Back up WM Apps from the WM Market - Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General

There isn't really a General section for Windows Mobile, so I'm placing this thread here. If it needs to be moved, I'm sure a mod will handle it.
Like many of you, I recently received the e-mail about the Windows Mobile Market shutting down. I'm glad I never actually used the market, but some of you may not be so lucky.
For anyone who didn't already know this, Here's how you back up your downloaded apps to make into cabs:
You're going to need Total Commander for this since it's easy to work with.
1. Uninstall your Marketplace downloaded apps.
2. Open Total Commander and navigate to \Application Data\Volatile\
3. Open the Market, and go to the first app you want.
*****BE VERY QUICK ABOUT THIS NEXT PART*****
The amount of time you have is dependent on the size of the application.
4. Hit the install button, then quickly switch back to Total Commander.
5. There should now be a file in there called "setup.xml" (it might be setup.txt - I can't remember). Copy that file to your SD card. Just put it anywhere you'll remember. This file disappears from the "\Volatile\" directory as soon as the installation is complete.
6. This file contains all the setup info for the application. It will tell you all the files installed, and where each registry value is placed.
7. Find the files, and make yourself a cab.
I wrote this out from memory. Hopefully it's all correct. Sorry if I'm off by a bit. Thankfully, I saw the death of WM coming ahead of time and never bothered to purchase anything from there.

I realize that not everyone knows how to make a cab. Fortunately, I still have my legit copy of WinCE Cab Manager. I stress legit, since it was widely pirated.
If you need help creating a cab of a program you bought from the WM Market, please provide the files in a zip file, and I'll construct one for you. You must include the setup.xml file in addition to all the files that get installed during the process of installing from the market.
Before anyone asks, the answer is no, I will not provide a copy of my licensed version of WinCE CM. Buy it yourself, or use another program.

There's also a bit less difficult way to get your files backed up.
1: get the DarkCabCatcher FIXED version from http://blog.idlezone.org/post/2010/01/11/Windows-Mobile-MarketPlace-:-choose-where-to-install
(I didn't make the app, just found it and used the following steps.
2: config it like the post says.
3: open up total commander or file explorer
4: load up some task manager that you can open with a hardware button or screen hotzone. (I use arkswitch)
5: wait for the installation window to appear that you normally get when you're installing a .cab file
6: switch to your file manager, and rename the .cab file that's there, possibly even copy it to a new folder.
7: cancel the install
8: verify that your backed up .cab file is still there
9: enjoy.
I know it's a bit longer, but you don't need to use any software but a .cab file copier.

pizzaboy192 said:
There's also a bit less difficult way to get your files backed up.
1: get the DarkCabCatcher FIXED version from http://blog.idlezone.org/post/2010/01/11/Windows-Mobile-MarketPlace-:-choose-where-to-install
(I didn't make the app, just found it and used the following steps.
2: config it like the post says.
3: open up total commander or file explorer
4: load up some task manager that you can open with a hardware button or screen hotzone. (I use arkswitch)
5: wait for the installation window to appear that you normally get when you're installing a .cab file
6: switch to your file manager, and rename the .cab file that's there, possibly even copy it to a new folder.
7: cancel the install
8: verify that your backed up .cab file is still there
9: enjoy.
I know it's a bit longer, but you don't need to use any software but a .cab file copier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried this out before? It looks like a perfect solution, but it is very old. This was made before the Market allowed installations to the SD card. This was prior to 2010, I believe. If it still works, then this is excellent!

cajunflavoredbob said:
Have you tried this out before? It looks like a perfect solution, but it is very old. This was made before the Market allowed installations to the SD card. This was prior to 2010, I believe. If it still works, then this is excellent!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works perfectly. The reason you need to rename the .cab file is because the program is designed to delete the copied one and searches for any files of the same name. If you rename it, it can't find it.
I used this method last week to get it to backup. It worked nicely.

pizzaboy192 said:
Works perfectly. The reason you need to rename the .cab file is because the program is designed to delete the copied one and searches for any files of the same name. If you rename it, it can't find it.
I used this method last week to get it to backup. It worked nicely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good news. I'll flash one of my spare devices and make a quick tutorial on this with pictures tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks for the information.

