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Hey Guys,
Yet another sleeples night, looking at something that is probably simple and getting no where.
THE PROBLEM:
APPARENTLY you can change a CAB file into an OEM so that it can be used in Pandora Kitchen, the kitchen thread says its possible, but doesnt really give directions as to how.
Considering this is a new thing to, and there is no info about this on the site (that i can find)
Can someone please tell me step by step how to do this, and by step by step i mean:
1).................
2).................
3).................
4).................
etc etc
Thankyou for your help in advance
Here is a test package I made, but I keep getting a registry errors. Maybe someone can tell me what im doing wrong. I think it was better to keep all this in the kitchen thread personalley but as long as I can figure this out I dont really care.
Extract this file and take the "Remote Desktop" dir and drop it in the OEM dir in the Kitchen, and it shows up and all but when you go to build with teh green arrow I get a registry compiling error.
I also attached the original cab file that I started with when attempting to create this package.
Also attached is the cab manager that Matt uploaded, I am sure its the same as the one posted above but this has a readme and what not.
First Matt told me this:
Using this tool (many out there, this one's free and does a good job), extract the cab to a folder, then click on XML and grab the .rgu contents. Be wary of the format, as you have to delete any spaces between entries, such as "biteme" = dword : 00000001 should read "biteme"=dword:00000001.
Also, ensure that any path in this file (file system, not registry) is in this format: "\\Windows\\Startup" The second slash is required. Also, remove any references like %ce%\Windows, just change it to "\\Windows". You'll get the idea. If it ain't right, BuildOS will fail while creating the registry.
Move all the files into the top level in the folder you made, and remove all the extra crap like the inf file, and sometimes there's an xml file there too - note that you may need to convert to a provxml if the settings in it are required.
Use this site http://www.famkruithof.net/uuid/uuidgen (verion 4) to get a new GUID. I'd suggest coping a .rgu and options.xml file from another package since the file has to originate a certain way - and only use notepad to edit.
Just follow the example in the other packages - you'll find just about every way to do things in there.
As far as more details on using the program, just play with it. It's pretty simple
Then Bennec83 told me this:
what exactly are you trying to do? extract a CAB? if you are, using the file i uploaded earlier:
1)Launch CAB Manager.exe
2)on main screen extract CAB to a folder
3)click on the XML tab in top bar of the main window of CAB Manager.exe
4)in the window that opens, select Registry Keys
5)copy everything from the screen into WORDPAD
6)remove all the spaces
7)save the file as "UNICODE", once saved change the extension to somename.rgu
if you are trying to add an OEM to this kitchen i dont think you can just add them, please correct me if im wrong.
i hope this helps, if not tel me abit more about wat u want to do n ill try to help abit more!!
I understand the INF file as well, I just dont know how to add multiple directories as the destinations for a package, when a cab inf will tell you where there all suppost to go.
--Update--
I removed the NON-WORKING package, as it is now obsolete, see post below I got it working.
Ok then I understand the logic, and then the proper elaborated instructions can be pasted at the first or second topic of the Kitchen thread.
So I guess im doing something wrong with the reg, I have tried it a bunch of diffrent ways by comparing it to existing packages but I still cant seem to get it.
This quote by matt is what leads me to believe that.
Also, ensure that any path in this file (file system, not registry) is in this format: "\\Windows\\Startup" The second slash is required. Also, remove any references like %ce%\Windows, just change it to "\\Windows". You'll get the idea. If it ain't right, BuildOS will fail while creating the registry.
Ok I did it, I was reading an old post of bepe's and he said "add the reg to the end of the file (and the last line must be empty)" and so I hit enter and left the last line blank and BAM it worked so here is my first package contribution.
Maybe you can start adding these to the first post and we can start to make a collection for matt to add and test with his kitchen ?
Here is another one HTCustom 1.7 ready to go package for the kitchen
Damned if I can work it out!
Can anyone please package any of the following cabs?
Ive added JUVS HTC Home because the one included in the kitchen has the coloured icons not the original b&w.
Many many thanks in advance
I am still not able to completly figure out how to make a package where you must put files in diffrent locations other then the windows folder ? I would veyr much like to figure this part out.
