Develop Bugs

Newbie question: getting CAB files from exe

Hello,
I would like to know how can I extract the .cab files from an exe file that is an application installer (the exe should be run on the PC).
I think that the active sync saves a copy of the cab files, but I am not sure. If using activesync is the only way, it's fine, but I prefer a method that does not install the software first and it does not involve activesync.
Thank you,
Eran

Well it really depends on the application, there is not always one answer that fits all things.
You can try using a program like WinRAR and right click on the PC exe, you may see an option to extract the files, if you do chances are you'll gain access to the cab files. Things like the ROM updates work this way.
Sometimes this method doesn't work. Then you may need to install the program on your PC. You'll need to look on your C drive for the folder the program creates, generally this will be with in the C:\Program Files\ folder or the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Activesync\ folder. This folder can be easy or hard to find.
Another method is to set Pocket File explorer to "Show all files" (you'll need to tap and hold on the white space at the bottom of the page, and select this option from the menu that pops up.) Then go to \My Device\Windows\AppMgr\Install\ and wait for the file to appear here when you first install it. Note that in WM5 you are generally asked if you wish to install the program, DO NOT ANSWER THIS QUESTION instead go to pocket file explorer and look at the \My Device\Windows\AppMgr\Install\ folder your cab should be here, after it is installed it will be deleted from this folder and some times cabs are partly deleted in the install process. (it maybe necessary to install two or more programs at the same time to get a working copy of your program cab file.
DAH

Unable to change files in \Windows on TMobile Dash WM6

I'm trying to remap the TZones button on my Dash. However, when I try to manipulate Short_IE.lnk in \Windows on my phone via Total Commander it does not work. I cannot change the file. I have tried an app unlocker mentioned in [http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=281838] but I am not sure if that will do the trick.
Any ideas?

have you tried dragging the file onto your desktop, editing it there and moving it back to your \windows folder?

I suppose that might work, if \Windows could be located through Windows explorer. I'm not sure how to use ActiveSync to write files to the \Windows directory on the phone either. I just pop up My Computer and transfer files to my SD card directly.

at0msk said:
I suppose that might work, if \Windows could be located through Windows explorer. I'm not sure how to use ActiveSync to write files to the \Windows directory on the phone either. I just pop up My Computer and transfer files to my SD card directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't write files to the \Windows directory via ActiveSync. You'll have to write them to My Documents or another visible folder while in ActiveSync. Then using your phone's File Explorer, copy and paste the file from whereever ActiveSync placed it to the \Windows directory.

Rip Syntaxx said:
You can't write files to the \Windows directory via ActiveSync. You'll have to write them to My Documents or another visible folder while in ActiveSync. Then using your phone's File Explorer, copy and paste the file from whereever ActiveSync placed it to the \Windows directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can drag and drop at least some files straight to \windows through activesync... specifically the eT9 files for fixing keymapping. Is that not normal?

I've used the unlock method listed here (alternative way) http://www.modaco.com/content/HTC-Monet-Monet-MoDaCo-com/251706/Application-unlock-for-Monet/ and the phone is reported to be fully unlocked. I am still unable to change the Short_IE.lnk file in the \Windows directory. I'm still using Total Commander. I'm trying to rename the Short_IE.lnk file to Short_IE_o.link (original) so that I can rename Short_IE1.lnk which has my desired mapping. I'm just told "Cannot copy or move file!"

Well that's just great. I guess I don't understand this fully. I created a text document on my desktop and renamed it to Short_IE.lnk. From there I dropped it into the Application Data folder and used Total Commander to move it to \Windows. Overwrote the file without a hiccup. Seriously, WTF. Why wouldn't I just be able to edit the shortcut directly? It worked nonetheless but now when I try to use the key (mapped it to point to a shortcut) I'm told that there is no application associated with xxx.lnk (which opens a blank sms message to the person of my choice) and to open that file within the proper program. Now if I run the shortcut directly, it works. I may just edit the Short_IE to open the blank sms message and trash having it point to the shortcut I already made.

skisteven1 said:
I can drag and drop at least some files straight to \windows through activesync... specifically the eT9 files for fixing keymapping. Is that not normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't think so because most of us, I know I cannot, are unable to see the \Windows directory via ActiveSync or Windows Explorer.

at0msk said:
I wouldn't think so because most of us, I know I cannot, are unable to see the \Windows directory via ActiveSync or Windows Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Through ActiveSync (4.5, XP Pro), I click explore, and then open a folder called "full device", or something similar (don't have it in front of me) -- that puts me at the root folder. From there I can open "storage card", "windows", "my documents", etc.
Strange... I always thought that was normal (since it's been that way over 3 computers and 2 phones..)

at0msk said:
I wouldn't think so because most of us, I know I cannot, are unable to see the \Windows directory via ActiveSync or Windows Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe on your desktop open my computer, then go to tools>folder options>view>Show hidden files and folders>OK.
Now you can see your \Windows directory through AS.