I'd love to do this with my paid apps so if I flash or hard reset my phone I can restore them. The only problem is, I'm just kind of lazy

Related

Icon in games

Hi -
This is driving me crazy and I can't find anywhere to answer it (I'm sure it's trivial to most of you).
I copied a game (just the .exe file - not a .cab) into the \program files\games folder. The game icon is in that folder and it runs just fine - from that folder.
How do I get the icon to display whenever I Start/Programs/Games ? I'm guessing that it must be that I did not formally install and register it as a .cab but I am not that familiar with this OS to be sure.
TIA
Thats why it doesnt show up, because it's not installed. One thing you can do is get something like iLauncher and make the .exe a shortcut... and the icon will show up on your today screen.
Thank you! Is there a way to package the .exe in to a .cab file such that it properly registers as a game in to the game folder? Again, let me guess - get an existing .cab file and decipher it and use my .exe instead of the one that's in the .cab? Just a guess.
Madcap180 said:
Thats why it doesnt show up, because it's not installed. One thing you can do is get something like iLauncher and make the .exe a shortcut... and the icon will show up on your today screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea how to make a CAB file... why not just find the game online, download the installer.. install it, and replace the .exe file with yours.
Hmmm.. Not trying to set the cat amoung the pigeons, but I'm not sure you need something installed to have an icon.
A few months back, I downloaded a battleships game that was just an .exe. I copied the exe onto my storage card, then placed a shortcut to it in the Windows/Start Menu/Games folder. When I open the Start > Programs > Games folder the icon showed up nicely.
Sorry, I've got no definitive answer on this, or even anything constructive to add, just concerned that I think you might be heading down the wrong path with the "cab needed" thing.
Ok, cool - I can try that - thanks! Right now it's not on the storage card and the program, not a shortcut is in the games folder in main storage.
Confused Stu said:
Hmmm.. Not trying to set the cat amoung the pigeons, but I'm not sure you need something installed to have an icon.
A few months back, I downloaded a battleships game that was just an .exe. I copied the exe onto my storage card, then placed a shortcut to it in the Windows/Start Menu/Games folder. When I open the Start > Programs > Games folder the icon showed up nicely.
Sorry, I've got no definitive answer on this, or even anything constructive to add, just concerned that I think you might be heading down the wrong path with the "cab needed" thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found instructions on how to create a cab file on MSDN (Microsoft Developers Network). Search MDSN for "cab wizard".
As for installing one program, and replacing its exe with another, I'd be careful about doing that - there may be checksums, registry entries, other required system files, etc. which may not play well with the new exe.
In the old days, you could get away with things like that. Today, you don't have a clue what and where a cab file places system entries. There are .ini files, .xml files, etc. involved in a cab file and I wouldn't want to second guess what is supposed to go where. (Open one with winrar and check it out).
h**p://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa448616.aspx
Don't know if links like above are permitted - if not - mod please delete and I apologize.
Madcap180 said:
I have no idea how to make a CAB file... why not just find the game online, download the installer.. install it, and replace the .exe file with yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