I dont think he's having a go at you - he's just as frustrated as you and I with this. I would love to be cooking my own roms and with the wonderful pandoras kitchen I am getting alot further along but I guess I got a lot further to go!
well, by searching you can find how to do this!!!
click on this ftp://xda:[email protected]/Uploads/WIZARD/ROMS/Faria WM6 ROM Kitchen.pdf
this pdf file got what you need!!
under "Making a Package from a CAB file"
Look here bennec83, the comment i made was not meant to be a flame at all. If anything, it should have helped you alot with what you were trying to accomplish with the program and, making packages. I mean how much more direct can i be with helping you? As I said to you before, yes some of the chef can be a little vague with explaining the "How To's" of cooking or anything else, but that still didnt stop my progression of learning what i wanted to learn on here. What i explained in the CORE's Kitchen thread, was basically 80% self taught thru reading post & threads on xda, google searching, and trial and error. The other 20% was thru xda forum members input. I have a basic understainding of computers with no type of programming skills, and yet still, i was able to grasp the concept of cooking roms and making packages. Yes sometimes you have to put 2 and 2 together to figure things out on here. How I did it was I looked inside CORE's additional OEM packages and noticed that the files inside all the oem were extracted into the root of the folder's Dir...ok..so I would assume that you spent considerable amount of time trying to figure out that OEM package program(inside CORE's Kitchen its called Cab Analizer), then i would assume that you know that it extracts files within a .cab...ok... with that given....if you look back into an already made OEM package and many others, you'll notice that most ,if not all, carry an "initflashfile.txt"(which i figured out the correct data input) and many packages also carry .rgu & dsm files, so guess what....you need to find out what are .rgu & .dsm files, and there functions(if know no ones whats to tell you in a timely manor then, search or google, like i did!) Once you learn about those then, you'll notice that the OEM package program you have infront of give information about the reg keys of the cab (if available), then you start putting 2 & 2 together! You mention in your quotes that the programs sucks ass, well that program is a key part in making packages, If you can find a better one, please let me know!
NightmarE said:
well, by searching you can find how to do this!!!
click on this ftp://xda:[email protected]/Uploads/WIZARD/ROMS/Faria WM6 ROM Kitchen.pdf
this pdf file got what you need!!
under "Making a Package from a CAB file"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thankyou so much for this, i actually know what to do now i really appreciate this. you dnt know how much!!!
thanks alot
chrisnash said:
I dont think he's having a go at you - he's just as frustrated as you and I with this. I would love to be cooking my own roms and with the wonderful pandoras kitchen I am getting alot further along but I guess I got a lot further to go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are right that wasnt flamage!! i have been lookin so long in this forum i totally didnt think the answer would be in the wizard forum.
i have read and understood the instreuctions here:
ftp://ftp.xda-developers.com/Uploads/WIZARD/ROMS/Faria WM6 ROM Kitchen.pdf
i just wish i cud have found it earlier
perhaps I'm an utter fool, but I'd like some clarification from those of you who understand this, mind you I do have Faria's PDF:
1) For a .cab with purely registration files (ie, the Cingular WAP Settings) that contains a .inf when extracted, all I would need is the .rgu to put into BuildOS, right?
2) The .dsm file (and iniflashfiles) are only needed if the .cab is an actual application, and the .dsm file that you create can very well be empty (from what I understand from Faria's rom).
Maybe it's a lack of sleep, but I'm just not getting my head around this and am so far using the Install Cabs feature from HTCustom 1.7 after flashing.
I was trying to do the cignular settings and It seemed to me that all those reg entries appear like blank er something was wrong with them, I could be wrong but thats what it appeared like to me.
Bennec, ok then bro, my mistake, I guess I shouldnt of assumed that post was directed towards me, it just felt that way and I know you were frustrated.
Lets make this the best CAB to OEM Package thread ever and start a collection on the first post, also with all you have learned now, have you figured out a way to make a package with a cab like opera where the files must be placed in to diffrent dirs ?
where are you all stuck at?
to move files to a different directory you need to use initflashes. Keep in mind that this copies it to a different directory not actually moves it. The original file will still be in \\windows
If all you want is to add registry entries, add them to an existing packages registry entries. If you create a new package for the registy entries it should have a dsm file as well.
