Develop Bugs

Restoring Program Settings

Hello to all experts and ambitioned users
I just upgraded my Prophet to the newest QTEK ROM. Everything worked perfect.
But I am really sick of setting up the new installed programs. I tried to make backups with PHM Regedit and also tried to restore them.
PPC PocketProfiles was one of the programs. But after restoring the rbk file to registry I softreseted and nothing happened. While booting the Prophet always freeze at splash screen.
Another one was MortPlayer but I gained no better result.
Does anyone know a better working solution for such problems?
Thanks for your help

Everyone will tell you that it's not wise to use a backup from a different ROM. The reason is that when you have upgraded from AKU2.0 to AKU3.0 chances are big you have a completely different registry layout. Same for the new functions AKU3.0 provides above previous versions.
Some programs can just be copied when you want to create a backup. But most, like Windows, have scattered pieces all over the Program Files and Windows directories.
So first you have to see witch programs you actually use, are they easy copied for backup purposes? What registry tweaks do you use, aren't they available as a single CAB?
Upgrading always comes with installing/personalizing the complete system all over again. But that's why we’re here on this forum, right?

Thanks for your fast reply.
I backuped only the part which is especially for PPCProfiles or MortPlayer. So I thought it would work well.
I am quite sure about the ROM Upgrade problem and that it isn't possible to restore the complete regestry.
Maybe I didn't explained my issue not good enough, sorry

WMXL v0.20 Known Issues – Fix/Work Around

I thought I’d start a thread where we’ve come up with a fix or a work around for known issues. Here are the following issues I’ve applied a fix or work around. Please only post your fix or work around for issues that you’ve come across this is NOT post a new a bug or issues thread; it’s only fair we give Kyphur a break and let him concentrate on v0.30.
Issues:
1, Contacts will not open: cause “doing a PIM backup restore with SPB Backup” after upgrade.
Fix: simple don’t do PIM restore from old ROM with SPB backup as it conflicts with WM6, if you have to restore your contacts using outlook.
2, Word completion/Suggest words input settings in the control panel do not work. You can adjust the setting but there is no effect.
Fix: Modify registry settings found here... HKLM/System/IME/CompIME
3, a).SPB Backup not working i.e. when making the backup is completed, the software comes up with a message that several issues occurred. When you click on the info screen to see what issues, SPB Backup says:Unable to read from file "\Windows\compimeh.dat".
However, the progress bar for backup completion seems to be at 100%.
Fix: Edit this string:HKLM\SOFTWARE\Spb Software House\Spb Backup\SkipErrFiles
Add new string:
Name 6
Value: %Windows%\compimeh.dat
You add a new string for all the errors putting the run in exact way.
b). Schedule backup not working. Unfortunately I have yet to find fix for that unless someone has come up with one, please post your solution here.
N.B. I’ve already emailed support team at Spb Sofwarehouse about this and it seems for some bizarre reason SPB Backup conflicts with WM6, I’m told they are working on a fix and it should be ready for next update.
4, Sometimes you press the power button to wake the phone and nothing happens even though the green LED continues to blink you’re left with the option of soft reset to bring it back to life.
Fix a): too much misc files in the root of storage card drop the junk into folders otherwise as the phone wakes it reads the Storage Card and if it’s not organized it just goes idle and fails to wake up!
Fix b): If you're using phonealarm try either using a later version or previous version whichever is applicable, as some have reported compatibilty issues with WM6. I'm using PA 1.58 I remember someone in the forum saying they find PA 1.35 working well with his device on WM6.
Fix c): It's been known that SPB Programs have issues with WM6,so if you use SPB Mobile Shell, Pocket Plus or Time make sure u install them in local storage not storage card if that doesn't solve the problem then try re-installing them one at a time, if all faills as a last resort don't install any SPB spftware until they come up with a fix for WM6, luckily for me i havent had any issues with SPB Mobile Shell but did have problems with SPB Time so I've un-installed the program.
There are few other issues but I will only post them here once I find a fix or work around but what I have noticed most of the issues are incompatibility with WM6 nothing to do with ROM and usually a registry tweak solves the problem.
Once again I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Kyphur and his team and others for giving us these ROM's I nearly gave up on my Hermes. Take note HTC if you want a growing following of your devices be quick on your ROM update.