How To Replace Long Press Power Button Shutdown App With PsShutXP

Orig title:How Do I Remap Power To An App On My Mogul
I want to replace my long press power button application with psshutxp. I tried to edit the registry, rename the link to long_press etc..., map key 00EC and nothing.. Need help...
I did download aebplus but it fights with the default shutdown app..
i'm running WM6.1 on my sprint mogul
Eazy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=398571
NotLutzik said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=398571
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don’t do that to me.. Because I do contribute when I can.. and I actually have a fix.......
If you didn’t know you could have posted that.. Well here it is..
You need to do two things..
1. Save and zip the file called “PowerOffWarning.exe” from the windows directory
2. Go to the directory that has your psshutxp executable in it and rename the psshutxp.exe to PowerOffWarning.exe.
3. Zip the new “PowerOffWarning.exe” and skin files into a zip file.
4. Execute the zip file and overwrite the “PowerOffWarning.exe” file in the windows directory.
5. Press and hold your power button and enjoy your new shutdown/reset/screen off options.
NOTE: the only reason I choose to do it on long press is because I sometimes quickly want to turn off my screen when putting the phone back into the case. I don’t want to worry or wait for the app to come up and choose an option.
I have attached the two files and they came from a Mogul running WM6.1. If you use these files please backup your device first.
Eazy
maybe someone can create a cab for me please ;-)
mm with diamond don't go.. any ideas?
Great idea Eazy. I'll be waiting for a cab too...
On my hermes, there is no poweroffwarning.exe, so your solution will not work on all devices.
Just had a quick look at the running tasks, and the warning comes from gwes.exe, which is the 'Graphics, Windowing and Events Subsystem'
eazy2001x said:
Don’t do that to me.. Because I do contribute when I can.. and I actually have a fix.......
If you didn’t know you could have posted that.. Well here it is..
You need to do two things..
1. Save and zip the file called “PowerOffWarning.exe” from the windows directory
2. Go to the directory that has your psshutxp executable in it and rename the psshutxp.exe to PowerOffWarning.exe.
3. Zip the new “PowerOffWarning.exe” and skin files into a zip file.
4. Execute the zip file and overwrite the “PowerOffWarning.exe” file in the windows directory.
5. Press and hold your power button and enjoy your new shutdown/reset/screen off options.
NOTE: the only reason I choose to do it on long press is because I sometimes quickly want to turn off my screen when putting the phone back into the case. I don’t want to worry or wait for the app to come up and choose an option.
I have attached the two files and they came from a Mogul running WM6.1. If you use these files please backup your device first.
Eazy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine on my Touch Pro.
And, if you use program like Resco Explorer, you can pass the ZIP routine, and go directly to overwriting the .exe .
works on my Trinity 6.1
very nice thank you!!!
jez83uk said:
On my hermes, there is no poweroffwarning.exe, so your solution will not work on all devices.
Just had a quick look at the running tasks, and the warning comes from gwes.exe, which is the 'Graphics, Windowing and Events Subsystem'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems like you know your problem.. so run the app and make sure its the same app to shut down your phone then replace it following the process.. i never said that it will work on all devices hence the reason that i posted what phone i was using.. i am using it on my diamond as well..
if you need any more help let me know.. all i did was post a process that worked for me. if you need to use a diff exe please feel free to do so..
eazy2001x said:
seems like you know your problem.. so run the app and make sure its the same app to shut down your phone then replace it following the process.. i never said that it will work on all devices hence the reason that i posted what phone i was using.. i am using it on my diamond as well..
if you need any more help let me know.. all i did was post a process that worked for me. if you need to use a diff exe please feel free to do so..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, I certainly didn't intend to imply any criticism of your work.
