Develop Bugs

Themes for wm6

Hey pplz,
I am in need for some bad a$$ theme for my new 8925 wm6 pro phone. I have used the search feature on this website as well as few other websites. The picture for theme that i am lookin for is the one that on this post:
"http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=321332&highlight=Theme"
Name for the post is: [UPDATED 08-08] Schap's WM6 Pro 3.54b ROMs [WWE|FRA|GER|ESN|ITA|PTG|NLD]
Note: I have tried downloading the files under "EXTRA LINKS" and then importing them to the phone, but when i click the tsk files....it doesnt show up under "select a theme for your device: " under settings -> today..
Can some1 tell me where to download this theme, or tell me what i am doing wrong in getting this theme on this phone?
Grreatly aprriciate any1's input
FI

My current WM6 ROM won't install themes either.
Don't know if they did something to make them incompatible but I get the same problem you have.

\WINDOWS\ folder is where they should be placed...
DIE_HARD said:
My current WM6 ROM won't install themes either.
Don't know if they did something to make them incompatible but I get the same problem you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen what you're talking about. If you're running Windows Vista and trying to copy files to your device, it won't let you browse to the \WINDOWS\ folder to do anything.
Try using File Explorer and copy the file from wherever you have placed it and paste the copy in the \WINDOWS\ folder. It may also work in your My Documents folder, but I'm not 100% on that. The \WINDOWS\ folder should work though so that it shows up as an option in your "Today" options.
I use one that's got a Windows Vista Ultimate feel to it and like it a lot.... it's called BLGLOSS.TSK and I hope that my file attachment worked! I'm still quite the n00b at this stuff but have been madly cooking roms with Pandora, etc.... good stuff.

So basically what your saying is the automated install when you run a .tsk from any location no longer happens and you have to manually put it in a system folder for it to show up in the theme's list?
EDIT:
Yup apparently that is the issue! Theme's don't copy themselves when you run them from a memory card or wherever anymore.

If you don't fancy your themes clogging up your /WINDOWS/ folder (and who does?), they work just as well when dropped in the root of your /STORAGE CARD/. Note, if you put them in a folder in the storage card they won't get picked up under the Today setting, you must just drop them in the root.
With my themes in my Storage card's root, and my ringtones in my Storage Card's My Documents folder, the only file I have to copy to Windows now after a reset is the one I use for my alarm!
Personally, my favourite theme wesbite is here: http://www.pocketpcthemes.com/category.aspx?CategoryID=9&ttype=11 but make sure you've got "WM5 QVGA" selected in the drop down at the top or you'll end up with ones that don't work on landscape.

DIE_HARD said:
So basically what your saying is the automated install when you run a .tsk from any location no longer happens and you have to manually put it in a system folder for it to show up in the theme's list?
EDIT:
Yup apparently that is the issue! Theme's don't copy themselves when you run them from a memory card or wherever anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so wait were u able to make ur phone install the theme u wanted after you moved it manually to the windows folder or the root of ur storage ?

ok, i got the themes to show up under Setting->Today, but the theme doesnt look like how its suppose to....the theme that i posted on the original post shows a very big time on the today screen, when i set it on mine, the time doesnt even show up....only things like the background change....any ideas?

Fastindy, I think you may have got themes on PPCs mixed up with those on Smartphones. When you change a theme on a Smartphone, it affects the picture on the Today screen, as well as what info is shown on it and where. This means a Smartphone theme will have clocks, SMS counters, etc built into it.
A PPC theme, on the other hand, affects only the background picture, top and bottom bar colour scheme, and the Start drop down background picture. What info is actually displayed on the screen is determined by Today plug-ins - these are the things that show the clocks, SMS counters, calendar appointments, and so on.
On the Schaps ROM you linked to in the first post, the clock showing on the today screens is the HTC Home plug-in. It's available here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=327646 but I don't know if this is the newest/best version as personally I don't use (takes up too much of my screen for my liking).
Hope that helps.

if you go into folder options and tell it to show hidden files folders and drives, and untick hide protected operating system files then you will be able to see the windows folder from your computer.

Changing application icons - possible workaround?