If you want the check box in buildos you will need to create an option.xml file as well.
bennec83 said:
you are right that wasnt flamage!! i have been lookin so long in this forum i totally didnt think the answer would be in the wizard forum.
i have read and understood the instreuctions here:
ftp://ftp.xda-developers.com/Uploads/WIZARD/ROMS/Faria WM6 ROM Kitchen.pdf
i just wish i cud have found it earlier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you found the info you need, and are on your way to making progress. I apologize for not being able to assist more than I did, but I've got my hands full getting v3 ready for release.
Good luck and happy packaging!
NYD - long time, no see!
goto the CORE's kitchen thread. Read my posts and familiarize urself with a program called "compare it". Use this program to compare ur registry when the app is freshly installed, to the registry without the app installed, and pull the reg keys that way!
mattk_r said:
I'm glad you found the info you need, and are on your way to making progress. I apologize for not being able to assist more than I did, but I've got my hands full getting v3 ready for release.
Good luck and happy packaging!
NYD - long time, no see!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand you have lots to do on your kitchen, congrats BTW!! amazing kitchen, how is touch flo goin?
notyourdaddy said:
where are you all stuck at?
to move files to a different directory you need to use initflashes. Keep in mind that this copies it to a different directory not actually moves it. The original file will still be in \\windows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmmmm.
So its not possible to cook a Rom with custom apps in Progam Files only? I mean if they are always in \\windows too then its better to install the files than to cook it in the rom.
I have always believed you should add as little as possible to Rom:
From Tadzio's 'Want more Storage' Thread.
tadzio said:
...clip...
I modified mamaich's ImgfsTools so that they now create the smallest possible OS.nb from a 'dump' directory, and also write the partition table and MSFLSH header matching the new size.
...clip... make a ROM as small as at all possible, removing anything that users may not want, and turn every removed feature into a .cab that users can install to Storage...clip...
Cheers
Daniel
...clip...
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Click to collapse
i need help with 2 oems s2u2 v.99c and s2v v0.32.
problem 1: s2u2 clock and weather has same png file names
problem 2: any oems i found install everything under windows folder I would
rather have them in \program files\ (i'm picky).
problem 3 they both have a file named ac_gd.dll.
I am using dcd's kitchen 1.6.10 (awesome program i have to donate soon, flawleess work keep it up dcd) and personal oemizer(don't know were this came from but also an excellent program). if no one wants to take this task atleast toss me a bone about what to do with all the dupl. file names so that i still get full functionality out of both programs I have made many successful oems and roms and as soon as i get these files figured out wouldnt mind posting some work for every one to check out. If you need additional info ill be back on about 1am send a mesg or leave post.
thanks in advance.
ps this is for wm6.0 not the 6.1 i love 6.1 but ill wit till les bugs.
1. You need to change the names of the picture files and then create an initflashfiles.txt file that changes the names of the files to the correct ones. FOr an example of this see the S2U2 OEM in the PPCGeeks OEM files for the Apache kitchen.
2. You can move them using an initflashfiles.txt file but then you would have 2 of all of those files using up memory.
3. Remove one.
OEMizer is from tierman from PPCGeeks.
brain fart
ahh ha so in the initflashfiles.txt all the dupl strings like
Directory("\Program Files\s2u2\gfx\clock\"):-File("0.png","\Windows\0.png")
could be changed to
Directory("\ProgramFiles\s2u2\gfx\clock\"):-File("0.png","\Windows\a0.png")
as long as I changed the original file name to a0.png.
so there is no conflict WOW should of seen that myself thanks blazingwolf life saver.
I am looking to create some cabs (now that I have WinCE figured out) and wondered if others had quick ways of getting all of the reg keys exported for specific applications so I can add those into my cab.
If I can get buttons, today screen prefs, apps, and a few other things done in one compiled "Setup CAB" I will have my phone auto-customized I had it before flashing. I am so close to having only cabs in my UC if I can get this, and do away with the copy commands.
serfboreds said:
I am looking to create some cabs (now that I have WinCE figured out) and wondered if others had quick ways of getting all of the reg keys exported for specific applications so I can add those into my cab.
