Develop Bugs

Am I wasting my time or just plain stupid?

Hi Guys,
I've had my XDA-IIs for quite sometime now and recently upgraded the ROM - thereby started playing with the Extended_ROM also...I just thought I would like to share my experience with all here - which may be usefull or just another waste of time - for gurus out there..
Firstly - let me explain - I got this idea as I dont experiment a lot with my unit - so hard re-setting my unit quite frequently was out of the question, secondly I recently dropped my IIs and realized how - valuable it is to keep all settings, software and other information intact - as after i got it back from the service center - it was all gone.
Then was the major issue of Space - I found that the 16MB Extended_ROM was a waste as it is only required - When you Hard Reset...so why not use it ?
So i played with it a while and I got this solution : Please let me know If I am plain stupid or just wasted time on somthing simple by re-inventing the wheel !
First - thing I did was to clear all the clutter from my Extended_ROM by removing all the un-necessary stuff from the default CAB files (Thank you XDA-Developers)...
This reduced my Extended_Rom Contents to roughly 9MB - Then I added some of my MUST INSTALL cabs to the same and modified the Config.TXT file to execute them - This made the total Size to 12.4MB...(I still have space for more..in case i Need!)
Then - I made a CAB-File for myself (using CAB Wizard) - with my Shortcuts, Registry Settings, and all the other files I needed - Like my Games, Regularly used applications like BetaPlayer, noteM, VX-Util, PHM Regedit, etc...a complete list is provided below for reference..
Now - for my hard reset - I take the following steps :
1. I do a soft reset - to close all programs and remove from memory..and Since my Extended_ROM is always open - I just format the same using storage tools...
2. I copy the Contents of the Extended_ROM from the Storae Card into the Extended_ROM area...
3. I lock/Hide the Extended_ROM and give it a Hard Boot (No Pun) !
4. All the default and memory based CABS get installed - with no hassels.
5. Unit Automatically boots - So i just open the Extended_ROM and reformat the same...now using Explorer - Click on the Personal CAB that I made...This installs all my Other applications - Those I did not want to install on the Main Menory - the location for Installation is "Extended_ROM" and it also updates the registry for settings, Creates my Shortcuts etc.
6. That's It I Soft re-Boot - I just give a random check to see if all my settings are there...and start using my unit...Whole process takes NO MORE THAN 3-5 Minutes !
Now tell me am i stupid and wasting time ?
Oops - Forgot - abut the items the list is as follows :
In the Extended_ROM Folder (On Storage Card)
----------------------------
-- Filtered Default Installations
AIS_ALL_100104.CAB
Album_BlueAngelAKU26_Generic_WWE_RC20.CAB
AutoConfig.txt
AutoRun.exe
BandSel_BAWWE_140921.sa.CAB
BA_O2Asia_Camera_Driver_Patch.sa.CAB
CAB-Customization-BlueAngel-O2ASIAAIS-19May05.CAB
CAB-MMS-2.0.0.21-BlueAngel-O2Asia-ENU-01Jun05.CAB
Caller_ID_BlueAngelAKU26_Generic_WWE_RC20.CAB
CameraWizard_BlueAngelAKU26_O2Asia_WWE_RC20_Customize.CAB
Config.txt
CW-Album-Association.CAB
default.sa.CAB
Java_V10.1.2.49_BA_WWE_0901_unremovable.CAB
MIDI_RTPI_BA26_RC21.CAB
O2Asia_patch_140921.sa.CAB
O2Auto.sa.CAB
O2_Base_09240402.sa.CAB
RemoveWiFiLogo_140921.sa.CAB
SetButtonLock.exe
STK2240_Ecall_O2Asia.CAB
Version_BA_140.sa.CAB
-- My Personal Programs Installed on Main Memory (Via the Config.Txt File - During Hard Boot)
D_CabInstall.cab
D_ceremote.CAB
D_CrystalBlue_skin.cab
D_DTSysView.cab
D_FullScreenKeyboard.CAB
D_GPRSMonitor.cab
D_IntelliDialler.CAB
D_MyUtils.cab
D_PhonePlus.CAB
D_Regedit.CAB
D_SmiliesPanel.cab
D_StorageTools.cab
D_SysCleaner.CAB
D_ThemeMaster.CAB
D_TotalCommander.cab
D_XTNDUnlocker.cab
In My 10MB Personal_App Cab File - Which I execute Manually After the above are installed !
---------------------------
Games : Monopoly, BubbleBuster, PocketPegs, NeoTiles
Utilities : Unit Conversion, Lamp, Tray Launcher, Off, Reset, Run, Space Detective, Suspend
Ring Tones : My Default and Favorite Rintones placed in the Rings Folder
Alarms : My Favorite Sounds placed in the windows folder
Applications : BetaPlayer, eWallet, Games, Globe, MobiPocket, Repligo, Syscleaner
Registry Settings: Notifications, Sounds, owner, Device ID etc.. etc..and other default application settings like Tray Launch, SPBGPRS Monitor, Notem, Camera, Repligo, Mobipocket, etc..
Shortcuts : to All my Applications - Placed in \Start Menu\Programs and also on the "Start Menu' - Place my regularly used Softwares.
Stupid Question
---------------
But still wondering ? - Why did i create the separate Cab file for the Personal Applications and not just place them in Extended_ROM to execute ?
Well- For one thing - The Extended_ROM has a limit of 16MB and All my applications put together - along with the defaultones were crossing 23MB! So I could not placethem on the Erom and hard boot - I had to find an alternative - secondly I wanted to use the 16MB to install programs !
Also i found it a better option to install my programs on the Extended_rom rather than waste expensive space on the storage and the storage Card was just used for mp3's, videos, etc etc..
That way I could use the Extended Rom for my Installed Programs, The Storage for My Documents etc...and the 1gb Storage Card - For my videos, etc etc. Hence even if I changed my Storage Card - I really did not need to worry abt the setup within. As most of my stuff was saving on the unit.
So thats what I did - Stupid or otherwise - whatever it is - Now when I re-set my machine - It takes me less than 5 minutes to get back on track !
I am attaching some screenshots of the Space after installation and execution of the above...Check it out..
Extrom.jpg - Shows the Items placed inside the Extended_ROM
inside_backup_folder - This is the backup folder inside the Storage Card. It has the folder for Extended_ROM - Which I just copy and also the personal Application CAB installation file.
Space - The Total Space available on the Unit after a fresh Install
Storage - The items On Storage - All my Documents etc Go into the "My Docments" Folder
StorageCard - Contains the "Backup" folder which has my Extended_ROM and also the "My Fun' Folder - Which holds my Movies etc..
Last Question - What happens if I need to Hard Re-Boot and My Storage Card Does Not work !
I keep and alternative - 64MB Card with me all the time along with my credit card etc - this has a replica of the backup folder. I have also uploaded the files on my Google Mailbox - Just being paranoid god knows why !
That's my experience...Too Long a Note ! I hope someone has the time to read this...and tell me I am not stupid !
Rgs/DD