Issue: Unable to use Microsoft Voice Command 1.6 with Bluetooth
Fix: Installing this cab http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1161652&postcount=11 seems to work for most people!
Issue: Menu Click sounds missing
Fix: Follow these directions made them work for me again! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1160790&postcount=214

wpbear said:
I have this problem but I have NO files in the root of the storage card. Can you reference the thread and post # this fix was brought about by.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the fix I mentioned worked for my device i suspect your problem could be to do with Wi-Fi which is mentioned some whare in this forum or a software you've recently installed, i know it's a pain try starting fresh install one program at time until you find the culpret I only mention this because I had this problem when I had the original Orange ROM and at the time it wasn't storage card issue.

gfreek said:
Issues:
3, a).SPB Backup not working i.e. when making the backup is completed, the software comes up with a message that several issues occurred. When you click on the info screen to see what issues, SPB Backup says:Unable to read from file "\Windows\compimeh.dat".
However, the progress bar for backup completion seems to be at 100%.
Fix: Edit this string:HKLM\SOFTWARE\Spb Software House\Spb Backup\SkipErrFiles
Add new string:
Name 6
Value: %Windows%\compimeh.dat
You add a new string for all the errors putting the run in exact way.
b). Schedule backup not working. Unfortunately I have yet to find fix for that unless someone has come up with one, please post your solution here.
N.B. I’ve already emailed support team at Spb Sofwarehouse about this and it seems for some bizarre reason SPB Backup conflicts with WM6, I’m told they are working on a fix and it should be ready for next update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gfreek,
Thanks for fix (a) to SPB Backup. It worked. I just had a slight variation to the string. Thanks for letting SPB support know of problem (b).
Shamim

Back up and restore programs, setting

hi guys,
I've been following all the different threads and topics for a while and it has been a very nice friendly place to be in.
Anyhow.. i would like to know if someone can direct me to how to make a cab file which will input all my setting, owner name, install program a, b, c, d, e, f, g and etc then will fix up the registry key and enter all the serials i have brought in the past. This way i don't have to reinstall each program (both cab and exe) again after upgrade the ROM
I'musing Black 2.5 atm and looking forward to get balck 3 today
Thanks guys

Ditto!
I think such app would be very useful for all of us beta testers
Or taster of new flavours!
Maybe our chefs already has something like this that they use!

Some are in the works
JJ and walshieau are working on projects similar to this.
JJ has "Pimp my Black" which is HTweakC on steriods and walshieau is building an app that will restore your carrier settings.
Loading apps back on are easy, as long as you sync with a PC. They never uninstall from your PC, just simply re-check the ones you want to reload on your device and there they are again.
Backup programs like SPB and Sprite have known issues between builds, as I'm sure you know since you posted as if you've read the forums on this subject. Kudos.
It would be really cool if JJ and walshieau would combine forces and make that one killer app for all customizations to be saved to a file and restored once flashed, and if a customization were to have a format or length issue, then toss an error and let the user know. (hint, program spec??? )

I keep a backup on storage card of each of the roms I've tried...just in case.....I wonder if this is misguided somehow.
Thanks.

This is my current method:
put all the cab files (inc carrier setting -offline by walshieau) in the storage card and also along with all the serial numbers in there.
I tended to do things on the go (out of the house/ no pc) so if i happened to flash my phone before i leave my house then i will be able to install all the apps back by the time i get to work. Altho it's a lengthy instalaltion process (swapping the apps, folder, serial number, folder, app, enter rego).
i actually i was going to ask so if SPB backup and other back up will not work properly right? Say, i am using black 2.5 and backup here.... then upgrade to black 3 version then if i use restore program.. it will restore me back to 2.5 instad of 3 ... is this information correct? i read it somewhere....

I used SBP backup on Black 2.0 and then flashed 2.5 and restored from the 2.0 backup. It worked and shows the new com manager skin but it reports as 2.0 in the "about" screen so I know that this isn't the right way to go. Knowing that 3.0 was comming soon and considering that the device works great I've left it this way.
When 3.0 comes out I will load my apps and data without SBP. Then after it's up I will make a backup of the fresh 3.0 installation.

i am interested in such tools too although using the Dopod D810 aka Trinity.