If I can get buttons, today screen prefs, apps, and a few other things done in one compiled "Setup CAB" I will have my phone auto-customized I had it before flashing. I am so close to having only cabs in my UC if I can get this, and do away with the copy commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is actually something I've been wondering about and kinda 'working on'.
I'm trying to find out how certain applications store registration info (registry, files, etc.)
Just a few in question that I'm trying to auto-register on flash:
Resco Tools: Backup and Explorer
Handmark Games (Yahtzee and Scrabble)
serfboreds said:
I am looking to create some cabs (now that I have WinCE figured out) and wondered if others had quick ways of getting all of the reg keys exported for specific applications so I can add those into my cab.
If I can get buttons, today screen prefs, apps, and a few other things done in one compiled "Setup CAB" I will have my phone auto-customized I had it before flashing. I am so close to having only cabs in my UC if I can get this, and do away with the copy commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's simple. If you bought WinCE you will then be able to use the option to export and import REG Keys.
So all you would need to do is open a CAB from any program -- Export the REG -- and close it out.
Then open the CAB project you made and import the REG key and your good.
But you must first buy WinCE. The evaluation copy doesn't let you do this. Well it didn't let me.
For cabs that are just changing reg keys for you and not actually installing anything...it's easier to just create an xml file. Name the xml file _setup.xml and use makecab from the command line like this:
Code:
makecab _setup.xml yourcab.cab
CeREgistryEditor also makes cabs from registry files. Free program.
studentjunk said:
CeREgistryEditor also makes cabs from registry files. Free program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two aspects i was looking for are solved by this program and GC's suggestion. Thanks!
studentjunk said:
CeREgistryEditor also makes cabs from registry files. Free program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I need to give a little more explanation for my question.
I am pretty sure that I know how to change registry keys one by one using XML.
I am not sure if it is possible to export everything from a folder in a way that it can be combined with other registry exports and ultimately cabbed. Say I am looking to replace every key in HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Today after a new flash so that certain things are enabled and disabled.
My hope is that I will be able to export the entire "today" in such a way that I can add those to a wince cab. It would be nice to be able to export several of these "folders" at one time and drag them over.
Like I said, I am trying to prevent having to do this one key at a time so that in the future even if I change the setup I don't have to change the strategy for export/import.
So, I need to give a little more explanation for my question.
I am pretty sure that I know how to change registry keys one by one using XML.
I am not sure if it is possible to export everything from a folder in a way that it can be combined with other registry exports and ultimately cabbed. Say I am looking to replace every key in HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Today after a new flash so that certain things are enabled and disabled.
My hope is that I will be able to export the entire "today" in such a way that I can add those to a wince cab. It would be nice to be able to export several of these "folders" at one time and drag them over.
Like I said, I am trying to prevent having to do this one key at a time so that in the future even if I change the setup I don't have to change the strategy for export/import.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my email and take a look at the registry cab I attached.
gc14 said:
Read my email and take a look at the registry cab I attached.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks GC, this is what I needed.
Final XML
Here is my final XML for anyone who cares to share theirs, I learned a lot by looking at GC's (credit where it is due). I put my sdconfig.txt on here too.
Feel free to let me know if there is a better way to do any of this. I will be testing tonight to see how it does after a flash. This should save me 20 minutes of tinkering if everything goes right.
Other than the background not being possible (that seems hard to believe there is no way to do this), I will only have a few things to set up when flashing if all goes well. This will be so worth the hour time it took to create.
Any way to register devices via XML (wifi, bluetooth)?
PS. Though I didn't do it here, I have cabbed the _setup.xml file for installation with UC.
All those CPY commands are still unnecessary. You could make one cab to do all of that very easily.
Also, why do you have LOCK/HIDE commands around the reg cab?
gc14 said:
All those CPY commands are still unnecessary. You could make one cab to do all of that very easily.
Also, why do you have LOCK/HIDE commands around the reg cab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got those two things cleared up, cabbed the files to copy which works great.
Can't seem to figure two things out:
1. xml didn't install registry keys. Did I miss some setting in WinCE (I just set it as universal, added to files, and set the location to %InstallDir%). I had all of the files I was going to copy in UC in this same created cab as _setup.xml; the copied files went across fine, but no registry keys were changed. This leads me to believe that xml didn't load correctly or at all.
