Related
--- 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
Am I missing something, or is the process for adding email attachments just horrible?
Just now, I'm specifically trying to email a few photos at a time.
If I try and do it from File Explorer - when you highlight more than one file, the "Send" option in the menu isn't available.
If I try and use Total Commander, the only option is to send via IR.
If I try and do it from within the 'compose email' screen:
a) if I try Insert -> Picture, I can't select mutiple files. And it takes me to the devices "My Pictures" folder every time and all my images are stored on storage card, so it's a real hassle having to go back and forth.
b) if I try Insert -> File, it takes me to this HORRIBLE "Open" page which seems to be attempting (and FAILING!) to show all the files on my device in one window. And even then, you STILL can't select multiple files.
Is there any way to do this?
(Very weird - and annoying - for a business device to fail so badly at something like this. Unless I'm missing something!!)
Thanks, M
To the best of my knowledge, you are doing everything right. I don't think there's a way to select multiple files to attach all in one go.
What I normally do if I want to attach multiple files, I use Resco Explorer to compress the files into a zip. Then I attach the single zip file instead.
Thanks ohyeahar. I'd thought of that - and may still use this method at points - but there are times when it'd be good to use single files as well. (e.g. uploading photos to facebook, they have to be single jpg files)
Just seems terrible that such a basic functionality is left out.
ohyeahar said:
To the best of my knowledge, you are doing everything right. I don't think there's a way to select multiple files to attach all in one go.
What I normally do if I want to attach multiple files, I use Resco Explorer to compress the files into a zip. Then I attach the single zip file instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Resco explorer if you slide your finger over the icons, it makes multi-selection. Just if you missed it.
There are a number of TP2 tweaks which require the editing or replacement of files - for example, there is supposedly a way of increasing the loudspeaker volume which involves replacing a file called AudioPara3.csv with an edited version. This file sits in the Windows folder.
I'm using Resco File Explorer on my TP2, with the corresponding shell extensions installed on my desktop Windows, but nothing I do will allow me to edit that file. Trying to overwrite it (by dragging the copy into the appropriate Explorer window on my desktop PC) fails, telling me that I don't have the necessary permissions. If I look at the file properties on my TP2, it's set to read-only. If I try clearing the read-only checkbox this looks as if it's going to work, but actually if I go back into properties again, it's still set to read-only. There's another (disabled) checkbox in the properties labeled "ROM" which is ticked - I assume it's this that is causing the problem.
I've also tried renaming the file - that, again, appears to work but what it actually does is to create a duplicate of the file with the new name while leaving the old file intact.
There must presumably be a way of overwriting this file, otherwise no one would have been able to install the tweak!
I have a similar problem with the weather database file - so I can't add in extra locations.
What am I missing?
Try doing it on the TP2 itself with Resco File Explorer. I do not have any problem so far. Not too sure when you use it on the desktop.
weenween said:
Try doing it on the TP2 itself with Resco File Explorer. I do not have any problem so far. Not too sure when you use it on the desktop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several options in Resco File Explorer failed, but using the Copy To option worked, for some reason.
Don't think it actually made the speakers any louder, though.
You can also try Total Commander (not like it'll make the speakers louder, but for future reference).
Total Commander will work OR you can rename the original file, then copy the new one in.
I recommend (strongly!) the former since if you screw up you can fix it without a hard reset!
What is wrong with this file?
Hello,
I'd like to ask for some expert help.
I finally managed to edit an EXE file from Windows - just translating Japanese text to English. I used the MEditor suite. After saving, I "dropped" the file onto the SignCode.exe as per instructions.
When I transferred the file to its original location and overwrote the original one, I get:
"Cannot open... A critical component is either missing or cannot start because program memory is unavailable...."
I am sure I didn't change anything else but texts. So what could be wrong?
I am attaching the two files - the original and the edited - for someone to please look at them and let me know if there's anything I can do. This is Sharp's Barcode Reader.exe
Thanks!
Hello there,
just for your info - maybe it helps somebody:
after some days of trying i found the shortmessages (with tel-number etc.) and some other stuff in a file:
1. Explore your phone with Windows Phone Device Manager
2. goto \Application Data\
3. Add "\Microsoft" to the path (under the file-explorer logo)
4. goto Outlook\Stores\DeviceStore
5. Rename "store.vol" to something like "store.vol.txt" (it is mandatory to rename this file - without this step the file is in use by outlook)
6. extract it (drag n drop)
7. run perl script (#perl test.pl store.vol.txt)
8. See output
Maybe one of you could build a backup application or something like that!
