hi guys,
I've been following all the different threads and topics for a while and it has been a very nice friendly place to be in.
Anyhow.. i would like to know if someone can direct me to how to make a cab file which will input all my setting, owner name, install program a, b, c, d, e, f, g and etc then will fix up the registry key and enter all the serials i have brought in the past. This way i don't have to reinstall each program (both cab and exe) again after upgrade the ROM
I'musing Black 2.5 atm and looking forward to get balck 3 today
Thanks guys
Ditto!
I think such app would be very useful for all of us beta testers
Or taster of new flavours!
Maybe our chefs already has something like this that they use!
Some are in the works
JJ and walshieau are working on projects similar to this.
JJ has "Pimp my Black" which is HTweakC on steriods and walshieau is building an app that will restore your carrier settings.
Loading apps back on are easy, as long as you sync with a PC. They never uninstall from your PC, just simply re-check the ones you want to reload on your device and there they are again.
Backup programs like SPB and Sprite have known issues between builds, as I'm sure you know since you posted as if you've read the forums on this subject. Kudos.
It would be really cool if JJ and walshieau would combine forces and make that one killer app for all customizations to be saved to a file and restored once flashed, and if a customization were to have a format or length issue, then toss an error and let the user know. (hint, program spec??? )
I keep a backup on storage card of each of the roms I've tried...just in case.....I wonder if this is misguided somehow.
Thanks.
This is my current method:
put all the cab files (inc carrier setting -offline by walshieau) in the storage card and also along with all the serial numbers in there.
I tended to do things on the go (out of the house/ no pc) so if i happened to flash my phone before i leave my house then i will be able to install all the apps back by the time i get to work. Altho it's a lengthy instalaltion process (swapping the apps, folder, serial number, folder, app, enter rego).
i actually i was going to ask so if SPB backup and other back up will not work properly right? Say, i am using black 2.5 and backup here.... then upgrade to black 3 version then if i use restore program.. it will restore me back to 2.5 instad of 3 ... is this information correct? i read it somewhere....
I used SBP backup on Black 2.0 and then flashed 2.5 and restored from the 2.0 backup. It worked and shows the new com manager skin but it reports as 2.0 in the "about" screen so I know that this isn't the right way to go. Knowing that 3.0 was comming soon and considering that the device works great I've left it this way.
When 3.0 comes out I will load my apps and data without SBP. Then after it's up I will make a backup of the fresh 3.0 installation.
i am interested in such tools too although using the Dopod D810 aka Trinity.
RemE said:
I used SBP backup on Black 2.0 and then flashed 2.5 and restored from the 2.0 backup. It worked and shows the new com manager skin but it reports as 2.0 in the "about" screen so I know that this isn't the right way to go. Knowing that 3.0 was comming soon and considering that the device works great I've left it this way.
When 3.0 comes out I will load my apps and data without SBP. Then after it's up I will make a backup of the fresh 3.0 installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Sprite 5.1 and it does the backup and migration from Black 2.0 to 2.5 very well only have to redo my Wifi and Email settings, all my apps works fine. The FAQ to do it is available at Sprite's website on doing devie upgrade or OS upgrades with Sprite and WM5, works fine with WM6
Be aware that SPB Backup and Sprite Backup cant restore backups on different ROM's. Mobile Backup 2007 says it can but I havent tried it yet..
Dunno if I can post the follwing link but its the place you can get Mobile Backup:
http://www.ipmart-forum.com/showthread.php?t=157755&highlight=mobile+backup
I have Sprite but last time I used it on WM5 after a hard reset, it would not restore my data So I dumped it and went with SPB which has worked flawlessly ever since. I just don't see how any backup would work properly when restoring onto a different rom, I got away with it but I know that it's not 100% right now.
i was thinking of making my own cab file where specific to install
A, B, C, D....... G software (cab files), then install carrier setting, patch all the serial numbers to each softwares, change the look and all the setting in WM6 to match my like... damn it sound so hard and i don't even know how to make a cab file...
is something like this possible to learn?
I am slowly reducing the number of cabs I need to keep on my storage card by combining and creating them with my set ups.
As I have limited knowledge, this involves using sktracker to see exactly what changes were made in the registry when I changed a setting, and then using cabmanager to create a cab containing the reg settings (or say for spb weather, adding the changes to the original cab).
I understand that patching in the serials is not straightforward as it is not meant to be easy by design.
Am having trouble with some settings like email account setup, but am working through others.
crazyC: Im having the same trouble with email accounts. It doesnt look like they are saved in the registry settings, must be in the database somewhere.
Also if you add your own registry settings to the original Cab files do you know what order things are done? ie. if it writes your reg file then installs the app it might overwrite yours.
senergy said:
crazyC: Im having the same trouble with email accounts. It doesnt look like they are saved in the registry settings, must be in the database somewhere.