Stupid or not...
Good note mate - can't stop wondering why you copy it all back to the extended rom before hard reset...
you could just as well just have them all run directly from the backup folder on the storage card... That would save the time copying and formatting every time...
Since you know how to do a custom cab file, my guess is, you also know how to add a registry setting (or shortcuts in start) to run thoose cab files at the existing location on the storage card at first boot...
(all cabs must be readonly however - otherwise it's a one-shot... and they are all gone)...
In the extended rom, you can just leave one tiny little cab with the regsettings/shortcuts, autostart.exe and config.txt running... That leaves all the rest free... Or - wondering... why not just change the paths in the config.txt file - or - wondering... the kernal might even look for autostart.exe in the root of the storage card??? Might be worth testing...
My cab file includes TomTom3 and settings, but now that tomtom5 is out, the setup is so simple that i didn't bother messing with it... Also, a custom written application for entering orders with replication, ending up in Navision Attain...
(Just showing off, but i like it )
Now see what you did... this note also became too long... can't stop writing when first getting started...
Oh - btw. - you have used a LOT of time making what you did - thanks for the notes, making me think of the above idea - might use that some day too...
Jan

Certified Stupid !
Thanks JanR,
Guess I now need a Hammer on the head to come back to senses !
You are right - Since I already have the CABS in the backup folder - I could have run the same directly from there by leaving the config.txt and the Autorun.exe on the Extended_ROM itself..and maybe a few critical CABS is necessary.
I wonder why the lightening did not strike me then. Please Punch me the next time I try to give out such Grande experience ideas on this forum !
Will change the script to accommodate and see how it works out.
Till then...cheers!

You could just create a self executing sprite backup of everything as you want it and put it in ExtROM and call it from the config file. That's what I did and it works fine on XDAII and MDAIII. Just Hared Reset and its all done in a minute or two.

Once again suggesting...use SPB Clone software......it is bestg back up tool

spb clone
Don't you think it's a bit pricey for your average user?

