Creating personal Special Edition Rom - MDA, XDA, 1010 Software Upgrading

Could some one please post a detailed explination for us on how to add our own apps and remove some apps from the rom. I have seen a few instructions but nothing that really is cut and dry and easy for us n00bs.
thanks

its actually pretty simple once u get the hang of it. basically there are 3 parts
1) u need to capture changes made by the program. Use ssnap.exe utility on xda to do it. snap before and after installation of the program.
U will need to figure out what registry changes are added and also what files are added and where.
2) there are 2 files that u need to modify. Default.reg is the default registry which is installed after cold reset. this is where u add ur registry changes.
3) initobj.txt is the copy to RAM file. anything in there gets transferred to ram as a copy. trick is to try to run the app that u want from windows directory, if u try to copy it somewhere else then u are defeating the purpose of running it from ROM. i know for sure that Pocket Plus needs to have 4 files in RAM so it can modify it.
after that's done, last step is to copy all the files that u are adding to files2 directory of mkrom package and compile new rom on linux or unix box.
its not an easy job and u should be fairly familiar with registry as well as file comparision utilities. it took me 2 weeks to create the perfect rom that i liked with all the apps that i needed. and it took me about 2 hard resets and rom loads every day.
other thing is to look at examples and try to figure it out.
Alex

great!!! Tanks so much. for some reason I understnad it now lol.

no problem. let me know if u have any more questions

Related

n00b question about adding my own programs

Okay I understand you have to use mkrom and Linux (or cygwin on Windows) to roll your own ROM my question is regarding how one could say remove one program from the SE ROM and include something else, for instance take off the byte counter and put another different counter on or such, would you just copy the necessary files (.exe and dll's) to the files1 or files2 folder and that's it ? What more is involved? Thanks in advance!
for simple programs, that is all there is to it.
some might need more research, as to which registry settings need to be tweaked to get te program to run from the windows directory. and what settings it needs to run at all.
You copy the files to either files1 or files2. Both sets of files end up in the \Windows subdir. So if you do not want to copy the files to RAM (see below), you should make sure the program is set to run from \Windows. Then you add any necessary registry keys to "default.reg", and any file-copy or directory creation commands to initobj.txt. Then run "mkrom <ROMfile>" and hey-presto.
Thanks so much for all your guys awesome work!!
entropy1980 said:
ok sounds good, what would one need to do to mod the registry for the programs (By that I mean prior to booting) I don't want to be mucking around with a reg editor after the device boots just to get the progs to work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I understand the question. Default.reg just holds the entire registry as present after a cold restart. So if you put something in there, this will be in the registry when the device wakes up.
I think we wrote at the same time , so you answered my question before I posted it !!! What you said made complete sense! Thanks!
entropy1980 said:
[...]so you answered my question before I posted it !!! [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the phpBB telepathy mod a couple of days ago, so I guess it's working.
Hey I knew you were going to say that.... :lol: :lol:
hi,
i want to add the skelmir java virtual machine (thats default installed in windows\ceej) and copy the swingall.jar in the windows\ceej map.
I have the cab file of the virtual machine but i can't find out which files are in it (when i open it with cabextract is shows .001 files and not the files that i find back in the device)
please help me
Using Special Edition ROM, Tthe CabInst tool will run CAB files on the device if you move it there manually and double-tap it. It allows to set a new directory to install in.
Also the System Snapshot tool will write a file in the root of the device which holds a list of the entire filesystem and registry contents, so you can compare and see what changed. UltraEdit for the desktop has a compare function.
Good luck...
hi,
i installed it to a seperate directory and zipped the files. i also took a snapshot when the xda was fresh and after install. i only can't find where the xda's gets is files from in:
43 <! [\Windows\AppMgr]
8544 <! 31/12/2002 12:31 1632 FC0E9EE1 Skelmir CEEJ Virtual Machine.DAT
8576 <! 16/02/2003 23:10 27 AEBB1DF3 CEEJ.lnk
8587 <! 16/02/2003 23:10 40 1EAF4EB3 CEEJ Examples.lnk
8588 <! 16/02/2003 23:10 27 AEBB1DF3 CEEJ.lnk
because these are not in the map where i extracted the cab file too. maybe you can take a look for me and tell me what i have to change in mkrom to have ceej by default installed
the extraced cab map:
http://www.devosjansen.nl/xda/java installed.rar
the snapfiles:
http://www.devosjansen.nl/xda/xda snapshots files.rar
thanks in advance
laurens0619 said:
hi,
i installed it to a seperate directory and zipped the files. i also took a snapshot when the xda was fresh and after install. i only can't find where the xda's gets is files from in:
43 <! [\Windows\AppMgr]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These files are generated during the install process, and contain uninstall information. You do not need to write them if you install in ROM, since you don't need/want your programs to show up the in the 'Add/Remove Programs' dialogue.
ah i understand,
so i just put the files in the files1 or files2 directory and add this reg files to the default.reg? i dony really understand the readme file
ah little kick,
isn't also good for the next SE rom? because you have finally a java virtual machine on the xda and the app is freeware (got it from www.skelmir.com)
laurens0619 said:
isn't also good for the next SE rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noted...
nice but can you please help me out for the moment? i dont know which part i must add to the default.reg file
laurens0619 said:
I dont know which part i must add to the default.reg file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
default.reg holds the registry that is present when the system wakes up from cold-boot. So any registry entries your installer (or first run of the app) has made that you would like to have present should go in there. Clear enough?
almost
so i just copy paste the **** at the end of the reg file? and the files in the files 2 map
but how will the rom know where to put the files??
sorry if i'm stupid but i don't want to f*ck my rom so i can use me xda's as a frisbee
Yes, the registry entries can be pasted at the end of default.reg. It doesn't matter if there's earlier entries with the same values, since the latter ones override.
All files in files1 and files2 will end up in \Windows, and if you want them somewhere else, (where they'll take up RAM), you must manually copy them (or pre-made links pointing to them) by issueing commands in initobj.txt.
Take a real close look at initobj.txt, and you'll get the picture.