YOU CAN drag and drop files to the device's \windows directory. There's policies defined in some ROMs (like Roger's) that will not let you do that. But with Kavana's latest... it's not a problem.
Try changing policies 1005 and 1017 to hex "16" in the registry, in order to relax the permissions even more.
--NRGZ28

Just use resco file explorer...

OrganicM said:
YOU CAN drag and drop files to the device's \windows directory. There's policies defined in some ROMs (like Roger's) that will not let you do that. But with Kavana's latest... it's not a problem.
Try changing policies 1005 and 1017 to hex "16" in the registry, in order to relax the permissions even more.
--NRGZ28
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just run SDA app unlock =)

OrganicM said:
YOU CAN drag and drop files to the device's \windows directory. There's policies defined in some ROMs (like Roger's) that will not let you do that. But with Kavana's latest... it's not a problem.
Try changing policies 1005 and 1017 to hex "16" in the registry, in order to relax the permissions even more.
--NRGZ28
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU! I'm glad I wasn't going crazy.

OK Here's one for you!
New issue! I use Total Commander to create a shortcut that points to my Storage Card. I place the shortcut in my Start Menu. When I go to open that shortcut...guess what! WINDOWS CANNOT FIND STORAGE CARD OR ONE OF ITS COMPONENTS. WHAT THE ****. If I use Windows Explorer on my computer to navigate to a directory that I place the shortcut in I can double click on it and I am taken right to my storage card. If I click on the shortcut while in Total Commander on the phone I am taken to my storage card.
WTF is wrong with WM6? Why would a valid-everyfuckingwhere-else shortcut not work when placed in the Start Menu?

Relax on the cursing

at0msk said:
New issue! I use Total Commander to create a shortcut that points to my Storage Card. I place the shortcut in my Start Menu. When I go to open that shortcut...guess what! WINDOWS CANNOT FIND STORAGE CARD OR ONE OF ITS COMPONENTS. WHAT THE ****. If I use Windows Explorer on my computer to navigate to a directory that I place the shortcut in I can double click on it and I am taken right to my storage card. If I click on the shortcut while in Total Commander on the phone I am taken to my storage card.
WTF is wrong with WM6? Why would a valid-everyfuckingwhere-else shortcut not work when placed in the Start Menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with mikey on the foul language,,,,, when you create your shortcut to your storage card, are you making the shortcut to a folder or an .exe file? if you are making the shortcut to just your storage card ( or a folder) you must (i think) also include what browsing program to use inside your .lnk file. If its an .exe you are linking to then try and put quotations at beginning and end of your shortcut ( ex: #16 "storage card\program files\games\pocketnester.exe" ) otherwise you need it to look something like this #16 fexplore.exe - "\storage card\" ...( not sure if the latter string is completely correct , but you get the idea)
see the reason why this is working while you are in windows explorer (fexplore.exe) or total commander is because you are at that time in some sort of file explorer program. But if you do it straight through your start menu you are not actively in a file explorer program and windows doesnt understand what to use to browse to that directory

pudgedaddy said:
I agree with mikey on the foul language,,,,, when you create your shortcut to your storage card, are you making the shortcut to a folder or an .exe file? if you are making the shortcut to just your storage card ( or a folder) you must (i think) also include what browsing program to use inside your .lnk file. If its an .exe you are linking to then try and put quotations at beginning and end of your shortcut ( ex: #16 "storage card\program files\games\pocketnester.exe" ) otherwise you need it to look something like this #16 fexplore.exe - "\storage card\" ...( not sure if the latter string is completely correct , but you get the idea)
see the reason why this is working while you are in windows explorer (fexplore.exe) or total commander is because you are at that time in some sort of file explorer program. But if you do it straight through your start menu you are not actively in a file explorer program and windows doesnt understand what to use to browse to that directory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see what you're saying here. Makes sense. I just thought that, you know...it's Windows, there's a Start menu and whatnot so I figured that some form of explorer was already running in the background so I guess I'm lost as to why one would need to invoke a file explorer to navigate the directories. But this is a phone moreso than a computer. Also, I was tired from a long day at work lol. Frustration clouds the mind. I'll try the fexplore.exe suggestion. Any idea if the 16# is right? I'm not sure what that is for...I see those thrown around and I thought they were button mappings...
Edit: Negative on #16 fexplore.exe - "\storage card\" or 16#:fexplore.exe -"\Storage Card\" or 16#"\Windows\fexplore.exe -\Storage Card\"....