RemE said:
I used SBP backup on Black 2.0 and then flashed 2.5 and restored from the 2.0 backup. It worked and shows the new com manager skin but it reports as 2.0 in the "about" screen so I know that this isn't the right way to go. Knowing that 3.0 was comming soon and considering that the device works great I've left it this way.
When 3.0 comes out I will load my apps and data without SBP. Then after it's up I will make a backup of the fresh 3.0 installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Sprite 5.1 and it does the backup and migration from Black 2.0 to 2.5 very well only have to redo my Wifi and Email settings, all my apps works fine. The FAQ to do it is available at Sprite's website on doing devie upgrade or OS upgrades with Sprite and WM5, works fine with WM6

Be aware that SPB Backup and Sprite Backup cant restore backups on different ROM's. Mobile Backup 2007 says it can but I havent tried it yet..
Dunno if I can post the follwing link but its the place you can get Mobile Backup:
http://www.ipmart-forum.com/showthread.php?t=157755&highlight=mobile+backup

I have Sprite but last time I used it on WM5 after a hard reset, it would not restore my data So I dumped it and went with SPB which has worked flawlessly ever since. I just don't see how any backup would work properly when restoring onto a different rom, I got away with it but I know that it's not 100% right now.

i was thinking of making my own cab file where specific to install
A, B, C, D....... G software (cab files), then install carrier setting, patch all the serial numbers to each softwares, change the look and all the setting in WM6 to match my like... damn it sound so hard and i don't even know how to make a cab file...
is something like this possible to learn?

I am slowly reducing the number of cabs I need to keep on my storage card by combining and creating them with my set ups.
As I have limited knowledge, this involves using sktracker to see exactly what changes were made in the registry when I changed a setting, and then using cabmanager to create a cab containing the reg settings (or say for spb weather, adding the changes to the original cab).
I understand that patching in the serials is not straightforward as it is not meant to be easy by design.
Am having trouble with some settings like email account setup, but am working through others.

crazyC: Im having the same trouble with email accounts. It doesnt look like they are saved in the registry settings, must be in the database somewhere.
Also if you add your own registry settings to the original Cab files do you know what order things are done? ie. if it writes your reg file then installs the app it might overwrite yours.

senergy said:
crazyC: Im having the same trouble with email accounts. It doesnt look like they are saved in the registry settings, must be in the database somewhere.
Also if you add your own registry settings to the original Cab files do you know what order things are done? ie. if it writes your reg file then installs the app it might overwrite yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't know anything about creating the database entries so am going to have to leave that.
As for the second point - I am kind of winging it so to speak, so no I don't realy know.....
As I said, am most pleased with my custom SPB weather cab, as this installs the BBC template and sets up my work and home locations as the two tabs, linking off the bbc weather source.
Have also modified the Phone Alarm cab for my skin and settings, but as there is anew beta every few days at the mo, not so useful
Am about to start work on O2 plus, and setting up my shortcuts etc on install.

looking for mobile backup 2007...is this the one
trial here

CrazyC-
been messing around with the same ideas and it's driving me crazy ha.. Do you have to manually duplicate the registry entries you want when you're adding them to the original cab file (phone alarm, for instance)?
I was trying to extract the relevant registry entries, and have a program that would let me pack them into a cab, but everything i found wanted me to manually create registry keys..
any thoughts? cause it's flashing season ha