New Soft! ConfigCreator & Restorator

Wazzzzzzzzaaa???
This is my first C# util!
It facilitates ExtRom update process. All you need to do is to put your cab files to Ext and run this utility, then the utility will create Config.txt at Ext with all cabs specified as "CAB: path2cab". If you need to get your original Config, then check ConfigOld at Ext
C# Programmers let's unite!!! ))
ps: the utility is not verbose one, so you won't see any messages & lame stuff. If you see something, then there is a problem
that's good boy! will try it l8r..
THANKS!
Man, wher z feedback?? Did u try it?
Yo,
boobee said:
that's good boy! will try it l8r..
THANKS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boy, hope you finaally tried it! And try this one also. This is my 2nd C# util
Shortly what it does:
UnZips your files with consecutive registry values (reg V4) import and splash writing
It means that you can zip all your files to one file called Setup.zip and place it anywhere (storage/ext). After hard reset, the utility is called and it extracts all your files and restores your favorite registry settings (saved to Setup.reg) and writes your splash.
btw: read za manual !
ps: the concept is the same, if u see somethin' then there is a trouble
Re: Man, wher z feedback?? Did u try it?
Attention!
The file was re-uploaded, so there mustn't be any CRC errors now
System Requirements
Regarding system requirements, the program needs old version of ER\Autorun.exe that understands ER\Config.txt
Program was not tested on XDA1! It was partially tested (w/o hard-resets on XDA2 / 1.72TM
Version 1.1
Wazzza!
Here is a new version of Restorator utility. The new features are:
+ now it deletes content of \My Documents;\Windows\Start Menu;\Windows\Startup folders (as people wanted
+ TimeZone offset is not resetted anymore
Note:
Make sure you have prepared your customized Start Menu (!!!) and Startup (!!!) folders, otherwise you won't be able to see Programs after hard-resetting your device. Please, check the attached sample to prevent yourself from having problems with this utility or use version 1.0 that don't delete anything
Umm... could anyone translate this into English for me?
I don't even understand the title of the thread.
In another thread, SP says that one of these downloads will retrieve data back on hard resets. Sounds like a useful tool, if only I understood what the hell these posts mean. :lol:
For Ben
sublimatica said:
Umm... could anyone translate this into English for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here we go...
(assuming that you downloaded 'RestoreItV1_1_PPC.ARMV4.CAB' & installed it to your device)
This program is designed to restore your files, folders and registry settings from a ZIP-format archive and it can also write some splash screens
For this purpose, you need to make a ZIP-format archive with files & folders you want to get restored after hard-reset. Just run your favorite pocket zip archiver (for instance PocketRAR) and archive those files & folders that you want to see after hard-resetting device. Name your archive "Setup.zip" and place it to one of the following places: storage, storage card or extended rom.
Before doing further instruction make sure you have unlocked your ExtendedROM using ExtUnlocker.
If your rom is unlocked try to run the utility from \Storage\RestoreIt. If you had no messages after running it, then the utility installed itself successively. And your files & folders placed to 'Setup.zip' will be restored on next hard-resets.
If you're interested in restoring registry settings, then you need to get pocket registry editors that support exporting/saving to .reg files. After saving your favorite registry settings you will need to combine them to one .reg file and name it 'Setup.reg'. Then, you will need to place it to your archive's root folder (aka '\') So, you will have a file 'Setup.reg' placed to the root folder of your 'Setup.zip'. That's all folks
I strongly recommend you to see sample 'setup.zip' & 'manual.txt'
DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR CURRENT '\WINDOWS\STARTUP' & '\WINDOWS\START MENU' FOLDERS TO YOUR SETUP.ZIP!!!
You're welcome to ask me questions anytime!
Aaah, OK. That makes more sense
Sounds like a handy little tool then. Might have a play later.
Thanks, SP!
RAR-support
Is there anyone who is interested in rar-support for restorator?
Attention: Restorator v1.0 & 1.1
