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Hi. Are there actually any ported ROMs for the Uni that allows a super-clean (i.e. purely Microsoft) WM5? Thanks.
This is exactly what i am here at the Forum for please someone step up?
Cause i foudn one in general by name one time but im not sure if they are shapped for the Universal
I guess to clarify ...
A Clean version of WM5 shapped for the Uni if possible
I want to amke sure i do not lose any features
Please help thanks
rightnow im on the newest qtek but is actign weird so im going back to my orignal imate
don't install the extended ROM...
Can you explain SIMPLY which file is the extended ROM?
philby said:
Can you explain SIMPLY which file is the extended ROM?
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Click to collapse
What "ady" meant was:
1st: Install Buzz's Ext ROM Unlocker and unlock your Ext ROM.
2nd: Cut and paste them to your SD Card and save a copy on your computer for backup.
3rd: Perform a hard reset. Since you already took off the Ext ROM, you now have a pure Microsoft OS running on your device.
To answer your question, the Ext ROM is what you see being installed when you perform a hard reset. It is indicated by a progress bar during installation after a hard reset. The Ext ROM contains the customizations provided by the "Brand" name of your device.
The simpliest way to avoid the installation of the Ext ROM, if you don't want to unlock it is:
1st: Perform a hard reset.
2nd: "IMMEDIATELY" perform a soft reset by pressing the reset pin as soon as you see the "Microsoft Today Screen". By doing this, the installation of the Ext ROM is by-passed.
If you are going to ask me where to find the Unlocker. Just do a search. Hope this cleared it up.
Thanks for the excellent reply. Can you tell me what exactly would be excluded by not installing the Extended ROM contents? I am guessing this would be like selecting a corporate install on the O2 XDA EXEC?? Thanks again for any reply.
philby said:
Can you tell me what exactly would be excluded by not installing the Extended ROM contents?
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Click to collapse
Any customisations your operator has made. It's hard to say what exactly as that changes per ExtROM (and each new version of Windows Mobile by each operator has a new ExtROM so...)
If you don't install the ExtRom you have plain Windows Mobile, if you install the Extended ROM (which it will be default) it adds patches, customisations (backgrounds, sounds, GPRS settings etc), button configurations, home page settings, add icons, remove icons, custom programs etc.
My advise is to read the wiki (link in top left) open up your ExtendedROM as the poster above advised and then customise it how you want, or just by pass it completely each time and add in what you want manually.
philby said:
Thanks for the excellent reply. Can you tell me what exactly would be excluded by not installing the Extended ROM contents? I am guessing this would be like selecting a corporate install on the O2 XDA EXEC?? Thanks again for any reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xanth is absolutely right. The Ext ROM changes with each "Brand". I am attacching a link for the O2 Ext ROM explanation: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=32527
Some applications in the Ext ROM, you can deduce what it is made for like "default_Backgamon etc...(which installs the game backgamon in Imate Ext ROM) and some are similar to O2's, so let it be your guide.
why
you don't want a "clean version" it would not contain any drivers, camera software or bluetooth software that make life easy. your jasjar is not clean by bypassing the ext-rom. to prove this look at your programs the zip program and voicedial do not come with a clean wm5 image.
Re: why
sandrobber said:
you don't want a "clean version" it would not contain any drivers, camera software or bluetooth software that make life easy. your jasjar is not clean by bypassing the ext-rom. to prove this look at your programs the zip program and voicedial do not come with a clean wm5 image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually ALL WORKS FINE with a clean install, as mentioned above, the only thing you might have to add is the settings for MMS, and video call capabilities. But ALL SOFTWARES INSTALLED WORKS. From BT to WiFi, camera app, voice dial, etc... I know because I already tried it.
Re: why
sandrobber said:
you don't want a "clean version" it would not contain any drivers, camera software or bluetooth software that make life easy. your jasjar is not clean by bypassing the ext-rom. to prove this look at your programs the zip program and voicedial do not come with a clean wm5 image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that depends on the base Windows Mobile ROM. Some will have some features, while some won't (won't fit possibly?) and would require the ExtROM to install them.
I appreciate this is a Universal thread, but one example is the BlueAngel. The SX66 doesn't come with a camera so it's ROM doesn't contain camera software and if you used that on a regular BlueAngel (XDA IIs for example) you'd need to install the camera software seperately.