2. Copying folders. I cant seem to copy folders directly into WinCE so I would think that the folder must be created then the files must be copied across. How do you create these folders (I want to copy across AstroGPSLauncher and HTC Home icons to root). I tried using the copy command in UC as well but I think the syntax was wrong by using backslash after folder name in CPY1 and no slash after new folder in CPY2.
Thanks, I am so close to getting this.
Got those two things cleared up, cabbed the files to copy which works great.
Can't seem to figure two things out:
1. xml didn't install registry keys. Did I miss some setting in WinCE (I just set it as universal, added to files, and set the location to %InstallDir%). I had all of the files I was going to copy in UC in this same created cab as _setup.xml; the copied files went across fine, but no registry keys were changed. This leads me to believe that xml didn't load correctly or at all.
2. Copying folders. I cant seem to copy folders directly into WinCE so I would think that the folder must be created then the files must be copied across. How do you create these folders (I want to copy across AstroGPSLauncher and HTC Home icons to root). I tried using the copy command in UC as well but I think the syntax was wrong by using backslash after folder name in CPY1 and no slash after new folder in CPY2.
Thanks, I am so close to getting this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You don't use WinCE to create cabs from provxml. You use makecab as I previously stated.
2. Get rid of the CPY commands, don't use them at all. If you want to install youricon.png to root, you just add youricon.png as a file in the cab and set the location to root. Default install directory doesn't matter, you can specify install location for each file separately.
gc14 said:
1. You don't use WinCE to create cabs from provxml. You use makecab as I previously stated.
2. Get rid of the CPY commands, don't use them at all. If you want to install youricon.png to root, you just add youricon.png as a file in the cab and set the location to root. Default install directory doesn't matter, you can specify install location for each file separately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, makecab worked to create the cab but it states that the installation of the cab was unsuccessful. Here is the zip of the setup file and the cab I created (I kept yourcab.cab naming for fun).
P.S. I got rid of all copy commands, but still can't figure out how to create a new folder on the device using xml or wince. Please explain how I can cab a folder with all its contents, or create a new folder in xml, then UC a cab to install the contents.
That version of WinCE doesn't allow for import of complete folders. Later versions do.
You can also try QuickCab. Don't remember the user's name, but it is being developed by an XDA member. I believe it allows for copying complete folders, and has a simple GUI.
Edit: If you are just looking to do it for AstroGPS it should be fairly easy. Isn't it just one or two files in /AstroGPS... and a shortcut in /windows/start menu/programs? If so, just drag the file (or two) into WinCE, and it will ask you where you want it to be installed. Then just choose /AstroGPSLauncher (you have to create a new folder, but the option is right there).
bedoig said:
That version of WinCE doesn't allow for import of complete folders. Later versions do.
You can also try QuickCab. Don't remember the user's name, but it is being developed by an XDA member. I believe it allows for copying complete folders, and has a simple GUI.
Edit: If you are just looking to do it for AstroGPS it should be fairly easy. Isn't it just one or two files in /AstroGPS... and a shortcut in /windows/start menu/programs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for looking into the second issue.
Right, but I need to have that in a folder called AstroGPSLauncher on the root. I also am looking to install the HTC Home folder (overwrite the other one). I will get a newer copy of WinCE.
Anyone have any idea why this cab won't install?
serfboreds said:
Other than the background not being possible (that seems hard to believe there is no way to do this)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about your Today screen background? You are basically looking to have a certain theme selected? If so, then that is no problem. TSK's are basically just cabs themselves. The Theme selection app in WM just reads the TSK, imports the registry color info, and copies tdywater.gif/.jpg and stwater.gif/.jpg to /windows. At startup, WM reads those image files and assigns them as your Today and Start Menu wallpapers. Just use WinCE to export the contents of the TSK. Then use whatever method you like to update your registry and copy those files to /windows.
serfboreds said:
Any way to register devices via XML (wifi, bluetooth)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know this as well. I might look into it, but please let me know if you find a solution. Thanks!