So, I'm well-aware that the reason icons can't be changed easily on the Android home screen is because the icon image is stored in the APK file, and editing that image is, essentially, near impossible.
However, I had an idea that could potentially fix that problem, and I'm just curious how realistic the solution is:
As most G1 users know, AnyCut is a great application that can allow a user to create a shortcut to any number of actions on the phone. These shortcuts are customizable by name, and, for the time being, have a limited number of icons, one for each shortcut type.
I also recall using an app several months ago to change the icons of bookmarks (Bookmark 2, I believe it was called). With this app, a user could choose exactly what their icons would look like on the home screen, except, of course, that these icons could only link to bookmarks.
By combining these two applications, wouldn't an icon changer be quite possible?
Using this same methodology, wouldn't it be possible to create "shortcuts" to applications on the home screen, and thus, allow the user to rename apps and change their icons, at least on the desktop? I know that the icons would not be changed in the pull-out drawer or elsewhere on the system, but wouldn't this be a temporary workaround, until a better solution is reached? I have quite a few programs with horrendous icons, and it really takes away from the aesthetic of the home screen.
Again, all I'm asking is if there's a way to place a shortcut to an APK on the desktop, and preferably to customize that shortcut's icon, not the actual apps.

It is possible to edit .apk's and change the icons. Just look at the forum for theams.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=450

soundwire said:
It is possible to edit .apk's and change the icons. Just look at the forum for theams.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=450
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I know that the icons can be edited in a theme, but can non-stock icons be edited as well?
And also, my concern with that is that it seems like a lot of work to update a theme everytime a new app appears on the market. I'm a little OCD, so if I were able to change all the icons on my home screen, I would want them all to be absolutely uniform (like the themes' icons are). However, if a new, super-useful app were to appear on the market, and I absolutely needed it on my home screen, it would seem much easier to simply add an image to my phone, and make a shortcut using that image, than to have to edit an APK, resign the entire package, and reflash the phone each time. While I know my way around the G1, and I'm comfortable with basic rooting, I am by no means a developer, and just like most G1 users, I would probably be more comfortable making shortcuts than updating firmware.
Do you understand where I'm coming from?

I too, would also like to know how to change "non-stock" app icons. Bump.

jayaustn said:
Well, I know that the icons can be edited in a theme, but can non-stock icons be edited as well?
And also, my concern with that is that it seems like a lot of work to update a theme everytime a new app appears on the market. I'm a little OCD, so if I were able to change all the icons on my home screen, I would want them all to be absolutely uniform (like the themes' icons are). However, if a new, super-useful app were to appear on the market, and I absolutely needed it on my home screen, it would seem much easier to simply add an image to my phone, and make a shortcut using that image, than to have to edit an APK, resign the entire package, and reflash the phone each time. While I know my way around the G1, and I'm comfortable with basic rooting, I am by no means a developer, and just like most G1 users, I would probably be more comfortable making shortcuts than updating firmware.
Do you understand where I'm coming from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have yet to try this, but (provided you have root), you should be able to use adb to pull the apk for an app off your phone, edit it as described, and push it back to the same place. I will give this a go tomorrow, as I'm rather sleepy, and it's probably not a good thing to mess about with superuser stuff when I can't think straight.
If there's any flaws in my theory, I'd be happy to hear them.

RE: Changeing Icons!
I have a video on you tube on how to change icons. Here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnV_d9b22E
Hope you enjoy and your able to Change Your Icons.
Good Luck!

bms122223 said:
I have a video on you tube on how to change icons. Here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnV_d9b22E
Hope you enjoy and your able to Change Your Icons.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video doesnt show you how to change "non-stock" app icons, only icons for the original apps.

Well, I kind of figured out how to change the non-stock icons. But got stuck at the end...here's what I did...
1) Install/Open Astro.
2) Back up the app you want to change the icon for.
3) Grab that backup apk file off of your sdcard and put it on your computer.
4) Open it with Winrar.
5) Go to the proper folder and drag your new icon into the folder.
6) Close Winrar and move the apk back to your sdcard.
...this is where I get stuck, I know the icon changed because I can see it when I TRY to install the app. But the app doesnt want to install, it says "install unsuccesful". I'm guessing it needs to be signed?

I have used astro as well, I even signed the apk the same way I sign themes and no luck.

ultra spikey said:
Well, I kind of figured out how to change the non-stock icons. But got stuck at the end...here's what I did...
1) Install/Open Astro.
2) Back up the app you want to change the icon for.
3) Grab that backup apk file off of your sdcard and put it on your computer.
4) Open it with Winrar.
5) Go to the proper folder and drag your new icon into the folder.
6) Close Winrar and move the apk back to your sdcard.
...this is where I get stuck, I know the icon changed because I can see it when I TRY to install the app. But the app doesnt want to install, it says "install unsuccesful". I'm guessing it needs to be signed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're real close; once you replace the icon you need you need to delete META-INF folder then zip it back up, rename file extension to .apk and sign it with the test keys like the stock .apk. The META-INF is where the signature info is kept from the original author, you need to delete this so it doesn't conflict with the test keys.