I totally agree..
Some of these softwares are "Nice to have..but not really necessary" if you can find work arounds.
What i started of from a complicated process has by far progressed and reduced itself trementously and - i can thankfully say I dont need nothing more....
I have achieved the initial objective of using the Extended_ROM for installing softwares, keep all my docs are in Storage - so I could Switch Cards without issues...
...and that my friends, thanks to all of you here in XDA-Developers have been achieved.
Devdarshan

'Start Menu' full of programs - how to remove

An odd one - I recently upgraded to O2Plus V2.0 - nice bit of software and has greatly speeded up my XDA2s - however a while after the upgrade I had a really odd issue where the GSM radio wouldn't start up, with the phone signal icon showing a !
I did a full reset and reloaded from a backup and the GMS problem was resolved - however now, when I open the Start Menu, it is jammed full of program entries that SHOULD just live in the Programs folder - and I'll be damned if I can find out where it is set to display these.
Anyone got an idea? It used to just show recently run progs. Is it a registry key that's got corrupted somewhere?
Any help appreciated as I don't really want to do another full reset.
Cheers.

trapdoor said:
I did a full reset and reloaded from a backup and the GMS problem was resolved - however now, when I open the Start Menu, it is jammed full of program entries that SHOULD just live in the Programs folder - and I'll be damned if I can find out where it is set to display these.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go to Settings / Menus and uncheck all of the programs in the list.
HTH

gnik65 said:
Just go to Settings / Menus and uncheck all of the programs in the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem. It ISN'T the programs listed under Settings/Menu - all of those listed are unchecked (1st thing I tried) - it seems to be the contents of the Programs folder that is being displayed - butif you use File Explorer to navigate to Windows/Start Menu, there is nothing in there - just the Programs and Settings folders, which are populated as expected.
Its as though there is a funny in the Registry which is pointing the Start Menu list view at the contents of the Programs folder.
It's doing my head in - I may have to do a full reset.......

custom rom: phone doesn't ring, sms works ok

Hey,
I made a base rom for the Trinity(based on fake 20000 build), 'everything' works nice and really really fast, got 90MB free Storage(89.44), 34MB(33.95) free Ram after boot and it boots in 24 secs, which is nice.
But some apps which depend on phone do not start(I think), like calendar, contacts, and the phone itself( the device turns itself on on incoming call). Tasks returns "No Program memory available...". Backlight settings, Clear Storage don't start. Device Info isn't populated.
Wireless plugin and phone icon(which displays: T! ) on the title bar both show "No Service".
SMS is working, and I can open the Phone settings, select the network etc.
Can anyone give me a help here? Any idea of what I may have deleted and shouldn't have?
( Can't connect through activesync and pressing power for 5 secs doesn't shutdown the device too, after confirming the busy icon shows up but nothing happens lol )
Since the idea was to create a base rom as clean as possible, I removed:
- almost all htc apps, even the camera(random access, task manager, dialer, comm manager, audio manager, media hub, etc)
- .net & sqlce
- all help files
- arcsoft mms
- office(incl onenote)
- more small bundled apps
cleaned initflashfiles( I know the invalid entries cause no prob, but I did it anyway )
thx in advance
http://rapidshare.com/files/81890618/RUU_signed.nbh

Apoc said:
Hey,
I made a base rom for the Trinity(based on fake 20000 build), 'everything' works nice and really really fast, got 90MB free Storage(89.44), 34MB(33.95) free Ram after boot and it boots in 24 secs, which is nice.
But some apps which depend on phone do not start(I think), like calendar, contacts, and the phone itself( the device turns itself on on incoming call). Tasks returns "No Program memory available...". Backlight settings, Clear Storage don't start. Device Info isn't populated.
Wireless plugin and phone icon(which displays: T! ) on the title bar both show "No Service".
SMS is working, and I can open the Phone settings, select the network etc.
Can anyone give me a help here? Any idea of what I may have deleted and shouldn't have?
( Can't connect through activesync and pressing power for 5 secs doesn't shutdown the device too, after confirming the busy icon shows up but nothing happens lol )
Since the idea was to create a base rom as clean as possible, I removed:
- almost all htc apps, even the camera(random access, task manager, dialer, comm manager, audio manager, media hub, etc)
- .net & sqlce
- all help files
- arcsoft mms
- office(incl onenote)
- more small bundled apps
cleaned initflashfiles( I know the invalid entries cause no prob, but I did it anyway )
thx in advance
http://rapidshare.com/files/81890618/RUU_signed.nbh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you remove all the dll and exe from within their folder for exsample in baseapps you have several folder named something like caldll.dll or beam.exe
but inside these folders are some files imageinfo.bin imageinfo.text and some s000 s0001 and the dll or exe file try to remove all these dll and exe that are inside folder like these then when you are finished use the G´Reloc from this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=331094
hopefully this will help but maybe when you removed the htc dialer it had some dll that are needed to solve all the problems you have with the phone

@gullum
I edited the dump directly, didn't use package tools, and I deleted both the file and the folder, but didn't use G'Reloc, I'll rebuild the rom using package tools and G'Reloc then.
Will also do some tests to see if the problem lies in the registry, or missing files.
Thanks for your reply.