For anyone else in my situation, unfortunately the gwes.exe is a vital process, which is always running, and does more than just the power off warning. As there is no standalone app for this warning in my rom, there is no exe which can be replaced.
I made a cab for the method stated.
PsShutXP_Replace.cab is just an automated way of Eazys method on the first page so check that first.
PsShutXP_Diamond.cab is the same method but with the VGA version and a diamond skin from lesteryh
Can this be undone if it doesn't work?
I think there's still the issue where it doesn't work right if you also use S2U2. not sure which ones at fault there.
Works fine on my Vogue running NSFAN's 6.1 Rom. I'm also running S2U2.
I dought the uninstall will work. If you want to go back then read Eazys post on page one and backup the file first.
eazy2001x said:
Don’t do that to me.. Because I do contribute when I can.. and I actually have a fix.......
If you didn’t know you could have posted that.. Well here it is..
You need to do two things..
1. Save and zip the file called “PowerOffWarning.exe” from the windows directory
2. Go to the directory that has your psshutxp executable in it and rename the psshutxp.exe to PowerOffWarning.exe.
3. Zip the new “PowerOffWarning.exe” and skin files into a zip file.
4. Execute the zip file and overwrite the “PowerOffWarning.exe” file in the windows directory.
5. Press and hold your power button and enjoy your new shutdown/reset/screen off options.
NOTE: the only reason I choose to do it on long press is because I sometimes quickly want to turn off my screen when putting the phone back into the case. I don’t want to worry or wait for the app to come up and choose an option.
I have attached the two files and they came from a Mogul running WM6.1. If you use these files please backup your device first.
Eazy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works!
Many thanks!
Anthony2oo5 said:
I made a cab for the method stated.
PsShutXP_Replace.cab is just an automated way of Eazys method on the first page so check that first.
PsShutXP_Diamond.cab is the same method but with the VGA version and a diamond skin from lesteryh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey.. Can I ask you to change up how your cab works.. Just to make things easy.. I have not ventured into how to make cab's yet but will soon..
User:
Install PsShutXP (QVGA/VGA)then run the (not yet created) cab
Your cab:
create a directory under \program files\PsShutXP called Backup
create a directory under \program files\PsShutXP called modfile
copy \Windows\PowerOffWarning.exe to \program files\PsShutXP\backup
copy \program files\PsShutXP\PsShutXP.exe to \program files\PsShutXP\modfile\PowerOffWarning.exe
copy program files\PsShutXP\modfile\PowerOffWarning.exe to Windows\PowerOffWarning.exe and overwrite the file.
copy \program files\PsShutXP\*.gif to \Windows\
and on your uninstall
copy \program files\PsShutXP\Backup\PowerOffWarning.exe to \Windows
This will allow the user to uninstall the program if needed.
I am also using that skin on My Touch pro but removed the text up top that says Touch Diamond.
If you could create that cab it would be greatly appreciated. Until then everyone can just follow the manual process..
Working Devices so far:
Mogul 6.1
Touch 6.1
Touch Pro 6.1
Touch Diamond 6.1
Vogue 6.1
Trinity 6.1
jez83uk said:
I'm sorry, I certainly didn't intend to imply any criticism of your work.
For anyone else in my situation, unfortunately the gwes.exe is a vital process, which is always running, and does more than just the power off warning. As there is no standalone app for this warning in my rom, there is no exe which can be replaced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll help you out.. I don’t think gwes.exe is the right file for you to be looking at.. How about this.. It seems that when you hold down your power button you get the same type of power off warning box that we do.. How about you go into your windows directors and sort by exe. Then start clicking on each exe until you see the warning box pop up and then you will know which file shuts down your phone. That’s how I found the PowerOffWarning.exe file. Please report back...
There's a thread over at ppcgeeks that I can't find right now, but it said to just copy the psshutxp.exe and paste a .lnk in \Windows\. Then you rename the "psshutxp.lnk" to "Long_Power.lnk". This method doesn't overwrite any exe's and works like a charm on my Touch Pro.
at the time that did not work on my mogul.. if it is working for you then your good.. if it works for anyone else then they dont need to use this process.. i have not tested that on my diamond pro since this worked for me.