Geo411m said:
You're real close; once you replace the icon you need you need to delete META-INF folder then zip it back up, rename file extension to .apk and sign it with the test keys like the stock .apk. The META-INF is where the signature info is kept from the original author, you need to delete this so it doesn't conflict with the test keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will that a try. So this also mean that if author updates .apk file we will not be able to install update? Similar to google RC30 updates, we have to wait for JF to modify it.

johnowa636 said:
I will that a try. So this also mean that if author updates .apk file we will not be able to install update? Similar to google RC30 updates, we have to wait for JF to modify it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed; this might be a problem.
I mean, opening up the APK files is definitely a start, but it seems the shortcut approach I mentioned earlier is just so much easier. Shortcuts would allow basic users to change icons effortlessly and without fear of ruining the app, and the process could be just as easy as Bookmark 2, if a developer took charge, no?

ultra spikey said:
Well, I kind of figured out how to change the non-stock icons. But got stuck at the end...here's what I did...
1) Install/Open Astro.
2) Back up the app you want to change the icon for.
3) Grab that backup apk file off of your sdcard and put it on your computer.
4) Open it with Winrar.
5) Go to the proper folder and drag your new icon into the folder.
6) Close Winrar and move the apk back to your sdcard.
...this is where I get stuck, I know the icon changed because I can see it when I TRY to install the app. But the app doesnt want to install, it says "install unsuccesful". I'm guessing it needs to be signed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would like to verify that this method works to change non-stock apps without pushing files or inserting apps into updates. i used 7zip but i'd imagine winrar will work fine as well. just remember to delete the entire metainf folder, not just its contents. once you have your .apk, re-sign it using stericson's auto-sign utility and you'll be able to install the app through astro.
i should also note that i deleted all instance of the unmodified app from my sdcard. i uninstalled it and deleted the backup on my sd card. this may or may not be necessary, but i just wanted to take precautions.

I've given this method a try, and it seems simply too complicated for a moderate user like me. Wouldn't the shortcut method I mentioned be so much easier to quickly change home screen icons? Would any of the developers on this forum be interested in throwing such an app together? I'd gladly donate some money if a good app was able to take care of this problem.

what are you having trouble with, exactly? i'm far from an advanced user myself, but this is probably one of the easier things to do on the g1, probably second to flashing themes.
though i will say that there are a few apps that i can't change icons for. chomp and cubik have installed but force close when opened.
i have a feeling it's something to do with the signing the apk's, but like i said, i'm not an advanced user at all.

TruLuvNvrDies said:
what are you having trouble with, exactly? i'm far from an advanced user myself, but this is probably one of the easier things to do on the g1, probably second to flashing themes.
though i will say that there are a few apps that i can't change icons for. chomp and cubik have installed but force close when opened.
i have a feeling it's something to do with the signing the apk's, but like i said, i'm not an advanced user at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened up the APK using WinRAR, replaced the icon.png with my icon of choice, and then I'm stuck. I known I have to auto-sign the APK, but am not exactly sure how. I have Stericson's auto-signer tool, and used command 4 to manually enter the APK path, but once I do that I get a bunch of errors. If need be, I can copy down the exact error I get.

ultra spikey said:
Video doesnt show you how to change "non-stock" app icons, only icons for the original apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice video!

jayaustn said:
I opened up the APK using WinRAR, replaced the icon.png with my icon of choice, and then I'm stuck. I known I have to auto-sign the APK, but am not exactly sure how. I have Stericson's auto-signer tool, and used command 4 to manually enter the APK path, but once I do that I get a bunch of errors. If need be, I can copy down the exact error I get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you probably need to delete the contents of the meta-inf folder. there should be three files in there, delete them all. if you extracted the contents of the .apk, zip them back up with an .apk extension. if you didn't extract them, you're at the last step, which is to re-sign the .apk. you don't actually need to manually re-sign the file through the console on stericson's re-signer. just right-click the .apk file and at the very top, there should be an option that says "resign .apk". click on that and your app will be re-signed and ready for an install attempt.
though, as i said before, this method is not 100%. of the 6 apps that i modified so far, i was only successful with 4 of them. even if you do all of the steps correctly, you might not have a working app at the end. the apps will install but will automatically force close when launched. i don't know what causes this, actually, and any suggestions would be appreciated.