Hope this actually makes sense.
what about a real clean ROM...
i mean a ROM that does not contain any of those "dog barking" junks media files and themes (there is around 8MB of these), as well as unnecessary EXTROM files. YET sparing drivers for camera, bluetooth , and other crucial drivers.
thanx
go it
then you are correct to hard reset then soft reset before your device wants to load the ext-rom
unnecessary media files are not in the ext rom
they come with the winows folder and the my doc. they r more than 8mb , and they serving for NOTHING... so stopping the erom wont save you from them
I've unlocked my ExtRom and deleted everything in it. I thought I'd be able to install programs to it to save on system memory, but no programs seem to work - the message I get is "program is not a valid Pocket PC application". Is there something I'm doing wrong, or will programs just not run from the ExtRom?
chrisdk said:
I've unlocked my ExtRom and deleted everything in it. I thought I'd be able to install programs to it to save on system memory, but no programs seem to work - the message I get is "program is not a valid Pocket PC application". Is there something I'm doing wrong, or will programs just not run from the ExtRom?
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only .cab files execute in the pocket pc. i think you are trying to execute a .exe or a .msi ? by the way does chrisdk mean chris donkey kong?
nuclear said:
only .cab files execute in the pocket pc. i think you are trying to execute a .exe or a .msi ? by the way does chrisdk mean chris donkey kong?
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Thanks for that - it was a nice thought!
No, the dk's not that interesting - just my initials
Hi, I can run my old Pacman exe from extended rom!
adamelphick said:
Hi, I can run my old Pacman exe from extended rom!
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Adam i dont think the pacman is worthy of use on the Universal. Pacman = Free sucky old game. I think you should try donkey kong on the extended ROM and let me know if it works . Chris would be happy if you used dk . Go ahead and try to install it.
oh always da old DONKEY KONG or should i say DK
nuclear said:
only .cab files execute in the pocket pc. i think you are trying to execute a .exe or a .msi ? by the way does chrisdk mean chris donkey kong?
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Not sure if I agree... or maybe we're talking about different steps in the lifetime of the extended rom.
I've always wondered why I don't hear more people talking about installing files to the extended rom. But I have been doing so successfullly for quite a while. I've had no issues, I simply use it as another drive on the phone.
Here's a list of programs that I have installed there and are running successfully. I'm currently using 7.76Mb and have 2.17Mb free.
PHM RegEdit
Hitchhiker Wifi
Mobile Task Manager
PocketPuTTY
Skype
Total Commander
WiFiFoFum
Hmmm... i hardly think making 'fun' (ho ho ho) of what someone has on their rom is constructive - but hey i'll play along!
My point was that you CAN install to the extended rom if you unlock it. I have had several programs - most that dont like the SD card like Agile that need to boot up on start before the SD is ready - installed on the extended rom and they work fine.... oh and PacMan too! Oh and i believe they call PacMan a 'Classic', very similar to 'DK' i think!
Gentlemen,
There is a wonderful amount of kitchens available for people to use however; the instructions are varied and confusing, especially if you are new. I have read many manuals on cooking ROMs and they all seem to be for a more experienced cook, and not a n00b. I have unlocked, and flash my HTC wiz200 myself by reading the threads, but I cannot wrap my head around a lot of the instructions poster by the great chefs we have on this site.
Is it possible for an experienced cook to produce a well put together manual for all to understand? The instructions I have read are based a lot on the assumption that the reader is well versed in the understanding and mechanics of a ROM. That is to say they have experienced extracting files, creating CAB files and, most importantly, the way a ROM needs to be structured with HKEYs and the like.
I truly believe that the community has an opportunity to expand the quality and diversity of the ROMs in the world by putting together a concise instruction manual.
I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I’m not a box of rocks.
Actually, most of the ROM kitchens are not near as complicated as you think they are. In most of the kitchens (can't say all since I haven't tried all of them) you don't have to do any of those things that you mentioned. I have my own cooked ROM and I don't know how to do any of those things either. The only time you do have to do that kind of stuff is if you decide to add something that doesn't already exist in the kitchen and since most of them have pretty much anything you'd want in them, if there actually is something else you really want it's a lot easier to install it after you've already cooked your rom and flashed it to your phone.
Personally, this is my favorite kitchen and the one I cooked my most recent ROM with - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=311144.
You'll need to pick a ROM and an OEM version and then download and extract them to the same folder and then click on the exe that says Build OS and it will let you pick and choose what you want to add to your ROM.
That will get you started, but there is a little more to it (nothing difficult at all), but the instructions are on the kitchen page anyway. I'd detail more, but I just realised I'm going to be late for work if I do. PLay with that for now if you want and if you have any more ?'s I'll try to answer them for you after work if someone else hasn't already answered them.
xeno1 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=311144.
