Develop Bugs

Deleting files from an unlocked ExtROM

My most new annoying experience...
Everytime I delete some files from ExtROM that I don't want to install in the event of an hardreset, they reappear again after a softreseting the device. :twisted:
Even powering the device down, and waitting more than 10secs, as several times suggested in this forum.
Maybe a silly question, but any ideas to overcome this?

Don't tell me the only way is to coock a new .nbf Extended ROM!?
It is? :?

have you try formatting the extended storage? i used resco file explorer to format it after unlock the extended rom storage.

No I didn't format, as I wanted to delete just some files.
Should I Format?
And then?
- reflash the ExtROM .nbf, and delete unwanted files?
or
- just copy the ones I want to keep?

Also realized that extra files copied into, disappear after softreset :evil:
This thing seems to have own life...
Nothing of these behaviours were happening with previous ExtROM form Qtek (1.13.151 WWE).
Is it a different philosophy between Qtek and i-mate, for ExtROM?
Why these different behaviours?

Conchas said:
No I didn't format, as I wanted to delete just some files.
Should I Format?
And then?
- reflash the ExtROM .nbf, and delete unwanted files?
or
- just copy the ones I want to keep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well... i have no experience in reflashing the ExtROM.nbf, so i prefer the second option, it worked on me , sorry can't much help

see my comments on the following thread..maybe that will help..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=240962#240962

eagle 1 said:
see my comments on the following thread..maybe that will help..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=240962#240962
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hint. It worked!
Finally I think that I got the complete picture.
All difficulties to unlock Ext ROM on this new i-mate ROM, and a comment at another thread, made me think that once unlocked, it wouldn't be needed to repeat it again after further Hardresets. Changing the Reg settings accordingly, would be enough (WRONG!).
Silly conclusion... in fact Ext ROM was visible, but still protected.
The mommentary ability to delete and add files, leaded o a false confirmation that every thing was ok.
Now I can delete and add files to Ext ROM without problems!
Thanks all, the moved me to the rigth track.

Well after a hard reset this time I did not run the un-locker cab again, just changed the registry values. I have deleted a number of cabs, and installed two programs to the space freed by deleting the cabs. I've turned my device off for a couple of hours, and did a soft reset. So far this time my ExtROM is still there, as are my programs.
Granted this is not what I expected to occur.

dah54 said:
Well after a hard reset this time I did not run the un-locker cab again, just changed the registry values. I have deleted a number of cabs, and installed two programs to the space freed by deleting the cabs. I've turned my device off for a couple of hours, and did a soft reset. So far this time my ExtROM is still there, as are my programs.
Granted this is not what I expected to occur.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Realy strange...
That were also these comments which caused my confusion before. Now I don't know what to think anymore :?
But will follow only the procedure that works for me.
Unlocking ExtROM on this ROM, turnned to be a really tricky procedure.
For me it only works if I enter the Reg settings manually...
Any attempt to insert them with a Cab file turns into failure to unlock ExtROM. Independent if I run the unlock tool before or after, followed by a softreset :evil:

You have to edit the "Config" file.

"CLEAN" WM5 ROM?

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?
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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

Guide to Cook Extended ROM for Uni?

Hi,
looking for a guide to cook my own Ext Rom. I have looked at the Wiki, but found only tools for the Wiz. Can I use the same tools, or will I get into trouble. If there is a good Uni walk-thru available it would be highly appreciated. I already searched the forum, but did not find what I was looking for...
Thanks.

ireneus said:
Hi,
looking for a guide to cook my own Ext Rom. I have looked at the Wiki, but found only tools for the Wiz. Can I use the same tools, or will I get into trouble. If there is a good Uni walk-thru available it would be highly appreciated. I already searched the forum, but did not find what I was looking for...
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my Extended ROM but I delete stuff it in. It seems its read only. Can anyone help me clean it up? I am sure that the WM speed will increase if the Ext ROM is clean. Also how can i lock it back after i clean it?

nuclear said:
I unlocked my Extended ROM but I delete stuff it in. It seems its read only. Can anyone help me clean it up? I am sure that the WM speed will increase if the Ext ROM is clean. Also how can i lock it back after i clean it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read only? after a softreset the files are still there? so u can use extended ROM "unhider" from indra.AKU3.2.BETA5R2....so u unhide and unlock it...then delete and the files are deleted forever ;-)
see attached ZIP ;-) install / execute both on PPC

pixx said:
read only? after a softreset the files are still there? so u can use extended ROM "unhider" from indra.AKU3.2.BETA5R2....so u unhide and unlock it...then delete and the files are deleted forever ;-)
see attached ZIP ;-) install / execute both on PPC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes after a soft reset i still see the extended rom and all the files within it. The files are those Cingular and all those service providers etc and some skype and other stuff. The extended ROM is giving me 10MB of space on the device and I find it quite valuable. Rather than having it occupied by unneccessary stuff. Now this Ext-ROM unhider you speak of will let me write/read things from the Ext-ROM? Does it work with other AKU versions? Like helmi's aku 3.5? Thanks pixx