I agree with the OP, while it is easy enough to edit the apks, resign them, copy them back onto your phone it would be far more elegant (IMHO) if you could have an application that allowed you to copy "Icon Packs" onto your SDCard, and then add links to applications on your home screen giving you a choice of icons from the aforementioned "Icon Pack".
Theme developers could then distribute the "Icon Pack" with the theme, and end users could easily add custom icons to your home screen from your phone without having to mess about on a PC.

liamw said:
I agree with the OP, while it is easy enough to edit the apks, resign them, copy them back onto your phone it would be far more elegant (IMHO) if you could have an application that allowed you to copy "Icon Packs" onto your SDCard, and then add links to applications on your home screen giving you a choice of icons from the aforementioned "Icon Pack".
Theme developers could then distribute the "Icon Pack" with the theme, and end users could easily add custom icons to your home screen from your phone without having to mess about on a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what everyone wants is Anycut that can do custom icons.

[04-05-2009][TF3D][WIP][Tutorial] Skinning Manila - The compendium

--- Introduction ---
Work in progress!!
Since the first day Manila was released people got interesting in making it their own. From there a lot has changed and the way it can be edited has revolutionized.
Many X1 users installed either a ROM with TF3D(/TF3D2) or the separate CAB installation, editing it is very useful to us too.
Now, I'm trying to share "the power" to modify it and make it your own, to then share it with everyone else!
This guide will teach you the basics to make it happen. Basic computer skills are definitely required, some image editing skills make it much easier as well. Good luck!
--- Tools ---
There are several tools you can use for the different steps in the process. I will try to list at least two options for each step. What I use myself is listed green.
First thing you need is an editor that can open and modify the manila skin files;
CFC GUI - Thread - Direct download.
Manila Editor - Thread - Direct download
Then there's actually editing the images;
Adobe Photoshop - Website * Costs 700$ *
GIMP - Website - Direct download
And a proper file explorer;
Total Explorer - Website - Direct Download
Resco File Explorer - Website * Costs 30$ *
--- Files ---
Naturally, you need to find the files to work with. You can do this with CFC GUI (version 0.50 and higher),with a file explorer on your phone or with a PPC controller.
To be able to see the Hidden and System files, you need a proper file explorer (The built-in explorer does not suffice).
With Total Commander, you can move all the manila files to a folder on your storage card. When you've done so, you'll be able to find them when you connect your phone to your PC.
Personally, I use SOTI Pocket Controller - Website. This application costs 36$. Here you can use the application's file explorer, which allows you to see all files on your device.
The files you need are QTC, Mode9 and LUA files. HTC gave every file a coded filename. You're looking for all the files ranging between 00157c97_manila and 7ff2cb82_manila. You only need the files that end with "_manila".
CFC GUI can parse which files are the QTC (image) files you need.
--- Glossary ---
PPC: Pocket Personal Computer
QTC: The file format HTC uses for their images
CFC: Chainfire's Compression (See his thread for more info)
PNG: Portable Network Graphics
--- Acknowledgements ---
Chainfire - CFC GUI and all his great work on Manila.
Sushilange & D-MAN666 - Manila Editor and other manila apps.