Serf, do you have AIM? If so pm me your sn so we can talk over that. This is a really really simple process, and I know exactly why the cab isn't installing, but it sucks to explain over forums/email.
gc14 said:
Serf, do you have AIM? If so pm me your sn so we can talk over that. This is a really really simple process, but sucks to explain over forums/email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
serfboreds7777 and I am online now.
I have this mostly figured out for my needs, a few tweaks and some new ideas since getting things flashed with UC / XML / Cabbed files. If anyone wants to get some help setting up their xml and UC I will do my best to help you through the process.
Props to GC, the man knows his stuff.
Here is a simple app I wrote to create shortcuts to items inside the Control Panel.
On Windows 6.1 it was quite easy to create link to items such as "Remove Programs" or "Connections", it was a matter of finding the correct command line that launch the cpl applet and use the same icon. (e.g: "#ctlpnl.exe cplmain.cpl,23?\Windows\shell.dll,13")
On Windows 6.5, Microsoft has decided to use PNG for icons, which makes the job a little bit more complicate.
While you can create the link in the same way, to get a picture you have to convert the PNG file into an ICO file and move it into some binary as a resource file (exe or dll)
This tool allows you to create links to items inside the "Settings" keeping the original icon, so you can use them as QuickLinks.
What it does is pick the PNG associated with a particular item, converted it to ICO (64x64-8bit) and create a small executable to hold the picture.
The executable also contains the command line so you can launch the specific Settings item running the exe.
I wrote it for my HD2, but it should work on any other device with WM 6.5 (at least it does with the emulator)
Reqs:
The main binary (link2cpl.exe) needs .NET CF 3.5 to run.
The exe it creates are stand alone binaries, so you can use create the files once, and remove the tool.
Any feedback welcome (if is good of course 8)
Couple of screenshots to give you an idea:
good idea. I wonder: how do you create .exe files?
it works good, except backlight doesn't work and it seems that some parts are targetting wwe-Roms.
Great work!
Micha
Thanks for testing 8)
What I did was to create a "generic" exe in c++, with an icon of the size size (64x64 8-bit) inside and enough space for a big command line.
Then, the application loads whatever PNG associated with the settings entry and convert it to ICO format (which was a little tricky because .NET CF does not have any direct conversion, so I have to write the ICON manually (header,bits and mask).
After the ICON is created (in memory) I put it inside the .EXE file.
First it writes the first part of the .EXE, then replace the command line with the one from the registry for that particular item, and finally writes the ICON as a resource.
I found that some of the entries in the registry are not been display (I'm running an Energy Rom in my HD2, and I see more items in my list than the ones that appear in the "Settings" menu. for example, the "Beam" item.
I guess those are the ones that don't do anything at all.
If you choose to not create an exe file, the link (.LNK) it generates contains the command line (e.g: cntlpnl.exe cplmain.cpl,23) which can be used to see if it does something or not.
The main reason I create it, is beacuse I wanted to have an direct link to the "Usb2PC" so I can disable the ActiveStorage while connected with just one click. I guess I'm a lazy b*st*rd 8)
Thanks. Work great for TP2
dubidu said:
What I did was to create a "generic" exe in c++, with an icon of the size size (64x64 8-bit) inside and enough space for a big command line..................
The main reason I create it, is beacuse I wanted to have an direct link to the "Usb2PC" so I can disable the ActiveStorage while connected with just one click. I guess I'm a lazy b*st*rd 8)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. It worked great for my TP2 with Energy ROM. I always use quickmenu (now compact menu in NRG ROMs) for which I had created the shortcuts for all the setting menu items without any icons. Now that I have all the exe with original icons, it will stay in my UC folder and I can use it anywhere as you did. Thank you again.
Glad that it works, I only tested on my HD2 and with the VM emulators.
There are a couple of apps out there that allow you to create links, but don't work on WM6.5 due the "new" png files.
As far as I know, the only way to provide a image for a link file is if it embedded as an ICO inside a library (or exe). You can get the link easily, but not the original image, that's why I wrote this one, so it's easy to obtain icons from PNGs files 8)
8)
Just notice that backlight settings lnk does not work for me.
Did you test it?
Just notice that backlight settings lnk does not work for me.
Did you test it?
Ummm...
I'm using Energy rom in my HD2, and I don't have a BackLight icon in my 'settings', but it's possible that other roms got it.