1) you should use package tool
2) remove files that you want to remove
3) use G'relock only when you need to port another build
btw. Probably you've deleted many usefull files.

mun_rus said:
1) you should use package tool
2) remove files that you want to remove
3) use G'relock only when you need to port another build
btw. Probably you've deleted many useful files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, that's what I'm doing now. I'm almost positive I didn't remove anything essential.. but perhaps I have, I used cabs and oem packages to know what to remove, using package tools on the dump doesn't give me the reg entries(unless I'm missing something), and consecutive edits of the rom will leave a LOT of junk on the registry, initflashfiles and filesystem.
update: I think I removed the phone canvas( phcan*.dll ), thought it was only used by that skin, but since it's being listed as missing from SYS\OEMAPPS.. then again, officeres is also under that same entry lol.
Thanks again to everyone who's helping.

Backing up the many small but annoying stuff

Gentlemen, (and ladies if any of you are hiding around here)
Whenever I flush my device I use PIM Backup and Sashimi to restore PIM data and install some of the apps I use. The thing I'm missing is a simple way to backup other device characteristics and features. These are many small things, like the order of the manila tabs, communication settings etc. They are all pretty simple to set manually, but since there are many of them it would be nice to find an automatic way to do them.
Below is a numbered list of things I would like to restore. If you have a good solution to anything on the list, please post it here. If you have other things you would like to backup, please add them as well.
1) Tab order in TF3D [hint]
2) List of apps included in the "Start" menu [solution - files]
3) List of cities in the weather tab [solution - Reg entry]
4) List of "Favorites" in the People tab [solution - file]
5) Browser Bookmarks [solution - files]
6) Internet Services Settings (e.g. The default access name is "uinternet" and I have to set it to "internet" manually) [possibe solution]
7) Default ring tones
8) Programs in the Program Launcher tab [solution - Reg entry]
9) Email accounts (PIM backup fails to set up my IMAP accounts. I'm not even sure it suppose to) [hint]
I'm aware of apps that can be used change many settings, like "Diamond Advanced Config", or the "Diamond TF3D Config". If possible don't just pint to apps that can do something manually, but suggest how to script a solution that can make the changes automatically.
For the purpose of this thread please assume that Sashimi is installed and can be used, but if the solution calls for a script or a registry entry change, please include or quote the file that can be used with Sashimi.
This is my first post in this tremendously helpful, active and important site, so I would also like to say thanks to all of the contributors, chefs, admins, moderators etc. who are supporting this site.
Owlen

owlen said:
1) Tab order in TF3D
2) List of apps included in the "Start" menu
3) List of cities in the weather tab
4) List of "Favorites" in the People tab
5) Browser Bookmarks
6) Internet Services Settings (e.g. The default access name is "uinternet" and I have to set it to "internet" manually)
7) Default ring tones
8) Programs in the Program Launcher tab
9) Email accounts (PIM backup fails to set up my IMAP accounts. I'm not even sure it suppose to)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry I can't give you working Mort scripts or .reg files etc. At least, not yet. But I'm searching for similar info and solutions, as I have the same need to automate installation after hard reset as much as I can. In general, for settings that are saved in the registry, you'll have to find out where the registry keys are saved, so you can export and import them using Sashimi.
1) I suggest asking sushilange, the creator of Diamond TF3D Config, or schaps, the creator of Advanced Config, how and where Manilla saves the TF3D tab order. If the registry is used, we can export the keys and import them using Sashimi. If the tabs are saved in one or more of the obscure Manilla files in \Windows, we can also save and restore them using Sashimi.
2) If I understand you correctly, just save and restore any shortcuts you like from \Windows\Start Menu with Sashimi.
3) You can try to add cities for your Manilla/ROM by setting up and running this application as part of your Sashimi setup. Or you can contact the creator, or the creator of the WeatherDatabaseEditor and find out which file(s) to backup and restore using Sashimi, after you're done editing your cities..
4) Don't know yet. Maybe sushilange, D-MAN666 or any of the other guys working on editing Manilla know how and where Manilla saves the TF3D contact favorites..
5) For Opera Mobile save and restore \Windows\Opera9\opera6.adr. For Pocket Internet Explorer save and restore \Windows\Favorites
6) Have a look at the provisioning functions in Makisu. I know the previous version of Makisu can setup e-mail accounts and maybe the new version can setup connections as well..
7) Don't know yet, probably somewhere in the registry
8) I suggest seacrhing or asking sushilange how and where Manilla saves the programs in the TF3D Programs tab. If the registry is used, we can export the keys and import them using Sashimi. If the tabs are saved in one or more of the obscure Manilla files in \Windows, we can also save and restore them using Sashimi.
9) Have a look at the provisioning functions in Makisu. You can't create your e-mail accounts with the backup applications I know..