Also if you add your own registry settings to the original Cab files do you know what order things are done? ie. if it writes your reg file then installs the app it might overwrite yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't know anything about creating the database entries so am going to have to leave that.
As for the second point - I am kind of winging it so to speak, so no I don't realy know.....
As I said, am most pleased with my custom SPB weather cab, as this installs the BBC template and sets up my work and home locations as the two tabs, linking off the bbc weather source.
Have also modified the Phone Alarm cab for my skin and settings, but as there is anew beta every few days at the mo, not so useful
Am about to start work on O2 plus, and setting up my shortcuts etc on install.
looking for mobile backup 2007...is this the one
trial here
CrazyC-
been messing around with the same ideas and it's driving me crazy ha.. Do you have to manually duplicate the registry entries you want when you're adding them to the original cab file (phone alarm, for instance)?
I was trying to extract the relevant registry entries, and have a program that would let me pack them into a cab, but everything i found wanted me to manually create registry keys..
any thoughts? cause it's flashing season ha
The safest way when going between ROMs is reinstalling. I use a few techniques.
1. Install CAB files from SD card. Then you just install them one by one by tapping. Installing from Activesync can be problematic memorywise as the CAB will copy down to main memory and then be deleted after installation. This can be an issue if you have too many apps to install at once.
2. Unless the new ROM has the same device ID, email settings really have to be manually entered each time. I experimented with workarounds but they simply don't work.
3. After you install all your programs, import registry keys containing your common settings. Before erasing the previous setting, do a registry dump and then search for and find those registry keys that contain the settings. Most (but not all) are in HKEY Current User. Be careful. Don't import stuff that might break the new ROM.
4. Copy files or shortcuts from old ROM to new one. Careful though - if you are going to copy directories, use Total Commander or something. SPB Backup and WM File Explorer will REMOVE the old contents of a directory and replace it with only the stuff you have in your new copy of the directory! Total Commander only updates the new items.
5. Unfortunately, the only way to REMOVE files or registry keys (short of writing a DLL file or fancy XML?) is to manually search and delete them. I think you could probably use Mortscript to automate this but not worth the time probably unless you are flashing every day.
Between copying certain files and registries, many of my programs end up 'pre registered' on the new system. (SPB time, etc.)
Actually, I make a cab file with my preferred settings and files. I just click and go. This covers pretty much everything except email. Unfortunately the program I use cost 89$... but when I consider my billable hours, it's worth the saved time over the long run.
I can get all programs + settings in place in about 40 minutes now.
Actually, I am using visual studio 2005 and making the adjustments to the emulator image, whilst watching the registry in the remote registry viewer. Once have identified the keys, I export them as reg files and then simply import them into cabmanager.
Depends on if you have access to VS2005.
I am sure there is a simpler way, (and am happy to learn it) but as I have occassional access to VS2005, this was how I decided to do it. Am using the WM6 SDK as well of course.
Because I keep updating the Phone Alarm beta, I actually modified the cab for the VisDaPhone skin to include my modified icons, and also to install the PA export file. Just running that cab after installing Phone alarm, and then importing the theme etc works for me. I did roll it all into one on an earlier version of PA, so it all started as per my settings, but then there was a new beta......
khammo01 said:
I can get all programs + settings in place in about 40 minutes now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reckon (thanks to the exchange server) I can be back up in twenty!
If I can sort out the O2plus setup then I will reduce that as well.
I keep a word document on my sd card with a step by step guide for myself with serial numbers etc and settings.
khammo01 said:
Between copying certain files and registries, many of my programs end up 'pre registered' on the new system. (SPB time, etc.)
Actually, I make a cab file with my preferred settings and files. I just click and go. This covers pretty much everything except email. Unfortunately the program I use cost 89$... but when I consider my billable hours, it's worth the saved time over the long run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do yo mind telling what's the program name/url that woul dbe?
I have the new 1.33 Brightpoint ROM installed. I was wondering if there was any way to remove the ClearVue Office programs from my phone? I was just going to use the Windows Mobile Office cab that I found on this forum.
FSame here for the latest HTC rom.
Possible Solution
I found the files but don't have access to delete them.
Shorcuts located in \Windows are named : "ClearVue <and 1 of the 3 apps>".
If you check the properties you'll notice that the executable for these are located in \Windows\WTCVDocV.exe (that's the DOC one for example).
Then after doing this (you should make sure just in case), you can delete the files. Mine were:
wtcvdocv.exe
wtcvpres.exe
wtcvwsv.exe
You probably have to remove the folder that's in the start menu also.
Anyone know how to get around the permissions issue?