The tool goes through the registry and gets all the entries corresponding to CPL items.
The key is 'KLM\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start'
The links and exes are created using the information from the regsitry, so depends on the version of WM (vaniala, rom, etc).
for example, you may have:
KLM\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start\cplmain.cpl,13 (use for the Today icon)
Icon=\Windows\Start_Icon_today.png
This tool takes all the entries, puts the .png into a .exe (converting it an icon), and creates a link pointing to the created exe.
If executing 'cntlpnl.exe cplmain.cpl,13' doesn't bring the Today settings, it's something outside the link it self.
I notice there are some items with a 'Redirect' key.
Inside 'KLM\ControlPanel\BackLight' key I can see a String key 'Redirect' with the value: 'BackLight.exe' so I guess the control panel will automatically execute that binary rather than load a control panel library (cpl) as it does for the rest of items.
If that's the case, you can just create the lnk to that exe which will also give you the icon, the idea of the Link2CPL was to access the .cpl items directly, and to have the proper icon which since WM 6.5 is not as easy as it looks 8)
Yes I see that in registry too but cannot find backlight.exe to create a shortcut. I actually don't know what does Redirect mean.
Anyway, very good job Dubidu!
Quack2 said:
Yes I see that in registry too but cannot find backlight.exe to create a shortcut. I actually don't know what does Redirect mean.
Anyway, very good job Dubidu!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Redirect means to run the exe instead of use the original/default.
I will check tomorrow in one of the emulators, my HD2 doesn't have a BackLigth in the settings, so that entry is not there.
You can create 'manual' links with the notepad, or with something like totalcommander, so if you can find the exe that does the backligth.exe on your WM, should be easy.
I will keep you posted 8)
I don't access to backlight directly from settings but using power settings. I had just tried to create a shortcut from the backlight item shown in the list displayed in your app.
Older phones have backlight settings as a separate item in the control panel, but newer ones have it as a tab in power settings.
If the backlight settings you want to access is the one in the first attached picture (tab in power settings), that it's a external executable.
On my HD2 (Energy), the name of the exe is powerexe.exe in the \windows directory.
there are a couple of links (power.lnk and power settings.lnk) to that exe.
unfortunately, the exe does not bring you directly to the 'backlight' option, it shows both battery and backlight (second capture)
btw, today one friend at work asked me for a simple app to enable and disable the
"dim backlight if devide is not used for:" checkbox, with a just one click.
Maybe that's was the reason why you wanted a link to that backlight settings.
attached is the simple program which does that, check/uncheck that option.
Is it possible to make additional tab to put own path to application and path to .png file? Because sometimes it is necessary to link executable without icon with png, or ico file. It will be very useful function. Thank you in advance.
hi,
I can add that option, shouldn't take too long, but the icon will not be "inserted" in the original exe, that would require lot of work to rebuild/recreate the resource section inside the executable.
The icon (png converted to icon) would be put inside a separate exe or a dll.
the new generated exe would contain the command line to execute the original exe, and the png icon, so when you create a link to that one, it will automatically pick the embedded image.
Would that help?
Yes, it is the same that I mean. To link together exe without icon and png or ico files. Because if you put icons in dll file you must sign it. For exe it is more convinient.
check this out.
Png2Exe 8)
I will try to change the FileDialog and use something different because the default .NET ones are rubbish 8)
Thank you! It is the same that I mean. File dialogue really bad, it is impossible to find exe everywhere. If it possible to meke normal one it will be really great program.
This guide will explain how to theme your Dialer for firmwares 2.2 and higher. This will very likely only work on De-Odexedroms. If you're not sure what deodexed is, it is not Dell Stock, if you have a custom ROM check with the Chef.
I will make this as easy as possible. This is for windows. The only tools you should need is 7zip and a good image editor, like Photoshop, Paint.net or GIMP.
I will attach an DialerTheme.zip with custom Contacts.apk and a stock Phone.apk to use.
Theming Contacts.apk, will customize the things you see before placing a call.
Theming Phone.apk, will customize images during or in-call.
For Dialer background in Contacts before calling, I recommend using an 800x800 .png, make sure its not just renamed .png but actually saved as a .png
This can be a photo, picture or solid color, whatever you desire. Name this "custom_dialer_background.png" without quotes and with the underscores.