--- Guide ---
Step 1 - Opening up your editor.
Start CFC GUI and go to file - Select folder (F3). Navigate towards the folder that contains the files you extracted earlier. CFC GUI will start parsing all the files and when it's done show a list of all the QTC files in that folder. Here comes the tricky part. You need to find the file(s) that you wish to edit! Luckily, Chainfire has categorized most of the files for you already.
Step 2 - Extracting the PNG.
When you've found the file you need, select it in the list on the left. Now, to edit it, you'll need to extract it to a PNG file, so you've got a sort of template. On the bottom right of the CFC GUI screen, you'll see several buttons. Click "Save as". A dialog will appear, asking where you wish to save the file. Save the file somewhere convenient, as in the next step, you'll have to navigate towards it.
Step 3 - Opening up the image editor.
In this guide, we'll be using GIMP to edit the PNG files. Fire up the application (first time it'll load a bit longer, searching for files). If you're not used to working with image editing tools, it might seem a bit daunting at first, as there's so many options on the screen. Fear not, you'll get used to most (if not all) of them just by tinkering around with them.
In the top left, click "File" and then "Open". A dialog will appear, which asks you what to open. Navigate towards to folder where you previously extracted the PNG file to. Open it up and let it load. Tada! You have the converted QTC manila file right there, all yours to edit!
Step 4 - Editing the file.
This part is where it gets as complicated as you like it to be. If you wish to make something from scratch, I recommend using GIMP's tutorials to familiarize yourself with the tool. You can find the tutorials here.
Now, assuming you've already created a nice image you wish to use in your skin, first you'll have to open that up. GIMP will open a new window for each file you open, so try and keep track of what goes where! If you want to copy (parts) of your existing image over to the skin file, you can use the "select" tools to select the part you need (yeah, really..). Holding down the "shift" key while selecting lets you select multiple parts (it keeps the current selection whilst adding the thing you select next). Having done that, you can "copy" your selection using either the tab "Edit" and then "Copy", or just "CTRL+C". Now select the skin file's window and use "Edit" and then "Paste", or "CTRL+V". Voila, there it is, on top of the previous skin file.
This is because GIMP (as well as photoshop) uses Layers. This basically means that a single picture can consist of several pictures (layers) on top of eachother. This is convenient, as you'll be able to combine many elements into a single picture, and choose what's on top. You can find the Layers in one of the frames that popped up when you started GIMP (probably on the right of the screen). If you wish to not use one of the layers in the image (for instance the original one), click on the eye icon which you will find before the layer (look for the preview images). Now, you'll only see the image you pasted on top of the original. Use the original image to properly align your new image (especially useful for for instance icons).
Step 5 - Finishing up the PNG.
Now you have edited the file(s) to your needs, it's time to get them back into your manila to see what they look like on your phone! To do this, first you have to save the new image you created properly. Click "File" and then "Save as". A dialog pops up (if it pops up being really small, just drag the corner to see all of it's contents), which asks you where and how to save the file. Normally, GIMP will automatically save the file the way it was when you opened it (when extracted like described above, it'll be fine). If, however, for some reason you made a new file, make sure you press the + icon before "Select File Type", and select "PNG File". When saving, a dialog might pop up, that the PNG plugin can't handle layers. This is logical, as the image file will have to be converted back to a single image. To do this, select "Merge Visible Layers". (photoshop does this automagically). Next, you click "Export" or "Save" to continue. Then, another dialog pops up, asking for some options. Here, you don't want to modify any of the options, just press "save" and it should be fine.
Step 6 - Importing the file back into the QTC
You´re almost done, it´s time to prepare your QTC file for usage. Switch back to CFC GUI and as described above, navigate towards the folder where your QTC files are located. In the list, select the file you modified so you can preview it. On the bottom right of the CFC GUI window, now you´re looking for the "Replace with" button. When you press it, a dialog pops up, asking for a PNG file. At this point, you'll probably have guessed it - navigate to your modified PNG file, select it and click "Open". The QTC file is now modified!
Step 7 - Finishing up
After all your hard work, you'll probably agree it's time to put it into action. You've modified a QTC file, but it's still hiding amongst it's friends, in the folder you left it after copying it from your phone. It won't be hard to find, as you extracted a PNG from the QTC file earlier. This PNG will will have the exact same filename as the modified QTC file, except for the extension (duh..). So, look for that filename in the folder and place it in a seperate folder, again, easy for you to find. From there, copy it to your storage card and finally, from your phone, copy it from your storage card to your windows folder. If it asks if you wish to overwrite, tap "yes". Most changes won't be visible right away. The easiest way is to reset your phone, by holding down the power button, turning it off and then turning it back on. When it powers up and you see your TF3D interface, you'll be overjoyed to see your very own edited image right there!

--- Tips & Tricks ---
- CFC GUI can take care of many of the functions manually described above, for instance extracting the files from your device, and copying the modified files back. This function however, is currently still being tested.
- Warning: Works only if TF3D is in the ROM you installed! If you made a change, but would like the original image back, just delete the file from your windows folder and it'll revert to the original ROM file.

Reserved
I will be reserving this post for future use.
For now, I'd like to see comments, additions and much, much more!

so far so good
nothing to edit yet!
geep it up brow..
maybe let people know that if you want to colour exsisting manila files (as the highlights) it's best to use a gradiant (in photoshop: image- adjustments- gradiant map)
good luck with the rest of it

Thanks, though it doesn't look like many people are interested (anymore?).