The safest way when going between ROMs is reinstalling. I use a few techniques.
1. Install CAB files from SD card. Then you just install them one by one by tapping. Installing from Activesync can be problematic memorywise as the CAB will copy down to main memory and then be deleted after installation. This can be an issue if you have too many apps to install at once.
2. Unless the new ROM has the same device ID, email settings really have to be manually entered each time. I experimented with workarounds but they simply don't work.
3. After you install all your programs, import registry keys containing your common settings. Before erasing the previous setting, do a registry dump and then search for and find those registry keys that contain the settings. Most (but not all) are in HKEY Current User. Be careful. Don't import stuff that might break the new ROM.
4. Copy files or shortcuts from old ROM to new one. Careful though - if you are going to copy directories, use Total Commander or something. SPB Backup and WM File Explorer will REMOVE the old contents of a directory and replace it with only the stuff you have in your new copy of the directory! Total Commander only updates the new items.
5. Unfortunately, the only way to REMOVE files or registry keys (short of writing a DLL file or fancy XML?) is to manually search and delete them. I think you could probably use Mortscript to automate this but not worth the time probably unless you are flashing every day.
Between copying certain files and registries, many of my programs end up 'pre registered' on the new system. (SPB time, etc.)
Actually, I make a cab file with my preferred settings and files. I just click and go. This covers pretty much everything except email. Unfortunately the program I use cost 89$... but when I consider my billable hours, it's worth the saved time over the long run.
I can get all programs + settings in place in about 40 minutes now.

Actually, I am using visual studio 2005 and making the adjustments to the emulator image, whilst watching the registry in the remote registry viewer. Once have identified the keys, I export them as reg files and then simply import them into cabmanager.
Depends on if you have access to VS2005.
I am sure there is a simpler way, (and am happy to learn it) but as I have occassional access to VS2005, this was how I decided to do it. Am using the WM6 SDK as well of course.
Because I keep updating the Phone Alarm beta, I actually modified the cab for the VisDaPhone skin to include my modified icons, and also to install the PA export file. Just running that cab after installing Phone alarm, and then importing the theme etc works for me. I did roll it all into one on an earlier version of PA, so it all started as per my settings, but then there was a new beta......

khammo01 said:
I can get all programs + settings in place in about 40 minutes now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reckon (thanks to the exchange server) I can be back up in twenty!
If I can sort out the O2plus setup then I will reduce that as well.
I keep a word document on my sd card with a step by step guide for myself with serial numbers etc and settings.

khammo01 said:
Between copying certain files and registries, many of my programs end up 'pre registered' on the new system. (SPB time, etc.)
Actually, I make a cab file with my preferred settings and files. I just click and go. This covers pretty much everything except email. Unfortunately the program I use cost 89$... but when I consider my billable hours, it's worth the saved time over the long run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do yo mind telling what's the program name/url that woul dbe?

Does anyone have earlier ROM for Cingular 8525?

I am a newbie and not myself a developer, so if this question or my accessing this list is out of line, let me know. I am looking for a way to restore the former ROM that was on my device before upgrading.
Cingular/ATT just sent out an upgrade on their 8525 ROM, not to Windows Mobile 6, but just a more enhanced Windows Mobile 5 with push to talk, and some other changes.
After upgrading the ROM, my backup file for my Personal Databases will not restore. The Sprite Backup (5.1) backup file was the only storage I had of important data at least for the last four months, when I stopped being able to activesync it. The support staff at Sprite said they got my personal databases file to work, so I know the file itself is not corrupted, and the data is there, but every time I try to restore it to my 8525 (ie, following a hard reset, with and without the sbu file that Sprite created for moving from one ROM to another)... every time I try to restore it, it corrupts my Calendar and Contacts programs, bringing in no data, and making the Contacts program unusable.
My best guess is that the only way I can regain access to this data is to restore to the old ROM, then fix the ActiveSync problem, and save the data that way, then reupgrade to the new ROM, and sync that.
I give all this detail in case someone has a better suggestion as to what might be causing the Personal Database file not to restore, and not to work following the upgrade.
Short of that, I'd be interested if anyone can show me where I might restore the old ROM. Private replies are accepted.
Tom Bartlett

Here's the original 1.34.502 ROM for the 8525. If you're needing the UNofficial 2.06 leaked release, I don't have that one. . . sorry

Thanks so much!
Tom Bartlett

I am not sure how to use what the link downloaded. Perhaps my mistake was in downloading it to my laptop, for later use? It came as a large zip file, with three RAW files.
How do I use that download to change my ROM?
My guess is that I'll need to have my 8525 synced in Active Sync, and do the hit "run" rather than "save as" ?
Tom

CRAP!! Disregard that file. . . it's the wrong one. I'm uploading the CORRECT one right now.
I'm soooo sorry. . . I'll be back with the correct link as soon as it's uploaded.
Here it is. . . the CORRECT file.