I will explain how to copy this to the .apk, most will know how to do this, but I will explain. With 7zip installed, right click on my DialerTheme.zip, choose 7zip, then mouseover to ..open archive. then double click on \system folder, then double click \app folder, then double click contacts.apk, double click \res folder, then double click \drawable-long-finger folder. Now simply drag and drop your custom_dialer_background.png into this folder. It will ask you if you want to replace. Say Ok or yes. Don't worry it doesn't move, just copies and keeps your original. Next do the same and copy to \drawable-long-land-finger and also \drawable-mdpi-finger. Now close the window and it should ask yo to update the archive, say Ok or yes. Done. That's it for contacts and the 1st dialer.
The next one is a bit trickier and may take a bit more time. It involves .9.pngs, which are stretchable images and can be difficult to work with. Lets make it easy for our selves. Again open DialerTheme.zip as an archive with 7zip and navigate to Phone.apk\res\drawable-hdpi. we need to copy the first 5 files from here to your desktop, or a folder to make things neater.
These are:
bg_in_call_gradient_bluetooth.9.png,
bg_in_call_gradient_connected.9.png,
bg_in_call_gradient_ended.9.png,
bg_in_call_gradient_on_hold.9.png, and
bg_in_call_gradient_unidentified.9.png
A quick way to do this is to open any one with your photo editor and make your changes, (eg.paste your picture or image). The ones I am using are 480x754, but I think it should be fine using the same 800x800 from before. If you start adding layers to it though it may not save correctly, I find copy/paste works just fine. Now save and it should retain the .9.png extension. You can either do the remaining 4 or just open the 1st one and choose save as: bg_in_call_gradient_connected.9.png,(or even a copy and rename should work) just make sure it naturally retains the .9.png extension which already contains the boundaries and data we need. When you have all 5 looking as you wish with .9.png extension still intact, we can then move these to our zip in the same location( mulit-move by holding CTRL while selecting all 5). It will ask if you want to overwrite say yes. Also copy these 5 files to phone\res\drawable-long-finger, and say ok to overwrite.
Now we need these same 5 for a landscape view in-call. So you either rotate them, if it doesn't compromise your image. These images are also normal .png's, so they will not stretch. You may need to crop them, or expand your canvas. The ones I am using are 802x477 and look just fine. When you have all 5 name them as before except without .9. (I wouldnt recommend just renaming a .9.png to .png, although it would probably work, I suggest opening a.9 and saving it as .png first then copying and renaming should be fine. Same 5 filenames as before without .9
bg_in_call_gradient_bluetooth.png,
bg_in_call_gradient_connected.png,
bg_in_call_gradient_ended.png,
bg_in_call_gradient_on_hold.png, and
bg_in_call_gradient_unidentified.png
copy these like we did before to phone\res\drawable-long-land-finger.
Close the archive when finished and it should ask you to update, say OK. Thats it. Now place on SD Card and flash in recovery.
This doesn't theme anything else, but you can change all the other images yourself in the same manner. Try making the buttons transparent,etc! Just remember to retain the .9.png or it will not display correctly.
Because we have done it this way, if you try to decompile and rebuild it is likely you will get "missing .9.chunk data, etc." But we shouldnt need to decompile again, all images can be drag and dropped.
This method should not have any problems, bootloops, stuck at logos, because were only swapping out .png's, If anything you may get an immediate force close when trying to open phone or contacts, likely becuase an image is missing/named incorrectly or the size is too far from the original.(which I think android will still try to display...up to a point)
There is also a .zip in next post to return to stock phone and contacts.apk
If you need further assistance, search, then post here and we will try to help.
reserved
Update: custom background will now be on all screens!
If no one else makes a transparent buttons-so you can see your whole wallpaper-theme, I may do it when I have time. This theme also doesn't change any background in your contact list, etc. Those will still be black. I can change those as well and may do so in an update. If so, it will use the same image as custom_dialer_background.
::bump::
The secret sauce...
great post
Howdy
I'm glad you posted this, I have been PM'ing peolpe to try and found out how to do this, not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but might you have something similiar for the keyboard??
THanks again for the post.