Question from beginner! How to install programs?

Hi guys. First of all, I'm new to WMO. I've downloaded Gyrator 2, PCMKeyboard, and the TuneUp file. Now, I've transfered these to the phone, both on the SD-card, and in the internal memory. However, when I try to run them, from File Explorer, it opens them in what I think, is Opera. And the screen stays white, nothing happens. This goes for all the files. Can anyone explain me, in an easy way, how you do this?
you could be reading the link in my sig and let me know if it helps...
Thanks - but that didn't help. I actually did it exactly like you wrote it.
For those of you with Gyrator 2 installed, this is what happens to me:
I copy it to the storage card, then open the gyrator file. Files list up, like this:
_setup
00Events
0Gyrator
0Gyrator
And much more. The only file working, is of course the _setup file, which shows with a Opera-ikon, for some reason. So, if I try to run the _setup, a white screen appears, and nothing happens. If I try to run any of the other files, which shows with a Windows-ikon, I get an error, telling me to first open Gyrator 2, then run the file via the program.
For running gyrator you need also Net compact framework 3.5 installed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2951158
I've installed gyrator in this way:
copied the gyrator install file to storage card
run the file using file explorer
after that I've installed also Net compact framework from the link above in the same way
dreja said:
For running gyrator you need also Net compact framework 3.5 installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does indeed (I'll update the wiki page, cheers for that )
Bungieman - the SD tuneup .cab doesn't need it though - what happens when you try to run that?
Same thing, two files, one with "_setup", which has a Opera - ikon.
If this were PC windows, I'd say that somehow the .cab files had been associated to the wrong program.
Clicking a .cab ought to run it, not open it up and show you what is inside!
There should be no need to run the _setup manually - simply clicking the .cab should take care of all that...
I take it you haven't managed to install anything yet?
The HD is as it arrived in the box?
I had similar issue with another program. I saw opera setup icon, run it and there was only white screen in opera browser...
What I did wrong, was that I unpacked the .cab file on the phone's card - the PC showed me that it is packed file, like .zip or .rar and I extracted it to the phone.
So I had only to copy .cab file to phone's memory card and run it there (using file explorer) without extracting it. Then the program installed succesfully
You do know that you can just use your phones browser, find the file and click on it and then save it direct to your SD card? Much easier and then you just go to file explorer and click on the file and it installs. That is as long as it is a cab file, if its a msi file like the net framework thing is then you need to run it from your pc with ur phone connnected.
The reason why Opera being brought up running the "_setup.xml", is you don't need to extract the contents in the .cab file to begin the installation..
Just copy the .cab file to the SD card and run it thru File Explorer.
If you're not sure if it's a .cab file, open it in WinRAR to see the Address Bar what it shows, or turn on the option in the Windows Explorer for showing file extensions..

help please

can someone walk me thru how to fix n intall a .cab on my tmobile wing thank you
a thread name should describe the "problem" like in this link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=466562&highlight=install+cab
the search is powerfull! use that power.
i just dont know what to do when the cab is unpacked i dont know how to pack it so i can install on my tmobile wing
http://www.pocketpccentral.net/help/tutorials/install_cab_file.htm
mur1 said:
i just dont know what to do when the cab is unpacked i dont know how to pack it so i can install on my tmobile wing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WHY did you unpack it ? You must only...
(... go to the Search in xda-dev's and if don't find anything, ask for, and you'll be told that cab's are installed...)
...copying the CAB into the device (better into the SD card) and execute it using the File Explorer.
****** IMPORTANT ******
Please, before installing any CAB, get sure it's safe. Maybe you'll need to install first a "SafeMode" starter in your device, so that you'll able to boot it when you destroy almost everything by using an unsafe CAB or EXE.
**********************
Before continuing (I see you posted only 3 times and your question is a basic one), please read the conditions and the suggestions for newbies. It's the safest way to preserve your device from bricking it (that's called, "you'll be only able to use it as a wall brick but not to phoning or computing")
when i download the cab into jzip it unpack it by itself
Well... that's easy.
Just download it like a usual file. Right-click on the link and choose "save as", so that Jzip will not open it by itself. Save it into a folder, i.e. "My downloaded CABs"
Try to install a "safemode" manager for your device. Thus, you'll be able to boot it when your installation will be the wrong way. A good ROM (maybe the original for your device if you didn't play with it) is also necessary near to you for the same reasons.
Also, try to download and launch a CAB analizer like MSCEInf.exe and you'll be able to understand what is into your CAB, TSK and some other files you feed into your device. The most of the problems when installing something come because you're using the wrong version, or because the installation asks for a startup process or a change in the registry, and looking into the CAB will allow you to modify the installation.
Then, you may use Activesync or similar to put the CAB into the device (better into the SD card if you have small space to put files, as happens with the Herald). You may also switch off the phone (this is OFF, not hybernated!!) and take the microSD card and put the files inside via USB reader.
Launch the File Explorer (better if you use other managers, I like TotalCommander) and tap on the CAB file. Remember if you didn't modify the settings, the CAB will be erased once it will be installed.
If you have not many space in your "programs RAM" you can move the files from \windows\appmgr to a similar folder into your SD card. Do not delete them, as you'll need those files/folders when you'll uninstall some app.
*****WARNING***** If this is your first experience with Windows Mobile, take a surf into this web and read, read, read, print hardcopies of everything you'll consider interesting, and only after this you'll be able to work with your device with no danger to damage it forever. (you'll only damage it for some hours, till you'll have hard-reseted it).
thank u so much