Be Careful
As always, care needs to be taken unlocking and unhiding the ExtRom. You can use the tools provided and they work well.
- First make sure to rename your 'storage card' to something else than 'storage card' since unhiding the ExtRom will make that the 'Storage Card' and your apps will not run from the SD anymore..
- It is not possible (as far as I know) to lock the ExtRom once you run the tools. But you can delete all the files inside to make it clean.
- The extended Rom space (10MB) cannnot be merge with the other storage, but you can install apps to it, or use it as storage space for attachments or whatever.
I am still lookng for a cookbook to make my own ExtRom...

ireneus said:
As always, care needs to be taken unlocking and unhiding the ExtRom. You can use the tools provided and they work well.
- First make sure to rename your 'storage card' to something else than 'storage card' since unhiding the ExtRom will make that the 'Storage Card' and your apps will not run from the SD anymore..
- It is not possible (as far as I know) to lock the ExtRom once you run the tools. But you can delete all the files inside to make it clean.
- The extended Rom space (10MB) cannnot be merge with the other storage, but you can install apps to it, or use it as storage space for attachments or whatever.
I am still lookng for a cookbook to make my own ExtRom...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright I formatted the Ext-ROM ^^ . Now that its empty i will relock it which will speed up the device right?

No (re-)lock possible afterwards... just leave it as is.

ireneus said:
No (re-)lock possible afterwards... just leave it as is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No relock possible even after a hard reset? A hard reset usually restores the device to an unmodified state but it doesnt restore the data right?

Never tried the hard reset uption so I can't tell if that will work, I flash my device about once a week with different (new) versions.
I may try next time I flash. Does anyone know?

Actually there is a way to relock the Ext ROM. I can't find the thread I read it from, but from what I remember you have to copy the registry settings BEFORE you unlock the Ext ROM. Then install Buzz's Ext ROM Unlocker. After a soft reset, the Ext ROM is now unlocked. Now customized it to your heart's content. Then cut and paste the original Registry settings to replace the new one. Another soft reset and your Ext ROM is now locked again. This is what I read from another thread. I had never tried this proceedure myself, so I can't guarantee it will work.
But, this is what I usually do whenever I customized my Ext ROMs:
1st: Install Buzz's Ext ROM Unlocker.
2nd: Soft Reset.
3rd: Customized the Ext ROM with CAB files.
4th: Perform a Hard reset to check if all the CAB files installed properly.
5th: Once I know every CAB files worked and installed properly, I now proceed with installing my other applications.
So basically, my rule whenever customizing my Ext ROM is: DO IT FIRST BEFORE INSTALLING THE REST OF YOUR APPS. This way you don't have to worry about LOCKING it afterwards.

Sounds like a plan
The next time I will apply a new ROM (probably within the next couple of days) I will try this. One more question: Do I have to backup the entire registry, or are there some specific settings I should back up?
Merry Christmas!

ireneus said:
The next time I will apply a new ROM (probably within the next couple of days) I will try this. One more question: Do I have to backup the entire registry, or are there some specific settings I should back up?
Merry Christmas!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned, I myself had not tried that approach. But to be sure, make a copy of the entire Registry and try it.
Another suggestion, if you have SPB Backup, this I already tried, so I know it works. Use SPB Backup to DO A BACKUP OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM BEFORE INSTALLING THE EXT ROM UNLOCKER. After the backup, install Ext ROM unlocker and unlock the Ext ROM. You can now customize your Ext ROM any way you want. To RELOCK it, just run SPB Backup to the BACKUP you created before you installed Ext ROM Unlocker.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