Attention: Restorator v1.0 & 1.1 are originally supported by I-Mate 1.72! All you need to do here is to use Extended ROM unlocker prior to running the utility
Feedback
Any feedback so far?
SP,
Restorator seems like a winner!!! I have been hitting my head on the rocks for a while trying to script a recovery using nscriptm as a scripting tool to call cab files which I keep on a storage card. Looks like using your tool a lot of the tedious scripting can be simplified by simply copying the files where they need to go. The challenge is knowing exactly what to copy & where... Is it possible to add the ability to call CAB files to your already excellent utility?
I am imagining putting all the CAB files in say a folder like \CABs in the Setup.zip and then having Restorator calling them one by one after finishing off with all else that it does. Can this be done? Additionally can you add ability to call registry imports at two points? You may wish to call registry import at the beginning and once more at the end after all cab file execution has been completed. This would be useful to restore application settings etc which the cab execution would overwrite to default. You would obviously need to keep two .reg files in the zip file. Does this make sense?
Thanks once again for all your efforts. Regards
Hi Mate
k_kirk said:
SP,
Thanks once again for all your efforts. Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your motivating feedback.
I'm planning to put your features in 3 to 5 days...(hope to get some free time on these days).
And more ideas and recommendations are welcome!!!
SP
SP, thanks for continuing to work on this utility. I am waiting eagerly for your next update. I will set it up and test it with a hard reset so we can see real outcome. Let me know when ready please. Thanks
Re: Hi Mate
SP said:
k_kirk said:
SP,
Thanks once again for all your efforts. Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your motivating feedback.
I'm planning to put your features in 3 to 5 days...(hope to get some free time on these days).
And more ideas and recommendations are welcome!!!
SP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi SP, this utility sounds great. Does it work with the XDA I as well????
Re: Hi Mate
Hi SP, this utility sounds great. Does it work with the XDA I as well????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I don't have an XDA 1 device at my disposal and I'm unfamiliar with its tech info.
What happens when your xda1 is hard resetted? Does it install cab files? or does it run any configuration software?
If there is a such software (on XDA2 it is autorun.exe placed at ExtendedROM), then you must specify in the runner (which starts on hard-resets) the call to the restorator utility
Looking forward to assist you in porting restorator for XDA1 devices
Cheers
Hi SP. Just dropping by. Any news on new version of Restorator? Cheers.
Restorator V1.2
k_kirk said:
Hi SP. Just dropping by. Any news on new version of Restorator? Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the delay...
I'm having lack of time now, thus I couldn't test it very well . Just let me know if you found some bugs...
Now you can create "\CABS" folder and place your cabs there. They will be processed after extraction and before registry import. So, you don't need to have two .reg files then.
I'm looking forward to your new ideas!
ps: another attachment is a set of registry settings splitted by .reg files. I'm using them to get my setup.reg. Just change what you need, delete some of them and run "make.bat". It will create setup.reg with all your settings.
btw, check out "Usher_-_Yeah_[44k].wma" & "Maroon5_-_This_Love_[64k].wma". Home-made ringtones ;-)))
for those who hadn't used Restorator before. !!! DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR "START MENU" & "STARTUP" FOLDERS TO THE SETUP.ZIP !!! AND READ DA MANUAL!!!
Cheers
SP,
I tried the Restore-It utility today and found that the earlier functionality of copying files & importing registry etc from setup.zip works quite well.
The \CABS folder was also restored onto my device so I guess thats an indication that my setup.zip file was contructed properly. I am sad to report that none of my cab files were triggered by Restore-It though. I think there is a small bug thats holding back this behaviour.
Your kind assistance to check & correct this will be most appreciated.
Thanks & Best Regards

Quick & Dirty Installer?