Angelusz said:
Thanks, though it doesn't look like many people are interested (anymore?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey angelusz of corse evryones interested.
i have to just suggest two things
if ur wondering y no one is repllying or saying anything bout this onederful tutorial it is because ur tutorial lacks pictures.
people like to see descriptive images.just do that and evryone will love it
better post a video
second
ur doina great job and plz dnt leave this incomplete or loose interest in it.when u finish we will get it made sticky.it will help anser a lot of questions for new users who need the help of senior members.personally i would like to add to tutorial later when u come to more advanced stuff like modenine editing with lua and script.
carry on the great work
cheers
rotastrain

Angelusz said:
Thanks, though it doesn't look like many people are interested (anymore?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for my part i already got the basic idea of what i should do. i know it's gonna sound crazy but i'v never photo edit anything before lol. im totally lost in all this lol.so because of that it's held me back from customizing. however i have ask a friend to help but he's just busy and i hate to ask him to take time for these little projects of mine. just to give you an idea of what i did already.
*cfc gui
*manila editor
*m9 editor
*the gimp software-tried to tinkle with it a bit but FAILED. have not read simple tutorial section yet. should get to it sometimes
*extracted the manila files and converted it to .png file
a tutorial picture using gimp (since it's the only photo editing software i've ever mess with) would be great too. it's not the easiest to just make time and do all this, but if anyone can i'd appreciate it. thanks guys

Alrighty then. I'll be adding some pictures soon. Rotas, feel free to write a part on editing mode9 files. I can cover the basics, but have too little knowledge to really go into it yet.

Thanks
Angelusz,
Don't loose heart I'm so grateful for coming across this tutorial, as I've yet to find a theme that suites what I want. Much appreciated.

You're welcome. Good to see that someone uses this. Though, I won't be pumping in more time until more people request it. It's a waste to do a lot of effort for only a few people.

Thanks for this little guide Angelusz. Just out of interest, is it possible to also change the colour of the dialler using this method?
Going to give this a shot today, and see what I can come up with ^^

No, the dialer's buttons are embedded in a DLL file. If this sparks enough interest, I could create a guide how to edit DLL's as well (for usage in task bars as well).
Though, not many people have shown their appreciation for this guide either, so it's unlikely.

Angelusz said:
No, the dialer's buttons are embedded in a DLL file. If this sparks enough interest, I could create a guide how to edit DLL's as well (for usage in task bars as well).
Though, not many people have shown their appreciation for this guide either, so it's unlikely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I would certainly be interested at least, for a guide on how to edit the DLL's and extract the PNGs from them etc. If at least for personal use. After that, I might *might* have the time and patience to do something for the xda community ^^
It would be nice, if we could have skinned diallers to make the highlights that knaplullig has done
Hope you can find the time so make a quick guide on editing DLLs.

very interesting

Dialer Skinning
I'd appreciate a dialer skinning tut as I have yet to come across a noob friendly guide. This is the best guide I've found for manilla skinning. Thanks, I hope their is more interest to get some more info. Will just have to hope...

your tut is much appreciated. would love it having kind of a sticky thread with thousands of different skins like in diamond forum. i will try something by chance and share it with u

madindehead said:
Well, I would certainly be interested at least, for a guide on how to edit the DLL's and extract the PNGs from them etc. If at least for personal use. After that, I might *might* have the time and patience to do something for the xda community ^^
It would be nice, if we could have skinned diallers to make the highlights that knaplullig has done
Hope you can find the time so make a quick guide on editing DLLs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=520831
Help me customize my Dialer

okay im willing to work on some TF3D THEMES but how can i pack them into a cab for the users here ?
i mean,
i make all edited manila files in one cab, so they only need to install it..
how does this work ?

Angelusz said:
No, the dialer's buttons are embedded in a DLL file. If this sparks enough interest, I could create a guide how to edit DLL's as well (for usage in task bars as well).
Though, not many people have shown their appreciation for this guide either, so it's unlikely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey angelusz,
seing the morose n cold response to this wonderfull tutorial i really dont see any point in posting any tutes in advanced manila editing

Remove "Today" from WM6.5 start menu

When pressing the start menu you obviously get a list of the shortcuts in the \windows\start menu\programs folder. However, where in the heck is the "Today" link coming from that seems to only close the start menu? I want that puppy gone Registry? I don't know where to even start looking there

Not sure how to get it gone but I think if you tap-N-hold you can send it to the bottom

iggy said:
Not sure how to get it gone but I think if you tap-N-hold you can send it to the bottom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i think i could do that, but what fun is that hehe. i wanna hack it out of there baby!!