cktlcmd said:
As mentioned, I myself had not tried that approach. But to be sure, make a copy of the entire Registry and try it.
Another suggestion, if you have SPB Backup, this I already tried, so I know it works. Use SPB Backup to DO A BACKUP OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM BEFORE INSTALLING THE EXT ROM UNLOCKER. After the backup, install Ext ROM unlocker and unlock the Ext ROM. You can now customize your Ext ROM any way you want. To RELOCK it, just run SPB Backup to the BACKUP you created before you installed Ext ROM Unlocker.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Ireneus
If your purpose is just to delete the files in the "\Extended_ROM" (actual name when hidden) without unhiding it, there are a few ways, all works.
Method 1
- Google, download & install "Total Commander v2.exe" (freeware).
- In Total Commander's command line, just type \Extended_ROM , and you will see it.
- Before you do anything, suggest you copy everything to somewhere in case you need it back again.
- And now you can do anything to it. If it is really "READ" only, Total Commander also can "UNREAD" it. Think Total Commander can delete files with the "atrributes" (hidden, read, system, archive).
Method 2
- Download Helmi_c AKU3.5 V1.3, extract it, look for the ms_nbf in the Empty_Extended_rom, flash only this ms_nbf into you device, it should be empty.
Method 3 (need to unhide first)
- I am lasy to find out which Registry, so before unhide, I copied all the "Registry HKCR, HKCU & HKLM" (hidden).
- download Extrom_Unhider.cab & UNI_ext_rom_unlock.exe (should be in this forum or FTP)
- run Extrom_Unhider.cab first and following by running UNI_ext_rom_unlock.exe, you have unhide & unlock the "\ExtendedROM".
- Press POWER key to powerdown, then Soft Reset.
- You can also now copy "Registry HKCR, HKCU & HKLM" (unhidden/unlock) to different location of above "Registry HKCR, HKCU & HKLM" (hidden).
- So depend you want to hide/lock or unhide/unlock, just copy the respective set of registry. Easy.
@cktlcmd
Copy of Registry & copy back was my posting, anyway I also cannot find where it is, but it works, I tried it myself.

Empty ExtROM Storage, any good use for it?

Hi all,
I am currently using Jwright's WM6 ROM (so far so good, thanks J) and applied the ExtROM unlocker patch. I have 10MB free on this partition but not sure what to do with it.
I used to have Magician before and after emptying the ExtROM, I could use it for Program Files folder. But I dont think it's useful to do that for device with WM2005 or above.
So anyone has any idea to make use of it? Thanks.

you could put porn in there i suppose.....

I unlocked the extrom on my uni, helmi_c 1.1 rom.
However, when I delete the contents, it always re-appears. Any files copied in there, disapear.
Help.

willy792003 said:
Hi all,
I am currently using Jwright's WM6 ROM (so far so good, thanks J) and applied the ExtROM unlocker patch. I have 10MB free on this partition but not sure what to do with it.
I used to have Magician before and after emptying the ExtROM, I could use it for Program Files folder. But I dont think it's useful to do that for device with WM2005 or above.
So anyone has any idea to make use of it? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too am curious about this - is there a means of adjusting the Disk On Chip to utilise the space more effectively (as can be done on the Himalaya)?
@drsqueggy - that's what the 4Gb SD card is for
@Pyrofer - it sounds like it is un-hidden but still locked, ensure it is actually unlocked (and then search forum or start another thread if problems continue)
-sf

I gotta go with porn too.

You could put a few cabs in there of programs that you like such that if you have to 'system restore' the device, the programs auto-install for you.
It's a miniature time-saver, I guess, but I don't know if such programs could be uninstalled or upgraded when you were done.
Maybe keep one song you really, /really/ like in there?
Or porn.

how bout fonts???
and why not install progs which have today plugins/ load at start up....
a media player/photo viewer....so you can swap sd cards and still play media files..

with 10 mb porn on it, I have to be quick.

Man, 10k would be more than enough time for me... I'm over the hill

my suggestion is to make best use of the space available by storing your cab files.In case one needs to reload any application behaving strange it would help besides your storage card for other things.

willy792003 said:
So anyone has any idea to make use of it? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use this space for Internet Explorer Cache file. This can be easily done by changing the location of cache file in the registry.

is there an app that totally clean all the files that remove program left behind?

as we know on Windows PC, ADD/REMOVE programs tends to leave some registry files or some small junk files behind in the System, and we had to clean those up using some 3rd party software ( example: Your Uninstaller! 2008 )
ok so is there any software that works like that for WM? or for X1?
or is the Remove Program that comes from WM default pretty much un-install all the registry or junk files along without leaving it behind, so it's like never been installed.., because i hate to have some un-associated left overs files on my Phone even if it's just 1kb
thanks.

With the sktools you can 'really remove' apps installed on the X1. I only use this method and it feels really better than before

how does it work? it removes all the associated files along till a very "clean" uninstall?

When you click that you want to uninstall a program, the application shows you every reg-string and file that is connected to the programm. Then you can choose to delete those.

sounds like a kick ass app
thanks!

hmm, ok i need a bit of a help here
so there are a list of the types here..
which one do i install...
WM 2003(SE), WM5/WM6 Classic and Professional, (W)QVGA and (W)VGA zipped PC Install
WM 2003(SE) (W)VGA zipped CAB file unzipped CAB
WM 2003(SE) (W)QVGA zipped CAB file unzipped CAB
WM5/WM6 (W)VGA zipped CAB file unzipped CAB
WM5/WM6 (W)QVGA zipped CAB file unzipped CAB
also they have standard, lite..
what are their differences?
the only freeware is the SK Lite..

de Wolfe said:
With the sktools you can 'really remove' apps installed on the X1. I only use this method and it feels really better than before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
de wolfe... I have the SKTools and I have no idea what is the difference between standard uninstall and uninstall. What is the difference?

