking the file it won't work. Why? Because some knucklehead in Microsoft didn't think things through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does open but, if you are like me and use it for a mixture of diagrams and handwritten text (all 'ink') don't expect it to display as it does on your device.
Much better to open and simply take a screenshot(s) to import.
The Homer at MS ought to be required to use this for a month so he/she understands the p**s-poor conversion and how irritating it is
my note file from htc hd2 is all grabled(unreadable charachters. microsoft word open but asks to select encoding that makes document readable.. there's TONS and none of them can i read my notes? any help please. i'd like to be able to save my notes from phone to desktop and read them!
Thank you
It seems to work in OpenOffice.org Writer. I can open a .pwi file in Writer and then save it with same name and format. When I open the file on my phone it looks like the text is in another font but that's no big problem.
To sync the file via Windows Mobile Device Center (ActiveSync) I have to close OpenOffice completely.
I've searched internet during whole day for how to restore my notes from my X1 which is sold! Installed OpenOffice, Microsoft Office 2007 - nothing helped!
Nothing except one guy's little program from 4PDA.ru. This guy's name is Mike Sinkovsky, his post is here
I think he won't mind if I post his program here(sources can be obtained from the link above). Attached.
P.S.: If you have lot of pwi files, maybe the my bat-file will help you which contais this line: "PWORD.EXE %1 > %1.html". As you see you must run it and give your pwi file as a parameter to it, and it will make readable HTML file from it.
P.P.S.: Mike Sinkovsky, thank you again!
Could you explain how you're using this pword app? When I open it, I see a command screen flash up for a second then disappear. I don't see any way to use it.
Thanks!
1. Create a shortcut on desktop.
2. Open shortcut properties.
3. To the string which is specified in "Target" add name of your pwi file (assuming that it's situated in the same folder) + " > 1.html" (should look like "C:\pword.exe mynote.pwi > 1.html")
4. Press ok
5. Run the shortcut.
6. Check the newly created 1.html file in the same folder you have pword.exe
the program works like a charm, thanks! You saved me a lot of tedious copy&paste time..

Microsoft Reader

Why doesn't MS supply a .cab file for this??? You would think that someone would have thought about putting it in MS Marketplace. The .exe file doesn't work for me with NSFAN'S 6.1 rom for Sprint. It won't install onto the phone, and there is no real error message, just that it didn't install successfully.
BUMP!!! I know the MS Reader is highly disdained, but I have a ton of books in .Lit format I do not want to loose. Running the installation program is Administrator results in the same error.
Not sure about the ms reader issue. However on the the .lit file side I had the same problem, then found a program called convert lit. It dumps the contents as an html file, and then I can just use ubook reader to read it.
frentraken said:
Not sure about the ms reader issue. However on the the .lit file side I had the same problem, then found a program called convert lit. It dumps the contents as an html file, and then I can just use ubook reader to read it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will look into this, but I would really prefer not to got thru hoops to read what worked fine in the past.

WINDOWS MOBILE 5 'NOTES' APP 'recognise' feature - $10 if you can get it*

*Windows Mobile 5 has a version of the application 'Notes' in which there is a 'recognise' feature that translates all of your handwritten words, numbers and characters into plain text, after you have written them.
I have located the .exe on in the windows folder of my old Xda Stealth, but it is a read-only file type, so i am unable to get it.
This is not to be confused with an Input method, such as "Transcriber" or "Letter Recogniser", which converts your handwriting as you write it. This is a recognition feature intergrated into the stock program 'Notes' in windows mobile 5.
If someone can get that specific version of the 'Notes' application then present it to me in a format that would allow for me to install it and run it on Windows Mobile 6 i will pay them 10 American dollars via paypal.
The program MUST have the recognise feature, as that is what i am after.
Hope you can help!
I managed to overwrite the notes.exe and note_prj.dll with those from WM5, but they do not work - they don't even start. So I think this is impossible, unfortunately .
damn, im wondering if there is another program which has this feature. Because the "Transcriber" is pretty bad if you ask me, there's too much pause between writing and recognising for it to be of any use.
I'm wondering why they got rid of the feature in windows mobile 6?
Yeah, though I didn't know it before, it indeed does seem strange why they removed this feature .
They removed it (I think) because of sync-ing to Exchange or something.
Best bet I think is to get hold of WritePad or similar - you can use handwriting and it will recognise text.
thanks a bunch
Could download MyScriptStylus? that has hand writing recognition?
+ $10 from me!
I am realy missing this feature! I don't want an other application - Notes can be synced with Outlook and the recognition worked great!
I already extraced an original WM5 ROM, recmodded notes.exe and note_prj.dll, checked dependencies, recmodded the other files, put them all together in one folder and copied them over to my smartphone (WM6.5). As Livven already wrote: Notes does not even start.
I don't need a CAB-file for installation. I just need to know which files need to be copied and/or replaced. I will make an installation file myself because I need the german version!
are you talking about standard Notes -> Menu -> Tools -> Recognize in WM50?
indeed i am, the function is not present in the Windows Mobile 6/6.5 version, and i much desire to use it. It is far more reliable and useful than software that converts your handwriting as you write it
YES, that's what we are talking about!!!

Problem with the stand alone epubreader of htc

Hello all,
after a while i of making up my mind i think a come to a solution of the many reported problem with the ereader of htc!
the standalone software - to be found on xda dev - work fine as a gui-central - not more!
The problem is: tapping the book doesn't seem to work. wit the library manager you can import other format. thesae will be opened, when another software is already installed, e.g. the stock pdf reader or the mobipocket reader for its own file formats.
this makes me coming to the conclusion:
after the installation of the standalone ereader.cab the file association is missing on the epub-files! we know this strange behaviour of missing music-file association in the player-tab --> the covers will flow and no music will be heard after eg. associatiing them with coreplayer!!! these are fixed in the last days.
back to the reader problem - in short:
1. missing epub association
2. could be solved by association them (eg "freda" as third pary app)
3. or stock-solution after standalone.cab installation
4. but to which *.exe should the epubs be associated to?
5. i tried to execute the htcereader.exe in windows dir for testin purposes
6. windows tells me, that's it no ppc executable file!
7. should i nevetheless associate it? which parameters / affixes should be use?
ideas are strictly welcome as i think the hd2 is really a big step and using its abilities is a must

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