Link to perl script:
http://uploaded.to/file/he26q0d2
Original source of script:
http://www.pocketpcjunkies.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/pocketpc-dev/21040/Reading-pim-vol-EDB-File-on-a-PC
Edit:
Don't know if you've seen it:
\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Stores\DeviceStore\data
ALL emails and other messages + contact-pictures + signature (three sizes) (just edit the file extension to .html or .jpeg - hex edit helps to find what is right )
\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
-> TabsStorage.bin: Opened tabs from internet explorer (where are the cookies?! )
\Applications\Data\82A23635-5BD9-DF11-A844-00237DE2DB9E\Data\IsolatedStore
ALL Facebook-Information (if app is installed), including messages, pictures, notifications etc. etc.
\Application Data\Location\Cache
Wifi & GSM Data when features is enabled in WP7-preferences (encrypted?! don't know..)
Much more to come...
greets
endeffekt
Thanks! Looks interesting, I might try that!
Hey just wondering but does syncing with outlook have the option to sync texts? Only reason I wonder is because you said that file was in use by outlook....
WP7SuperFan said:
Thanks! Looks interesting, I might try that!
Hey just wondering but does syncing with outlook have the option to sync texts? Only reason I wonder is because you said that file was in use by outlook....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
i just THINK it's in use
If you look at this file without renaming it's at 0,00 KB and you can't extract it. Maybe the contacts-tile or something else is using it
Hi Endeffekt,
thank you for this great hint!
But one more question before I try. Is it possible, to rename the file after the procedure back to "store.vol" without losing the messages on the phone?
schluff1 said:
Hi Endeffekt,
thank you for this great hint!
But one more question before I try. Is it possible, to rename the file after the procedure back to "store.vol" without losing the messages on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WP7 creates a copy of this file (automatic), so no problemo sir
Great! Alle messages are there. But the script doesnt work for me.
Now we need a smart developer who can make a viewer for it.
Is there a way to copy the vol file back to the phone? Or is the file always locked? For restore reasons...
I think this is very interesting (possibility to backup/restore SMS), so probably we should keep it on the front page so the devs could notice it.
Has anybody tried to restore that store.vol into the device after a reset? I mean rename the current store.vol to any filename, then copy the backed up store.vol to the phone and restart.
I'd like to try but i need to get hold all my current sms!
Pixa1 said:
I think this is very interesting (possibility to backup/restore SMS), so probably we should keep it on the front page so the devs could notice it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree
thanks a lot Endeffekt for sharing such important information
i sent the file to my pc but still couldn't edit it,
if anyone know other way than perl script please share,
i'm trying to edit the file and insert old sms from my old phone
thanks
Gray.Fox said:
i agree
thanks a lot Endeffekt for sharing such important information
i sent the file to my pc but still couldn't edit it,
if anyone know other way than perl script please share,
i'm trying to edit the file and insert old sms from my old phone
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hint: it's an EBD database (like other files too)
Don't know if you've seen it:
\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Stores\DeviceStore\data
ALL emails and other messages + contact-pictures + signature (three sizes) (just edit the file extension to .html or .jpeg - hex edit helps to find what is right )
\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
-> TabsStorage.bin: Opened tabs from internet explorer (where are the cookies?! )
\Applications\Data\82A23635-5BD9-DF11-A844-00237DE2DB9E\Data\IsolatedStore
ALL Facebook-Information (if app is installed), including messages, pictures, notifications etc. etc.
\Application Data\Location\Cache
Wifi & GSM Data when features is enabled in WP7-preferences (encrypted?! don't know..)
da_mayhem said:
Has anybody tried to restore that store.vol into the device after a reset? I mean rename the current store.vol to any filename, then copy the backed up store.vol to the phone and restart.
I'd like to try but i need to get hold all my current sms!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try this today
endeffekt said:
I will try this today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How was it?
endeffekt said:
Hint: it's an EBD database (like other files too)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks endeffekt for the hint i'll look into it thanks alot
endeffekt said:
I will try this today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope you or anyone can try and confirm i have only one device i can't risk it
also couldn't try it on my emulator i think i misconfigured something
if i find anything i will post here
SMS retreival on Windows phone 7 using device manager
Hey all.