PLay with that for now if you want and if you have any more ?'s I'll try to answer them for you after work if someone else hasn't already answered them.
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Click to collapse
LOL that's one of the kitchens that i have tried. And the reason i want to know more is because i do want to add programs into the ROM saving so space.
It seems that there are other people interested in clear instructions as this thread has been viewed quite a bit in the short time i have posted it.
If you've come to this thread looking for clear instructions, please make a post of "instruct me" so the cooks will know how much of a need there really is.
And thanks for adding your assistance, should i need it.
xeno1 said:
Personally, this is my favorite kitchen and the one I cooked my most recent ROM with - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=311144.
You'll need to pick a ROM and an OEM version and then download and extract them to the same folder and then click on the exe that says Build OS and it will let you pick and choose what you want to add to your ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the kitchen i was looking at i downloaded all the files it says to download and i clicked on build rom.. but theres a lot of things on there that i can choose to have and not.. but theres a lot of this i dnt know wat they are or wat they do.. and than ive been trying to get ride of Arcesoft SMS and i cant.. and i downloaded the tmobile applications from the post.. but i dnt know wat to do with that either.. that's y i need good instrutions...
ps. instruct me
Give me a little time to see if I can't remember how to add apps into the kitchen. It's been a few months since I've done that kind of thing and I don't quite remember exactly how to do it. If I remember right it wasn't too excessively difficult. It's a whole lot easier just to use what's already included in the kitchen and then add other things by cab file afterwards though.
I'm not really sure why it would save that much space cooking it in to the ROM rather than adding it by cab, especially if you delete the cab file afterwards or move it to your SD card. The ROM I just cooked ended up having more than 44 Mb of program storage left afterwards and even after adding everything else that I wanted, it still has more than 32 Mb left.
I know what you mean when you said that there were some things in the kitchen that you didn't know what they were to know if you wanted to add them or not smileyaj2005. The things that I wasn't sure what they were I just googled for and found out what they were and whether or not I wanted to add them.
BuildOS.exe
xeno1,
here's another reason to have a clear manual:
Is anyone getting the following applicaion error, or know how to solve the following:
BuildOS.exe - Application Error
The Application faild to initalize properly (0x0000135). Click on OK to terminate the application
This is from the kitchen you recomended.
I too have been tinkering with cooking for several devices (the wonderful Hermes, the useful Herald, the workhorse Wizard and the good old Prophet) and while I've been successful in creating ROMs, there is a lot that I would like to understand better... I've searched but I've not found sufficient info in the time I've had to gain a full understanding.
I'm keen to first understand and then write a wiki guide to the structure of ROMs, the steps in going from an image to the individual files and back, how packages are built, etc. While much of this info exists, it's scattered all over this site and very difficult for people with limited time to find.
Also, this works needs much help from the chefs here. Would one or two of them volunteer to help me write all this up in a manner that makes everything clear to the tech savvy beginner?
I've gained much from this community and want to do something useful in return. And since my forte is technology and I can write well (I think!), I hope that I can make a Wiki Guide that will be useful to all.
Oh great chefs! Do we have some volunteers who can help us in this task?
SayMobile said:
I too have been tinkering with cooking for several devices (the wonderful Hermes, the useful Herald, the workhorse Wizard and the good old Prophet) and while I've been successful in creating ROMs, there is a lot that I would like to understand better... I've searched but I've not found sufficient info in the time I've had to gain a full understanding.
I'm keen to first understand and then write a wiki guide to the structure of ROMs, the steps in going from an image to the individual files and back, how packages are built, etc. While much of this info exists, it's scattered all over this site and very difficult for people with limited time to find.
Also, this works needs much help from the chefs here. Would one or two of them volunteer to help me write all this up in a manner that makes everything clear to the tech savvy beginner?
I've gained much from this community and want to do something useful in return. And since my forte is technology and I can write well (I think!), I hope that I can make a Wiki Guide that will be useful to all.
Oh great chefs! Do we have some volunteers who can help us in this task?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm right there with you. At my job i'm currently macking training guides that are easy to understand, even if you've never heard of them before. It's quite the task but, it benifets everyone.
evangelious8152 said:
BuildOS.exe - Application Error
The Application faild to initalize properly (0x0000135). Click on OK to terminate the application
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to update your .NET framework. Just run windows update or download the newest version from Microsoft.