I would like to remove it also. Completely useless when you have a home key.

have u tried going to /windows/startmenu looking for this icon with file explorer and choosing "read only" and "hidden" under properties?

Try going to HKLM\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start and deleting the Today group of registry keys. Don't forget to soft reset.

Farmer Ted said:
Try going to HKLM\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start and deleting the Today group of registry keys. Don't forget to soft reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didnt work

Huh, I think it's impossible, but you can try to use one of the SPB softwares to make your Today screen more like your Start Menu

nathanpc said:
Huh, I think it's impossible, but you can try to use one of the SPB softwares to make your Today screen more like your Start Menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
impossible is a pretty strong word Not going to use SPB, I don't dig it. Something is putting the icon there so I will be patient and see if anyone finds the answer

Baronic said:
have u tried going to /windows/startmenu looking for this icon with file explorer and choosing "read only" and "hidden" under properties?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i did look with the "show all files" checked. not sure what else you mean

ok found a work around use hcomber to change the icon to a transparent png LMAO. I know i know, not ideal but if you move it to the bottom of the start menu and make it invisible well.... out of sight out of mind. This isn't solved obviously, but its a start.

Hi Mallman
This is my workaround: there's more icons than the home that I don't want to see, so I added a folder in the start menu and I moved all of them to this folder I called Unused.
This way I don't remove or tamper with icons that I might need later, and I have a smaller menu.
By the way I didn't test the possibility to make this folder hidden, here's another possibility if you want to explore it...

Has a fix for this ever been found or is this a dead thread?

I know how to do it but my instructions are at home. it involve's opening the shellres file with reshack and overwriting the words start with blank spaces.. i'll be back tnight with those instructions for you.

dharvey4651 said:
Has a fix for this ever been found or is this a dead thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess we wont know if it is dead or not, until Josh releases his secret...

ai6908 said:
I guess we wont know if it is dead or not, until Josh releases his secret...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spoke with Josh about this and he thought it was to remove the start word from the task bar when I think he wants to remove the today icon from the start menu.

Please.
I want to remove the start word. It occupy my precious screen asset.

henrik.dk said:
Please.
I want to remove the start word. It occupy my precious screen asset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Unsign your shellres.dll.0409.mui
2. Open it in one of these three Reshack / PE Explorer / Restoratorand go to string value 321 and change the name from Start to whatever you want. If you want it blank add 5 spaces
3. Save your modified file
4. Open MssignerorMultiple file Signer
· click Start sign Process (for MFS follow directions in the link)
· a window will pop-up with "Process finished!"
· You will see a that a text file has been create for your shellres on your desktop
· Open the text file, if you see "Warning: This file is signed, but not timestamped, Succeeded" you know the file was signed.
5. Transfer the modified file to your SD card
6. Open TC and navigate to the /Windows and rename your old file to "shellres.dll.0409.mui.bak"
7. Move your modified file from your SD card into the /Windows
8. Soft Reset

Thank you. Man.
zelendel said:
1. Unsign your shellres.dll.0409.mui
2. Open it in one of these three Reshack / PE Explorer / Restoratorand go to string value 321 and change the name from Start to whatever you want. If you want it blank add 5 spaces
3. Save your modified file
4. Open MssignerorMultiple file Signer
· click Start sign Process (for MFS follow directions in the link)
· a window will pop-up with "Process finished!"
· You will see a that a text file has been create for your shellres on your desktop
· Open the text file, if you see "Warning: This file is signed, but not timestamped, Succeeded" you know the file was signed.
5. Transfer the modified file to your SD card
6. Open TC and navigate to the /Windows and rename your old file to "shellres.dll.0409.mui.bak"
7. Move your modified file from your SD card into the /Windows
8. Soft Reset
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

tito12 said:
Hi Mallman
This is my workaround: there's more icons than the home that I don't want to see, so I added a folder in the start menu and I moved all of them to this folder I called Unused.
This way I don't remove or tamper with icons that I might need later, and I have a smaller menu.
By the way I didn't test the possibility to make this folder hidden, here's another possibility if you want to explore it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not a bad idea only this will not touch the today icon. its isnt a file in the start menu.