at0msk said:
I see what you're saying here. Makes sense. I just thought that, you know...it's Windows, there's a Start menu and whatnot so I figured that some form of explorer was already running in the background so I guess I'm lost as to why one would need to invoke a file explorer to navigate the directories. But this is a phone moreso than a computer. Also, I was tired from a long day at work lol. Frustration clouds the mind. I'll try the fexplore.exe suggestion. Any idea if the 16# is right? I'm not sure what that is for...I see those thrown around and I thought they were button mappings...
Edit: Negative on #16 fexplore.exe - "\storage card\" or 16#:fexplore.exe -"\Storage Card\" or 16#"\Windows\fexplore.exe -\Storage Card\"....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i tried everything i could too. i know there is probably a way for either file explorer or resco explorer to go to the storage card as soon as it is launched. Personally i dont have this issue because i use smarttoolkit and there is immediate access to the storage card via the start menu without using any 1st or 3rd party file explorers but you may not want to use this proggy so i thought i'd help. sorry i couldn't solve your question

ok i got it! you can do it one of 2 ways: 1. edit the .lnk file with this #40"\windows\explorer.exe" "\storage card" 2. You can use resco explorer and navigate to the storage card and do a copy.....then paste shortcut in the \windows\start menu directory. cheers!

Delete File in Windows Mobile 6

Hi, how can I delete a file in \Windows folder? it seems complaining that the file is in ROM, I had tried many way even using other File Explorer or via ActiveSync. None of them work.
How can I delete a file in \Windows folder in my Microsoft Windows Mobile 6?

Maybe Resco Explorer or Total Commander CE will help.

if it's built in the rom, you might be unable to delete that file.
Please be more specific: which file do you wish to delete?
Maybe you'd have to recook the ROM without that file.
Regards,
EquinoXe

Things built into the rom are "READ ONLY MEMORY" therefore cannot be deleted. if the file is only marked as system and readonly though you can change its atributes using total commander. just long click on item to bring up menu and go to properties. there you need to uncheck everything and delete

I had downloaded Total Commander and installed it, the checked file attributes are 'read only' and 'in rom'; so I guess the file shall be consider undeleteable.
Now I had to learn how to recook, any good guide how can I recook the ROM that I have?

similar problem
I downloaded some software and it came up as being faulty software. The file was a zip folder titled : res_ppc-custom.icons
I tried through my windows mobile device center to uninstall it, but it was never actually installed completely in the first place.
I then tried to delete the file a few times. Once directly from my pda, once through the device center and again through my pc windows explorer. All three attempts were unsuccessful.
How can I get rid of this thing?
Thanks in advance

perhaps you may want to check if the file being accessed by other software, easiest way is to soft reset and try to delete it.

That did the trick! Thanks so much

Move files to storage card
OK I want to move some files (not ROM) in Windows and keep getting error. For example Opera.exe is not marked as anything in properties yet I can't seem to delete the file. I did copy it to my storage card without any issue but can't delete the original from Windows directory. Any suggestions since Total Commander won't delete it. Will edit registry to find it on the Storage Card.

Deleting files in Windows folder
mynullvoid said:
Hi, how can I delete a file in \Windows folder? it seems complaining that the file is in ROM, I had tried many way even using other File Explorer or via ActiveSync. None of them work.
How can I delete a file in \Windows folder in my Microsoft Windows Mobile 6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem - I have colpilot.wm6ppc.cab in my Windows directory. It's 12.6mb, I don't want it, and it's taking up a lot of storage space. My phone is a T-Mobile MDA and it obviously came with CoPilot as an option, but I think it's really unfair that the cab is right there in the Windows dir and I can't get rid of it....
Any help gratefully received....
Cheers,
Ed.

The cab is cooked in as part of the rom; there's nothing you can do about it, except flash a custom rom (this is one of the main reasons people flash custom roms). Be glad it was installed as a cab and not as a full package-at least cabs are compressed are a single file.

Farmer Ted said:
The cab is cooked in as part of the rom; there's nothing you can do about it, except flash a custom rom (this is one of the main reasons people flash custom roms). Be glad it was installed as a cab and not as a full package-at least cabs are compressed are a single file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the issue is not on the files in ROM.
I have the same problem. I've copied a file under Windows folder and after that I'm unable to delete it.
Strangely I'm able to rename it, which should mean that file is not in use, however deletion is not possible.
I've used TotalCommander, the built-in Explorer and also connected the phone via ActiveSync, but still nothing happens and access seems to be denied.
The exact message is "deletion error".
Any idea?
Thanks.
Cheers...
-nOra-

A very common problem with Windows explorer is reported on all Windows help forums. I've seen people complaining about problem with long path files deletion.
Some common problems with Windows Explorer people talk about:
- Doesn't allow to delete files with long path names
- Pops up error while deleting unwanted files or unnecessary files
- Errors like: Access denied, sharing violation, source in use etc.
I've found a very simple but smart solution for all these above mentioned common problems. A very simple but powerful tool to overcome these problems. Everyone who plays with the files must have this tool. Its compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows.