How-To's For Nubs

Hi guys, this is my first windows mobile ever, and i've come on here and looked at all these threads for around 2 weeks now and id really like to start doing things!
I've looked at the *Leo hints and tips* and downloaded Resco, so i now know how to edit values and things in the root folder, but what i'm unsure about, and i'm sure all the new people to windows phones are to, is where to start?
I mean the phone reads .cab files, but say I download a .cab file, do i download it on my pc and put it on the phone, if so where to? After that do i have to click it, run it, what? Do i download it off my hd2 and it'll run? which I have done, but after installation, where is it stored if i want to open the file? What happens if i install a .cab and don't like it? Where is it for me to delete and how do I go about this? how do I uninstall things i've installed?
What im asking is, if there is a starting tutorial for these things, can it be a sticky because there are hundreds of threads on here and the search tool and my searching isn't finding what I really want...essentially...'HD2 for dummies...' guide.
sorry if this has been said before, or i'm expected to know these things, but if someone could point me and many others in a direction, or a sticky could be made, then id be one happy welsh man!
Cheers guys.
The simple answer to your question about cab files is that they're installers, just like you have on your PC. When it's installed, you can (if you wish) delete the cab file. (I keep all mine so if I upgrade my ROM then I can install things again without having to find the cab files all over again.) There's also "remove programs" in the windows settings folder, and you can uninstall apps from there.
Think of it more like a PC than a phone and you'll get on with it a lot easier.
Also, if it's windows you want help with then there's dedicated windows folders on this forum. Windows isn't specific to the HD2, so you will usually get better help in the more specific areas.
Other than that, just play with it and have fun.
Hope this helps
To install a cab you just need to copy or download it to your phone and then click on it. An installation wizard will then appear to take you through the installation process.
right okay, so the .cab i can delete as if it was a .exe file, but where do i save it on the phone for it to run, which folder?
When using file explorer and tweaking and installing .cabs, thats windows though i pressume? Not htc...
matt_attack_2k1 said:
right okay, so the .cab i can delete as if it was a .exe file, but where do i save it on the phone for it to run, which folder?
When using file explorer and tweaking and installing .cabs, thats windows though i pressume? Not htc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run the cab file from anywhere you like on the phone. If you're planning on deleting them after installing it really doesn't matter. Like I said, I keep my cabs (and would recommend it too!), so I have an "installers" folder, with sub-folders for different types of cab files.
Installers and tweaks are not specific to either windows or HTC - they could be either or both.
I personally keep all my cabs at Storage Card\Backup\CABs I transfer them to there from my PC, run them from there, save them there.
You can put them in any folder you like and run them from anywhere you like. There are no rules on where cab files need to be.
right okay, so i install a .cab file, say for example ive installed a new unlock slider, i change my mind and don't want that one anymore i would like the old one back, what do I do?
matt_attack_2k1 said:
right okay, so i install a .cab file, say for example ive installed a new unlock slider, i change my mind and don't want that one anymore i would like the old one back, what do I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that specific example, you'd have to check the thread where you got the new slider from. That's overwritten original files so obviously an uninstall doesn't recreate them. I tend not to install theme mods that can't be rolled back, purely because of this!
I've tried some alternative lockscreens before, and they definitely had the original files in a cab so you could undo it.
right okay. and for example if i was to install, i don't know, an additional button up onto the top bar by the start menu, how would I go about deleting?
Back to my OP, why is there no tutorial or hot-tips threads made as a sticky for people new to this stuff like I am?

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