Standard uninstall is what it sais, the same thing windows does. The uninstall SKtools provides does the more thorough job.
You'll need "WM5/WM6 (W)VGA zipped CAB file unzipped CAB" TweFoju.

ok thanks
and another thing
it's on trial and total of 6 entries only
do you know how to make it full version?
some sort of a serial number to activate it or something?
that would be so awesome

Come on, dude. The app costs around 10€. Good investment!

TweFoju said:
ok thanks
and another thing
it's on trial and total of 6 entries only
do you know how to make it full version?
some sort of a serial number to activate it or something?
that would be so awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, buy it! You may not ask for cracks, keygens or other illegal software here.

For your info, if you go to the SKKV site, they are currently offering 50% off their products including SKTOOLS.
http://skkvsoftware.com/?m_bnews.html
I have no affliation, other than loving a bargain

alright, i decided to purchase it
so far so good
i only have a couple of newb questions left ( sorry, im not very advanced with these kind of stuffs )
all i want to know is, which of the category is safe to perform? at least for a beginner user like me that will not know what to do if something gone wrong
i mean like, there is a "Advanced Clean" that im not sure what it will delete
so far, i only used "Invalid Registry Entries", "Temporary and Junk Files", "Temporary amd Cache Folders" and of course the "Clean!"
i kinda wanna use the "Invalid Registry Values" and "Advanced Clean", but i dont know what will they delete..
i fear those 2 might delete some of the important files because the list that came out was like the Panel stuffs and all
and also i wanted to check the "Bad/Old Uninstall Info" part
but not sure what will it delete..
oh yeah and 1 more thing.. when on the "Installed Programs"
i saw some of the software that are pre-installed by SE have some 1 to 3 missing registry that is written in a red text.. is that some problem or it' just like that from the factory settings?
or is it better for me to re-install those particular software that are missing some files / registry ?
thanks again.. sorry if these are all silly questions

all i want to know is, which of the category is safe to perform? at least for a beginner user like me that will not know what to do if something gone wrong
Class I Unsafe:
Invalid Registry Entries
Invalid Registry Values
Notifications Queue
[These are dangerous because on some Xperia's they will probably delete the registry settings for Panel Manager ... they always delete my panel manager registry settings and make my panel manager not work]
[Notifications Queue ... I am not sure how unsafe it is to mess with it, but I think messing with it will make scheduled programs not work]
Class II Unsafe:
Registry Explorer
[it's not dangerous if you follow directions from pros or know exactly what you are doing]
Class III Unsafe:
Processes
Services
[if you terminate a process when it is doing something, you might cause data corruption...i terminated my media panel and it totally destroyed my library and prevented from updating the MP3, Pics, and Videos]
[services can be reverted back to original settings, unlike deleting invalid registries]
i mean like, there is a "Advanced Clean" that im not sure what it will delete
Advanced clean is absolutely safe
so far, i only used "Invalid Registry Entries", "Temporary and Junk Files", "Temporary amd Cache Folders" and of course the "Clean!"
When you deleting invalid registry entries, make sure you know deleting that entry actually is the right thing to do. If you have no idea what it does then don't delete it....
You can undo it right now by tapping on SKTools Backup
i kinda wanna use the "Invalid Registry Values" and "Advanced Clean", but i dont know what will they delete..
Advance clean is totally safe, and invalid registry values are not at all
and also i wanted to check the "Bad/Old Uninstall Info" part
Safe
i saw some of the software that are pre-installed by SE have some 1 to 3 missing registry that is written in a red text.. is that some problem or it' just like that from the factory settings?
It's missing values and you wouldn't know why, just ignore it if you're program works. I have alot of these and I have no problem

thanks for that man!! but how do we know if the registry is the panel one? i found the registrybackup folder on "My Documents"
well so far, the registry cleaner only delete 14 registry files... and i have no idea what registry file it belongs to
if only i could rep, i would

Well I try to look up for the date in which I deleted the registry.

um? sorry i dont get your meaning
what does the deletion date has anything to do ?
what i meant is that, i deleted some registry
but how do i know if which registry belong to which app?
because they are just all written in some numbers like {AIU123456} so on and on

TweFoju said:
um? sorry i dont get your meaning
what does the deletion date has anything to do ?
what i meant is that, i deleted some registry
but how do i know if which registry belong to which app?
because they are just all written in some numbers like {AIU123456} so on and on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
{AIU123456} means that the registry key is called {AIU123456}. I could be wrong. Try opening \my documents\registrybkup and copy a .rgb file into the PC and see if you can view it as a notepad.

ClearTemp (Pocket PC) 1.2.2
Download this: ClearTemp (Pocket PC) 1.2.2
works great