johnylog.software said:
A very common problem with Windows explorer is reported on all Windows help forums. I've seen people complaining about problem with long path files deletion.
Some common problems with Windows Explorer people talk about:
- Doesn't allow to delete files with long path names
- Pops up error while deleting unwanted files or unnecessary files
- Errors like: Access denied, sharing violation, source in use etc.
I've found a very simple but smart solution for all these above mentioned common problems. A very simple but powerful tool to overcome these problems. Everyone who plays with the files must have this tool. Its compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please tell us the name of this wonderfull tool, and how to have?

djulen said:
Could you please tell us the name of this wonderfull tool, and how to have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on how he said it, I have to really wonder if he really does have such a tool...

badbwoydes said:
Based on how he said it, I have to really wonder if he really does have such a tool...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Total Commander to modify the contents of the \Windows directory.

Yes, but you won't be able to delete a ROM file anyway.
In the \Windows folder, you commonly encounter three kinds of files :
- Pure ROM files (can't be deleted nor renamed nor moved, nor even copied, but can be overwritten, consuming internal storage memory space in the process to store the new copy, that will become used instead) ;
- Files put there by installation CABs or else (can be freely deleted, renamed or moved, provided they're not currently used by a running process) ;
- Files put on top of previously existing ROM files, wearing the same name (deleting, renaming or moving them will thus make the original ROM file undertneath to reappear with its original contents and attributes).
Once you've understood that, you'll be more aware of what's cooking there.
ROM files can't even be copied, but you can use ROMExtractor to copy them elsewhere, in case you want to study them, or use them in your own ROM (useful to get up-to date versions from another HTC device to cook your own ROM).
Since ROMExtractor is a very minimalistic tool (you have to type in all the files names with their path, same for the target copy, all one by one !) manually extracting hundreds (even thousands) of files is a very tedious taks, I made a MortScript to automate the process in order to extract all those DLLs, EXEs, MUIs, etc. files that can't be directly copied from a phone's ROM.
On the other hand, you absolutely can't delete a ROM file to make room. Overwriting it with a file wearing the same name will jut result in actually adding the new file, thus consuming even more room. The new file will just be used instead of the original one (so you can still update or personalize the ROM).
As a direct consequence, the only way to get rid of unwanted ROM files or permanently replacing them with up-to-date ones is to cook a ROM and flash it to the device to replace the old one.
That's way how operating systems can become better and better, and save space at the same time.
And no, Windows Mobile isn't dead : I'm not quite finished with fixing it until it's perfect, so it's not over yet. LOL

file explorer ??

I have searched this forum and the internet for over an hour and I cannot find any software to access the touch hd from my desktop as activesymc doesnt give you access to the PPC windows directory .. I think Im just being a bit blind so can anyone point me in the right direction....
all I want to do is organise my programmes... delete dead shortcuts,organise programmes into new folders etc......
I tried using total commander as I thought this would do the job... to no avail.......
im not even sure Im explaining myself very well....lol

Hmmmm, I have this as standard in ActiveSync - Tools - Explore Pocket PC.
Do you not have that option available?

Cheesy Dave said:
Hmmmm, I have this as standard in ActiveSync - Tools - Explore Pocket PC.
Do you not have that option available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can explore the device from within activsync but it does not show the windows sub folder on the device....that is what I want to access

I figured it out/// i went into folder options within tools and selected show system files!!! woohoo
Update: annoyingly I can only move some of the programmes to folders I have created - all the programmes that came pre-installed on the device only let you copy shortcuts not move them....argh!!!

Do you have total commander - this is a much better file manager than the standard.
Also, it will generally let you move protected files.
http://www.ghisler.com/pocketpc.htm

Manila files not visible in Windows

I know everyone is going to think this is the obvious thing. I have copied the manila file I want with Total Commander to various locations outside of the Windows directory, but I still can't see the files on my PC. They show up in the new locations on my phone using either Total Commander or File Explorer.
I have not had this problem prior to the new ROM that I loaded, see sig. Is it a ROM problem?

I got around this, by creating a zip file with Total Commander. the zip file was visible from my PC, and when I opened it the manila file was visible and usable, but it's not ideal to have to do this each time I want to get manila files to my PC. If anyone has any suggestions, why I wouldn't be able to see them using Windows 7 64-bit, that would be great.

Neofolis said:
I got around this, by creating a zip file with Total Commander. the zip file was visible from my PC, and when I opened it the manila file was visible and usable, but it's not ideal to have to do this each time I want to get manila files to my PC. If anyone has any suggestions, why I wouldn't be able to see them using Windows 7 64-bit, that would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn on 'show hidden files' and turn off 'hide protected operating files' in your folder view settings.