favorite people seems to be in the pim.vol file. You can copy that file to internal storage and restore is using total commander.. or spb backup restores the favorite people as well
programs in manilla are listed in the registry under this key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\HTC\Manila\ProgramLauncher]
cities found under weather are in the registry here:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\HTC\Manila]
back it up and pop it in sashimi
good luck with the rest... its sad we have yet to see an all-in-one backup solution. Actually, i think it'd be great to see a manilla backup program developed for the issues you're raising.. tab order, people, programs, weather, etc

im eagerly awaiting this, ROM updates are so annoying when there's no simple backup solution

Please take a look before you post a thread in a certain section. This has nothing to do with ROM development...

Thanks for the hints, people. I'll start linking to them.
I'm still not sure how to contact the apps developers. If anyone can point them here that would be great.
mccune, I considered putting it elsewhere, but I think the issue of automating many small stuff like that is mostly common for people who flush ROMs. I believe that currently this thread is the one they read most often. If this thread will have some good solutions, or even better, lead to a development of a tool that can take care of all of this, I guess it could be placed anywhere and maybe the standard sticky tutorials would link to it.
If anyone has additional stuff he would like to restore – please post and I'll try to put it up in the list.
Mandragore & racerx_, thanks for the answers!

I have opened a thread here with all info to do automatic backup of all you have asked for, and more.

kika.93 said:
I have opened a thread here with all info to do automatic backup of all you have asked for, and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good, thanks!

Run down on startup programs

Hi guys. I am running stock ATT Tilt 2.
From the files in the Windows\StartUp folder
HTCStartUp - What does this program do? Important
MessageCSPTool - Does? Important?
PKG - Does? Important
poutlook - I assume it just loads the mail in the background so it loads and responds faster.
Question though,
On StartUp it runs NewBreak.exe, I want to dump that. How?
Also, it is running two programs for mail, one called "tmail.exe" and the other is the "poutlook.exe". Do I need both? What does tmail.exe do?

I'd also like to know what I can remove from startup. I have Tmous, and do not use Outlook to sync, I also do not use push email. I would like to remove anything that is not ABSOLUTELY necessary from startup. Some programs may have installed in startup, and I am perfectly happy just starting them manually when I need them, rather than having them start every time.
poutlook.ink
bttrayce.ink
delwmptempfolder.ink
htcstartup.ink
syncmanager.ink
instant forward.ink
pkg.ink
rungnangent.exe
ysrem.exe
Thank you in advance for your insight to this matter.

Try to move the files...
Try to move (cut / paste) one of the files in the startup folder ONE AT A TIME!! to a temporary folder (any place will do other than where it is now)
(these files are "links" or "'Shortcuts" to the real files in /Windows directory)
Make sure you have all your data backed up to a flash card or SD micro flash card or try the Microsoft "MyPhone" service... After all.. it's free. so if you end up with a phone that wont start up normally you can do a hard reset and the phone will revert back to factory clean install or what ever ROM you flashed into it. Then you can recover your stuff off of the MicroSD card or the MyPhone service.
1 make a new folder in the /windows/startup folder e.g. "temp" or "test"
2 tap and hold one of the files e.g. 'poutlook' - hold it untill you get the blue dots and then a menu.
3. select the "CUT" option from the menu
4. tap on the new folder you created to navigate into it, and then tap and hold untill you get the menu again, and then select "Paste"
5. do a soft reset and see what happens. Play around and see what is working and what is not working.
6. If nothing bad happens try another file until either you get the result you want OR all the files a gone, OR badness happens.
Most of these programs just run in the background and start services like bluetooth or Pocket Outlook so that they will start faster when you select them.
I removed Myfaves from the startup folder on my wing and it stopped My Faves from starting and gave me about 6MB of program memory back.
I never tried the others.
I just got my Touch Pro 2 so i'd be curious to see how you make out.
Good luck!