[Q] about themes

I want to install themes and I've read just about everything out there on this subject and still don't understand how to do it safely for this phone. There are a ton of threads on this but not one of them explains how to go about installing themes safely.
Some say just dump the .tsk files into the windows folder, others say use Diamond TF3D Config, others say not to use it because there's a version coming out specifically for the HD, others say cabs aren't as good as .theme files because you may not be able to uninstall the cab...
So I'm asking...for those of you who try out almost every theme that comes out...how are you doing it? Can you explain what you use, which types of theme files you use, how you safely change from one theme to another, and why your method is the method you choose to use?
Here are some things I've read that I'm not sure are true or not (please confirm/reject if you know):
-xxx.tsk files are a type of theme file you need to put in the Application folder and are only good for the "top and bottom bars"
-you have to use Diamond TF3D Config to install xxx.theme files; there are 2 versions of this software, one for gsm and one for cdma; you may need to delete the "tweaks file" for this software to work; there is a new version (version 1.0) coming out specifically for the Touch HD
-some say you must install xxx.theme files into the windows directory...others say you can install them in any folder you want
-even after installing a theme, you may need to perform extra steps to fix the top and bottom bars and to have the correct background
So, I know these things, but still don't understand. What is the cleanest way to install and change themes without leaving behind clutter files...is it by using a cab, by using a zip, by using diamond tf3d config?
I'd greatly appreciate if someone experienced who's tried different methods of installing/changing themes would respond and help clarify some of these confusing details.

anybody know?

goldsfool said:
I want to install themes and I've read just about everything out there on this subject and still don't understand how to do it safely for this phone. There are a ton of threads on this but not one of them explains how to go about installing themes safely.
Some say just dump the .tsk files into the windows folder, others say use Diamond TF3D Config, others say not to use it because there's a version coming out specifically for the HD, others say cabs aren't as good as .theme files because you may not be able to uninstall the cab...
So I'm asking...for those of you who try out almost every theme that comes out...how are you doing it? Can you explain what you use, which types of theme files you use, how you safely change from one theme to another, and why your method is the method you choose to use?
Here are some things I've read that I'm not sure are true or not (please confirm/reject if you know):
-xxx.tsk files are a type of theme file you need to put in the Application folder and are only good for the "top and bottom bars"
-you have to use Diamond TF3D Config to install xxx.theme files; there are 2 versions of this software, one for gsm and one for cdma; you may need to delete the "tweaks file" for this software to work; there is a new version (version 1.0) coming out specifically for the Touch HD
-some say you must install xxx.theme files into the windows directory...others say you can install them in any folder you want
-even after installing a theme, you may need to perform extra steps to fix the top and bottom bars and to have the correct background
So, I know these things, but still don't understand. What is the cleanest way to install and change themes without leaving behind clutter files...is it by using a cab, by using a zip, by using diamond tf3d config?
I'd greatly appreciate if someone experienced who's tried different methods of installing/changing themes would respond and help clarify some of these confusing details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it really depends on what you want to change. TSK files really only change the color of the top and bottom bars, highlights, etc. If you are referring to changing icons, transparency, etc of Manila/TouchFlo, that is a bit more involved. There are applications out there like Maxycy's TF3D Theme Maker that will assist with this. Also, like you said, there are lots of cabs floating around with customizations in them. Most, if not all cabs can be uninstalled. Your best bet if you want to start playing with your device is to get some backup software, like SPB Backup or Sprite Backup, and then playing with your device. Then you don't need to be worried about messing it up. You could just do a hard reset and then restore the backup and be back to where you were before playing around

cRaCKwHoRe said:
Well it really depends on what you want to change. TSK files really only change the color of the top and bottom bars, highlights, etc. If you are referring to changing icons, transparency, etc of Manila/TouchFlo, that is a bit more involved. There are applications out there like Maxycy's TF3D Theme Maker that will assist with this. Also, like you said, there are lots of cabs floating around with customizations in them. Most, if not all cabs can be uninstalled. Your best bet if you want to start playing with your device is to get some backup software, like SPB Backup or Sprite Backup, and then playing with your device. Then you don't need to be worried about messing it up. You could just do a hard reset and then restore the backup and be back to where you were before playing around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot for your response. I have sprite backup and have made many backups but was hoping not to ever have to restore from one (afraid it won't work perfectly)...that's why I'm trying to understand all of the details. I guess my only concern is not being able to go back to a previous state EXACTLY as it was before installing a theme. From all of the methods available, what would you say is the best (not necessarily the easiest) and cleanest way to prevent random files from appearing or disappearing after installing or removing a theme?