As these files are would be located in ROM there is not much you can do. ROM uses a different storage format from conventional files that is set up when the ROM is built, so deleting them isn't really an option - maybe there is some way to hide them though.. Probably the best thing to do is to forget about them
Now that I found this again, maybe this clears the question up a bit:
http://blogs.msdn.com/windowsmobile/archive/2007/12/29/why-can-t-i-copy-programs-out-of-windows.aspx
Thanks for the info!
I appreciate the info!
There has to be a way to get around this - Registry hack or some other kind of work-around. If anyone knows - Please be kind enough to share the knowledge
I want to install themes and I've read just about everything out there on this subject and still don't understand how to do it safely for this phone. There are a ton of threads on this but not one of them explains how to go about installing themes safely.
Some say just dump the .tsk files into the windows folder, others say use Diamond TF3D Config, others say not to use it because there's a version coming out specifically for the HD, others say cabs aren't as good as .theme files because you may not be able to uninstall the cab...
So I'm asking...for those of you who try out almost every theme that comes out...how are you doing it? Can you explain what you use, which types of theme files you use, how you safely change from one theme to another, and why your method is the method you choose to use?
Here are some things I've read that I'm not sure are true or not (please confirm/reject if you know):
-xxx.tsk files are a type of theme file you need to put in the Application folder and are only good for the "top and bottom bars"
-you have to use Diamond TF3D Config to install xxx.theme files; there are 2 versions of this software, one for gsm and one for cdma; you may need to delete the "tweaks file" for this software to work; there is a new version (version 1.0) coming out specifically for the Touch HD
-some say you must install xxx.theme files into the windows directory...others say you can install them in any folder you want
-even after installing a theme, you may need to perform extra steps to fix the top and bottom bars and to have the correct background
So, I know these things, but still don't understand. What is the cleanest way to install and change themes without leaving behind clutter files...is it by using a cab, by using a zip, by using diamond tf3d config?
I'd greatly appreciate if someone experienced who's tried different methods of installing/changing themes would respond and help clarify some of these confusing details.
anybody know?
goldsfool said:
I want to install themes and I've read just about everything out there on this subject and still don't understand how to do it safely for this phone. There are a ton of threads on this but not one of them explains how to go about installing themes safely.
Some say just dump the .tsk files into the windows folder, others say use Diamond TF3D Config, others say not to use it because there's a version coming out specifically for the HD, others say cabs aren't as good as .theme files because you may not be able to uninstall the cab...
So I'm asking...for those of you who try out almost every theme that comes out...how are you doing it? Can you explain what you use, which types of theme files you use, how you safely change from one theme to another, and why your method is the method you choose to use?
Here are some things I've read that I'm not sure are true or not (please confirm/reject if you know):
-xxx.tsk files are a type of theme file you need to put in the Application folder and are only good for the "top and bottom bars"
-you have to use Diamond TF3D Config to install xxx.theme files; there are 2 versions of this software, one for gsm and one for cdma; you may need to delete the "tweaks file" for this software to work; there is a new version (version 1.0) coming out specifically for the Touch HD
-some say you must install xxx.theme files into the windows directory...others say you can install them in any folder you want
-even after installing a theme, you may need to perform extra steps to fix the top and bottom bars and to have the correct background
So, I know these things, but still don't understand. What is the cleanest way to install and change themes without leaving behind clutter files...is it by using a cab, by using a zip, by using diamond tf3d config?
I'd greatly appreciate if someone experienced who's tried different methods of installing/changing themes would respond and help clarify some of these confusing details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it really depends on what you want to change. TSK files really only change the color of the top and bottom bars, highlights, etc. If you are referring to changing icons, transparency, etc of Manila/TouchFlo, that is a bit more involved. There are applications out there like Maxycy's TF3D Theme Maker that will assist with this. Also, like you said, there are lots of cabs floating around with customizations in them. Most, if not all cabs can be uninstalled. Your best bet if you want to start playing with your device is to get some backup software, like SPB Backup or Sprite Backup, and then playing with your device. Then you don't need to be worried about messing it up. You could just do a hard reset and then restore the backup and be back to where you were before playing around
cRaCKwHoRe said:
Well it really depends on what you want to change. TSK files really only change the color of the top and bottom bars, highlights, etc. If you are referring to changing icons, transparency, etc of Manila/TouchFlo, that is a bit more involved. There are applications out there like Maxycy's TF3D Theme Maker that will assist with this. Also, like you said, there are lots of cabs floating around with customizations in them. Most, if not all cabs can be uninstalled. Your best bet if you want to start playing with your device is to get some backup software, like SPB Backup or Sprite Backup, and then playing with your device. Then you don't need to be worried about messing it up. You could just do a hard reset and then restore the backup and be back to where you were before playing around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot for your response. I have sprite backup and have made many backups but was hoping not to ever have to restore from one (afraid it won't work perfectly)...that's why I'm trying to understand all of the details. I guess my only concern is not being able to go back to a previous state EXACTLY as it was before installing a theme. From all of the methods available, what would you say is the best (not necessarily the easiest) and cleanest way to prevent random files from appearing or disappearing after installing or removing a theme?