I'm still working on how to add software to your kitchen. I'll figure it out sooner or later though. It might actually be faster if you just ask mfrazzz, mattk_r, or farria themselves in one of their kitchen threads. I'm in no way claiming to be a great chef of any kind, I've only cooked a few ROM's and those were from kitchens one of those "great chefs" built. I will still do my best to figure out how to add apps to the kitchen though and let you know.
Notice: this information is for Wizard kitchens only as I don't know if it will work in any other type of kitchen. This thread should actually be in the Wizard forum, but I didn't start the thread. All those following it, if it disappears from this forum, which it probably will, try to find it there.
Ok, here's what I've got so far on how to add your own apps to the kitchen:
First, you have to install the app on your phone in whatever OS you're using now.
Second, you then have to extract every file from your phone that it just installed and put it in a folder on your computer.
Third, extract all of the registry keys that it installed. For now, just put them in a txt file in the same folder. Later you will need those keys to create a .rgu file.
Thanks to meschle (and BenThon, the creator of this app) you can download this app - http://www.codeppc.com/telechargemen...nf/msceinf.htm and it will extract any .cab file into a file on your computer that you can use instead of having to install it to your ppc and then finding all of the files as in the first 2 steps. It will also show you the registry keys so you can copy them in to the .rgu file instead of having to go through your registry and finding them as in the third step.
Now, go to http://www.famkruithof.net/uuid/uuidgen and get a GUID. As soon as you go to the page one will be generated for you at the top of the page. Here's one that was generated for me 04987fe2-31a8-11dc-8314-0800200c9a66. You might want to copy that in to a txt file for your use later. You will need to get a new GUID for each app that you want to add to your kitchen.
Next, create an empty txt document and name it (your GUID) 04987fe2-31a8-11dc-8314-0800200c9a66.dsm (note that that is my GUID, replace it with your own). When saving that file, choose Save file type as All Files.
Then create another txt document. In it you will type in it REGEDIT4 then [enter] and then copy and paste the registry keys in to it that I told you to save earlier. After the last line of the registry keys there needs to be a blank line so at the end of the last line of registry keys hit [enter] and then [enter] again. Save that txt file (your GUID) 04987fe2-31a8-11dc-8314-0800200c9a66.rgu and save it as file type UNICODE. (Note) If your app doesn't have any registry keys, which some apps don't, you can skip this entire step completely.
Almost there.
Now, you need to create a link to the app so that it shows up under the programs menu. More than likely if you extracted all the files from your phone that the app installed there will already be one so you wont need to. If you do though, create another txt document and type in it #"\Windows\yourappsnamehere.exe" and save that as yourappsname.lnk and save as file type All Files.
In another new txt document copy and paste this:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-File("yourappsname.lnk","\Windows\yourappsname.lnk")
Save this one as initflashfiles.txt and save as file type UNICODE
Last step, create one last txt file and copy and paste this in it:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-16" standalone="yes"?>
<Items>
<Item name="yourappsname" group="My Apps" checked="false">
<Tip></Tip>
<Guid type="p">04987fe2-31a8-11dc-8314-0800200c9a66</Guid>
</Item>
</Items>
Make sure you put your GUID in instead of mine that's in there now, and put your apps name where I put yourappsname and make sure you leave the "" in there. Save this file as option.xml and save as file type All files. If you want to add a tool tip description, just type it in between the <tip></tip> and when you move your mouse over it in the BuildOS app it will show up.
I forgot, one last thing, put this entire folder in to the OEM folder in the kitchen and you're done.
Run BuildOS and there should now be a new categorie called My Apps for you to select the apps you just worked so hard to put in there.
I don't think I missed anything, but if any kitchen builders or cooks see anything wrong, feel free to let me know. Also, if anyone knows how to extract the files and registry keys straight from the cab file itself I'd be more than happy to learn how to do it.
P.S. I told you that it was easier to just add it as a cab file afterwards.
The whole point in cooking built-in apps is to preserve the limited persistent storage. If storage is not a problem with you, then you are better off installing cabs...
cheers,
Jiggs
kitchens sux
xeno1,
i've been playing with 4 different kitchens, and i'm lucky if i get the core rom to flash. most of these kitches come up with one error or another in the ms-dos shell. it is nuts trying to figure out how these "tools" work because no one wants to produce a good manual.
we are all here because what we get from resellers doesn't fit out needs and we don't want to be stuck with their crappy branding. however, my experinces with these kitchens is no diffrent. these kitchens are "locked" to only work (sorta and sometimes) with whatever their creator puts out. i guess we will soon see websites on how to "unlock" these kitches.