[Q] replacing a deleted icon in start menu

Hi all
after some great advice from miami_son I have managed to sort out the mess that was my programs start up page.
sadly i also managed to delete the link file for the file explorer program
try as i might (and being very thick) i cant get it back.
can anyone point me in the direction (or tell me how to do it) to get the file link back
many thanks in advance

Use Total Commander to locate fexplore.exe in the \windows directory and select it with a single click. Click on file in lower left corner of Total Commander to bring up the menu. Click on >>>>>> and then click on create shortcut. Use the tree function to place the file in \windows\startmenu\programs.

Follow Kevin's instructions, works for any .exe file you want to create a shortcut for. But I would just skip creating one for that particular file. For one, Total Commander is a much better file explorer and can do more, and the OEM file explorer can cause you to delete things by accident if you aren't real careful.

Miami_Son said:
Follow Kevin's instructions, works for any .exe file you want to create a shortcut for. But I would just skip creating one for that particular file. For one, Total Commander is a much better file explorer and can do more, and the OEM file explorer can cause you to delete things by accident if you aren't real careful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, but I think that many programs use the file explorer to open files, rather than opening it themselves. Or at least this appears to be the case.

stevedebi said:
I'm not sure, but I think that many programs use the file explorer to open files, rather than opening it themselves. Or at least this appears to be the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He didn't delete the program, just the shortcut for it. Once you have Total Commander installed you no longer need the stock shortcut. Like I said, TC is a much better file explorer.

You guys are just brilliant!!!!
Thanks so very much
was on the verge of hard resetting the device to start again!!
thanks again

Me again
new phone ( old one was stolen) so now i have to delete the shortcuts again
try as i mighti cant remember and i have done a search with no joy
so if someone could help me out (again)
I would be so grateful
thanks

stringman said:
Me again
new phone ( old one was stolen) so now i have to delete the shortcuts again
try as i mighti cant remember and i have done a search with no joy
so if someone could help me out (again)
I would be so grateful
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Delete which shortcuts? Most shortcuts that you see in the start menu are listed in \Windows\Start Menu\Programs\.

its the shortcut icons in the programs page
it is accesse by the windows button
its got facebook icons windows market place icones etc
its the icons i want to dump

stringman said:
its the shortcut icons in the programs page
it is accesse by the windows button
its got facebook icons windows market place icones etc
its the icons i want to dump
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The shortcuts (*.lnk files) are located in \Windows\Start Menu\Programs.
The icons for the programs are located (normally) in \Windows.

thanks so how do i delete them?
sorry i know i am being thick

stringman said:
thanks so how do i delete them?
sorry i know i am being thick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long press and select delete.

using what programme
Thanks

stringman said:
using what programme
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any file browser application on the device. File Explorer is on every ROM. You could even do it from your PC if you rather.

Install Total Commander. Unzip file, connect device to PC, run the EXE file.

thanks miami son
am i correct in thinking ( from the advice you gave me about a year ago) that you cant actually delete the program but you can delete the icon file (png?)
thanks all

stringman said:
thanks miami son
am i correct in thinking ( from the advice you gave me about a year ago) that you cant actually delete the program but you can delete the icon file (png?)
thanks all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you're just trying to remove some links from your start menu. Is that correct? If it is, then just navigate to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs and delete the ones you don't want to appear in the Start Menu. In File Explorer, tap and hold on the one you want to delete until the menu pops up. Select delete and then tap yes. In Total Commander, do the exact same thing. I don't think I can explain that better without making a video of it.

well i would like to delete the progs but I was under the impression that they were installed on the rom and, as such, they cannot be deleted
(certainly when you delete the icon and then do a hard reset the icon re appears)
i will try to combine (my bad) memory and the instructions and see where i can go
thanks all

stringman said:
well i would like to delete the progs but I was under the impression that they were installed on the rom and, as such, they cannot be deleted
(certainly when you delete the icon and then do a hard reset the icon re appears)
i will try to combine (my bad) memory and the instructions and see where i can go
thanks all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't uninstall apps that are cooked into the ROM whether you use stock or custom ROMs. Deleting the link files as I've instructed will prevent them from showing up in your start menu. If you hard reset, they will be right back where they started.

Thanks for all your help guys
i can start to sort out the phone now
thanks again