goldsfool said:
Thanks alot for your response. I have sprite backup and have made many backups but was hoping not to ever have to restore from one (afraid it won't work perfectly)...that's why I'm trying to understand all of the details. I guess my only concern is not being able to go back to a previous state EXACTLY as it was before installing a theme. From all of the methods available, what would you say is the best (not necessarily the easiest) and cleanest way to prevent random files from appearing or disappearing after installing or removing a theme?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have Sprite Backup, do a full backup. Once you have that you can completely destroy the current setup on your phone. Once you hard-reset just execute the backup file Sprite created. When the restore comes up do a merge level 1 restore. It will put your phone back to the exact state it was before. I have done this many many times as I do craptons of testing
cRaCKwHoRe said:
If you have Sprite Backup, do a full backup. Once you have that you can completely destroy the current setup on your phone. Once you hard-reset just execute the backup file Sprite created. When the restore comes up do a merge level 1 restore. It will put your phone back to the exact state it was before. I have done this many many times as I do craptons of testing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, I took a step forward and did my first manila mod last night. It's amazing...by simply taking three manila files I found in Maxycy's Theme Maker and replacing the originals with them, I now have background for all tabs and a new clock ha. I've also downloaded m9editor and Manila Editor and have a better understanding of how individual files influence the system. Thanks again for the support...who knows maybe I'll even be able to create a theme one day.
goldsfool said:
Thanks man, I took a step forward and did my first manila mod last night. It's amazing...by simply taking three manila files I found in Maxycy's Theme Maker and replacing the originals with them, I now have background for all tabs and a new clock ha. I've also downloaded m9editor and Manila Editor and have a better understanding of how individual files influence the system. Thanks again for the support...who knows maybe I'll even be able to create a theme one day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See, it's easier than you think! Good job and good luck! Backups are your friend
cRaCKwHoRe said:
See, it's easier than you think! Good job and good luck! Backups are your friend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on a roll until now...I encountered my first serious problem and will need to hard reset and restore from backup. You mentioned to do a merge level 1 restore. Is this what I should do even if I have all original ROM, radio, etc? From what I've read on the Sprite website, level one is the most "complicated" level and is MOST likely to fail. However, you and others on here say to use level 1 bc it causes the LEAST problems.
My default settings are as follows:
-unchecked box for "delete all files"
-checked box for "check for corrupt registry"
-system settings restore set to "merge" instead of replace
-upgrade mode set to "personal data only" instead of merge
How come one option is set for merge and the other isn't? Should I change the upgrade mode option to merge level 1? I'm assuming this option wouldn't apply to me since I haven't upgraded anything, but I'm not sure...
[and just for information/advise: my problem occurred when I clicked on the cab for sdkcerts that came with the Max TTM program. The program worked perfectly and everything was ok until I clicked on that cab. I wanted to install custom taskbars and read that you needed sdkcerts first, so I clicked on the sdkcerts cab I just happened to find in the Max TTM folder (bad move). Ever since doing so, almost half of my programs no longer open bc it's either "missing a component or is not certified." So, long story short, don't click on the sdkcerts cab or install another sdkcerts cab after installing Max TTM bc Max TTM already has a sdkcerts cab which I'm assuming automatically installs when you install Max TTM]
EDIT: I went ahead and restored via sprite backup with the settings described above and it worked PERFECTLY...all of my contacts, appointments, programs, system settings, background, where I left off in a game, etc etc is now EXACTLY how it was at time of backup. The restoration went without any warnings or errors...I'm stunned at how perfect it went. Thanks again...
The only time you would want to do a merge level 1 restore is if you are restoring to a different rom than you backed up from. If you are restoring to the same rom that you created the backup from you can do a full, normal restore.
Hello everyone.
I recently downloaded a new rom and when I go to add a new shortcut to the home screen, under "program" none of the applications I have on my sd card show up.
Is there any way for me to add these applications without reinstalling them each time I add/update a new rom?
Thanks!!
sdu215 said:
Hello everyone.
I recently downloaded a new rom and when I go to add a new shortcut to the home screen, under "program" none of the applications I have on my sd card show up.
Is there any way for me to add these applications without reinstalling them each time I add/update a new rom?
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copy the exe of the program and paste a shortcut into the \Windows\Start Menu\Programs. You should then be see the program in the list when you go to add the shortcut on the home screen.
Depending on the program, you may need to reinstall however, as certain applications make registry changes as well and may not function without those changes. Others, such as games, sometimes store save files locally on the internal memory, so there is a chance that you may have lost those.