Did the instructions that I spent hours going through everything to find and then explain not work? They worked in both Farria's kitchen and doubleofours kitchen when I tried them.
xeno1 said:
Did the instructions that I spent hours going through everything to find and then explain not work? They worked in both Farria's kitchen and doubleofours kitchen when I tried them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm talking about the kitchens not knowing where to look for files that are in placed. sorry for the confusion.
As long as you put them in the OEM folder and and you create the option.xml document it should find them and add the option to the kitchen. If I remember right, if you don't create the option.xml document it won't show up in the kitchen, but it will still add that file to your cooked ROM automatically.
Hi xeno1 - I find using MSCEInf by BenThon http://www.codeppc.com/telechargements/msceinf/msceinf.htm very good for extracting files and inf and _setup.xml files from cabs. I add the registry info from here into default.rgu and away you go.
One thing you forgot to mention concerning initflashfiles.dat - if you edit it using notepad you must delete the first 2 entries with a hex editor or U will get errors. (actually phone will not boot at all ) Use Editpad lite (or others) and you dont need to do this step.
Thanks meschle, MSCEInf will come in really handy.
I just have one question though, you mentioned the initfiles.dat, I've never seen this file in any of the folders in any OEM package and none of the cooks mentioned it in any of their posts on how to create new packages. Where is it located, so I can take a look at it? I s it possible that this isn't part of cooking a wizard ROM? Like I put at the top of my post that has the steps, this thread really should be in the wizard forum.
Opps my mistake i was in a hurry.
I meant initflashfiles.dat lol
That's ok, that's not a big deal. I did however go back and re-read farias post and noticed that I did make a mistake in the initflashfiles. Faria said to save it as UNICODE, so I changed that part. He says to save it as initflashfiles.txt though, not .dat. I also went through a bunch of initflashfiles and realized that most of that stuff that I copied and pasted there was just comments, and that all you really need is -
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-File("yourappsname.lnk","\Windows\yourappsname.lnk")
Does that still need to be edited in a hex editor?
I greatly appreciate your help.
xeno1 said:
That's ok, that's not a big deal. I did however go back and re-read farias post and noticed that I did make a mistake in the initflashfiles. Faria said to save it as UNICODE, so I changed that part. He says to save it as initflashfiles.txt though, not .dat. I also went through a bunch of initflashfiles and realized that most of that stuff that I copied and pasted there was just comments, and that all you really need is -
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"):-File("yourappsname.lnk","\Windows\yourappsname.lnk")
Does that still need to be edited in a hex editor?
I greatly appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you do the initflashfiles.txt method (in unicode of course) FF FE are placed infront of 3B which is what the first entry should be on the hex editor so FF and FE need to be deleted. Best way i find is use editpad lite - enclosed.
Try it you'll see.
OK peeps, I've figured out a lot of "stuff" by reading and practicing. One thing I can't figure out of find a topic on is how to change the initial config screen. I really don't even know if that's the name of it. It's the screen which runs the preautorun and all of the cabs from preconfig.txt. 1. what's the name of the file and 2. how do I change it? Thanks guys.
R
Do you mean on the BS rom or the NBS rom?
If you mean the BS rom then you are talking about user customisation. It's a fantastic idea that lets you use a text file to run cab installs off the memory card, however all the cabs installed will be to main memory.
That is a text file on th memory card called "SDConfig.txt".
Otherwise you're talking about EXT Rom. It can be a pain as it takes up a heap of memory for the carrier apps it installs (mms/gprs settings are generally installed for your carrier here). The only way to stop this from going through is to reset the Hermes BEFORE it goes through the customisation. You are able to unlock the extrom with schapps advanced config (the very first one) which you should be able to find on here or the touchpro site.
Cheers...
ultramag69 said:
If you mean the BS rom then you are talking about user customisation. It's a fantastic idea that lets you use a text file to run cab installs off the memory card, however all the cabs installed will be to main memory.
That is a text file on th memory card called "SDConfig.txt".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about how that works, I'm talking about the screen itself while that stuff is installing. I tried to find a screenshot as an example, but no dice. I thought maybe there was a 240x320 png file to customize while that stuff was installing. Thanks for the quick reply.
You should pm a chef, they might have more information.
I'm assuming you mean the loading apps screen...
ultramag69 said:
You should pm a chef, they might have more information.
I'm assuming you mean the loading apps screen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roger that
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.
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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
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
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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.