I have an Samsung Omnia phone 7. Dev unlocked. Running 7.0.7004.0
Anyone any idea how to view the file in question? I need to download this file, and save the SMS entries to my PC.
When I use device manager, I cant see a folder called
\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Stores\DeviceStore
I mean, when I copy and paste the above text into the path, its just beeps and doesnt show anything.
On the root under file explorer, I have
My Documents (which is empty)
Windows (lots of files in it)
-ActiveSync
-Application Data
--KeyStorage
-AppMgr
-ColdInit
-eventlog
and a few others
When I open the Application Data folder, I only have a 'Key Storage' (certainly no Microsoft folder, and I tried typing it incase it was hidden or something , but just a ping sound and no refresh of the file list)
and when I open Key Storage, I have no files.
Any help working out why I cant see these folders / store.vol file would be very much appreciated
Does Windows Phone Device Manager not support this functionality on the Omnia?
Thanks
this should be a sticky, and testers needed
Using the diagnosis code 5**6244*3
I was able to open the Apps Launcher and Shortcuts Menu and can confirm that the path \Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Stores\DeviceStore exists on my Focus.
In that folder, I have:
temp
0
4
6
3
19
8
Each of these folders has a list of single alpha named folders (a, b, c, d, e, etc...)
Each of these alpha folders has a single .dat file
I haven't tried to extract those files to try to play with them. I don't know how I would with the Focus... But just confirming the path exists on my Focus and has the .dat files
thank you munkeyphyst, still waiting for endeffekt
endeffekt said:
Hint: it's an EBD database (like other files too)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx for your hard work... Any success???? i'm intrested in the extraction of sms in the form which can b read on computer. i tried as you said renamed and copied to computer but i can not read that in computer... is it encrypted ?? Any help in that is appreciated.......
I've checked out all the EDB recovery/readers on teh net and cannot open one of these "edb" files from the phone.
if anyone knows the architecture of the file, I can parse it and have a program ready quickly.
some talk about EDB
hi not sure if this is the right place for this or not but i've got a question on apk files
I've made some changes to an apk file but not sure how to compress it back to an apk file.
is it as simple as compressing as a zip then renaming it to apk?
take care
denti said:
hi not sure if this is the right place for this or not but i've got a question on apk files
I've made some changes to an apk file but not sure how to compress it back to an apk file.
is it as simple as compressing as a zip then renaming it to apk?
take care
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use 7zip (7z.exe to be exact)
Copy it to a folder make a subfolder inside,
Put ur apk contents in subfolder
Open notepad, copy and paste these 3 lines
Save as script.bat in folder with 7z.exe
cd subfoldername
..\7z.exe -tzip archivename.apk "*" -mx0
Exit
Change subfoldername to name of subfolder to the name of subfolder u created ofc lmao
And archive name to sign.. mx0 is best for loadin, mx9 is compression, use signapk to sign if its not a system file
If the "..\7z" don't wotk 4 u use full path in quotes, example
"%userprofile%\desktop\foldername"
Is the same as: (vista)
"C:\users\username\desktop\foldername"
And: (xp)
C:\documents and settings\username\desktop\foldername"
Or use apk manager lol I prefermymethod personally, n fyi, googles ur friend
Should get to know it
thank you doug.
i did google it but found bunch of different programs and thought that there might be a simpler way of doing it rather than getting a program just to compress
denti said:
thank you doug.
i did google it but found bunch of different programs and thought that there might be a simpler way of doing it rather than getting a program just to compress
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ye no worries just hope it helped sorry if the post seemed rushed had like 5min left 2 my break when I origionally replyed lmao n this methods rather simple cuz when used correct its more or less drag n drop n run, zip is generated in folder with 7z.exe n 7z performs flawlessly
APKs are basically a zip file with an MD5 signature embedded in them. There are apk generators on market if you copy directory to sdcard is prolly easiest to start with specially with the processing power of this phone.
In Windows compressed folders work fine if you just enable viewing file extensions and change between zip and apk
or hold left shift key as you right click apk file in windows.
Now click open with...
and choose browse for application
Choose your favorite zip app or windows compressed folders
Next to last check always use box so checkmark is visible
Finally click OK
Now no need to modify extensions
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Xparent Green Tapatalk