goldsfool said:
Thanks alot for your response. I have sprite backup and have made many backups but was hoping not to ever have to restore from one (afraid it won't work perfectly)...that's why I'm trying to understand all of the details. I guess my only concern is not being able to go back to a previous state EXACTLY as it was before installing a theme. From all of the methods available, what would you say is the best (not necessarily the easiest) and cleanest way to prevent random files from appearing or disappearing after installing or removing a theme?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have Sprite Backup, do a full backup. Once you have that you can completely destroy the current setup on your phone. Once you hard-reset just execute the backup file Sprite created. When the restore comes up do a merge level 1 restore. It will put your phone back to the exact state it was before. I have done this many many times as I do craptons of testing

cRaCKwHoRe said:
If you have Sprite Backup, do a full backup. Once you have that you can completely destroy the current setup on your phone. Once you hard-reset just execute the backup file Sprite created. When the restore comes up do a merge level 1 restore. It will put your phone back to the exact state it was before. I have done this many many times as I do craptons of testing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, I took a step forward and did my first manila mod last night. It's amazing...by simply taking three manila files I found in Maxycy's Theme Maker and replacing the originals with them, I now have background for all tabs and a new clock ha. I've also downloaded m9editor and Manila Editor and have a better understanding of how individual files influence the system. Thanks again for the support...who knows maybe I'll even be able to create a theme one day.

goldsfool said:
Thanks man, I took a step forward and did my first manila mod last night. It's amazing...by simply taking three manila files I found in Maxycy's Theme Maker and replacing the originals with them, I now have background for all tabs and a new clock ha. I've also downloaded m9editor and Manila Editor and have a better understanding of how individual files influence the system. Thanks again for the support...who knows maybe I'll even be able to create a theme one day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See, it's easier than you think! Good job and good luck! Backups are your friend

cRaCKwHoRe said:
See, it's easier than you think! Good job and good luck! Backups are your friend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on a roll until now...I encountered my first serious problem and will need to hard reset and restore from backup. You mentioned to do a merge level 1 restore. Is this what I should do even if I have all original ROM, radio, etc? From what I've read on the Sprite website, level one is the most "complicated" level and is MOST likely to fail. However, you and others on here say to use level 1 bc it causes the LEAST problems.
My default settings are as follows:
-unchecked box for "delete all files"
-checked box for "check for corrupt registry"
-system settings restore set to "merge" instead of replace
-upgrade mode set to "personal data only" instead of merge
How come one option is set for merge and the other isn't? Should I change the upgrade mode option to merge level 1? I'm assuming this option wouldn't apply to me since I haven't upgraded anything, but I'm not sure...
[and just for information/advise: my problem occurred when I clicked on the cab for sdkcerts that came with the Max TTM program. The program worked perfectly and everything was ok until I clicked on that cab. I wanted to install custom taskbars and read that you needed sdkcerts first, so I clicked on the sdkcerts cab I just happened to find in the Max TTM folder (bad move). Ever since doing so, almost half of my programs no longer open bc it's either "missing a component or is not certified." So, long story short, don't click on the sdkcerts cab or install another sdkcerts cab after installing Max TTM bc Max TTM already has a sdkcerts cab which I'm assuming automatically installs when you install Max TTM]
EDIT: I went ahead and restored via sprite backup with the settings described above and it worked PERFECTLY...all of my contacts, appointments, programs, system settings, background, where I left off in a game, etc etc is now EXACTLY how it was at time of backup. The restoration went without any warnings or errors...I'm stunned at how perfect it went. Thanks again...

The only time you would want to do a merge level 1 restore is if you are restoring to a different rom than you backed up from. If you are restoring to the same rom that you created the backup from you can do a full, normal restore.