Got some files in a CAB I want to install on a number of units. I would "like" to create an installer that I just double-click on desktop & it installs via ActiveSync - simple. But I'm not a programmer - what would be the best way to do this? Prefer not to copy via explorer & click the CAB on the XDA unit & others may be doing this, so trying to keep it simple. Ideas/recommendations?
I brought Natural Installer a few years back and it has been the business. It is very simple to use, all with a windows interface and creates a single exe as you say that you just double click on to install.
Have a look here :-
http://naturalinstaller.com/
The site does not mention 2003, have you had any problems with that?
Can you define install location? SD Card
How does it deal with chaty cabs (those that want input).
I've had no problems with PPC2003, why don't you download the trial version and give it a go. Post a reply on this thread as to how it works.
As for chaty cabs I think you can make your own setup.dll but I don't know how to and have never done that.
All I wanted was a basic setup that could make directorys, copy files and set some default registry keys as needed, I found that Natural Installer did that very well. As for more advanced stuff I don't know - but as written trial it.
Well I downloaded it and played with it.
For me it seems to be a WinCabManager type appliction.
Yes you can copy files, set reg entries, make dirs, add icons.
All of this seems doable.
What I was hoping for was a selfextracting file that installs a few cabs and not the content of them.
With the BlueAngel you can set up a autorun that runs a list of cabs in the config.txt file. However for this you need to hack the reg to set the pointer for the autorun and config.txt.
I was hoping that this would be more down the lines of cabinstaller that allows you to define which cab you want were but alas does not allow you to define a list of what cabs you want in what location.
So problem for me not solved but thanks for the tip.
Hi Dave
Personally I use NSIS (Nullsoft Installer) - it is basically a very customisable installer which can be scripted to look like any other installer in existance, or you can make it look totally unique to you!
Another great thing about it is that you can make it install multiple cab files at the same time (it's just a case of calling ActiveSync with the cab file you want to install).
Best of all... it's free
Pope <><

(Maybe) UC v3.0 - Get the BEST from user customization!

Ok, i was bored about rewriting sdconfig.txt everytime i changed the romlanguage, so i decided to make something that will avoid this, and will avoid to write the sdconfig.txt too
What are the main goals of my project?
Install everything you want without careing about romlanguage
automatize every process
How it works?
Simple. Put your cabs/exes/provxml/xml to import/run in your storage card folder "FB_Install"
Ok. You said that I can install exes, but if i need to add arguments to the execution of the file?
Simple again. Create a file (as an example, if your exe is "myexe.exe") naming myexe.arguments. in it write your arguments. You can use the arguments only on exes.
Well, and if i want to skip some files?
Just create (as an example, if your file is "mycab.cab") a mycab.skip file. This works with all types listed here (cabs, xml,provxml,exes)
Well, i need to hide the customization while I install a cab. How to do that?
Again simple. If your cab is mycab.cab, create a file with name mycab.hide
And if i want to don't reset at end?
Create a file with name "NoResetAtEnd"
Ok, i have that folder but right now i don't want to install anything. how to do that?
Create a file with name "SkipCustomization"
Ok. That's nice. But how i can add my own config codes as i done on UCv2?
Create a file "AddToConfig.txt" and add there your config codes. this will be appended after the other config codes generated by the program.
I want to create some shortcuts. How to do that?
Create a Shortcuts.txt containing the shortcuts to create. You have some IDs:
%SD%
%PROGRAMS_STARTMENU%
%PROGRAM_FILES%
%STARTUP%
%MYDOCUMENTS%
This will allow you to create an universal shortcuts.txt without careing about language.
Each line contains a shortcute to create. Example line:
%PROGRAMS_STARTMENU%\Test.lnk:%SD%\myprogram.exe
this will create a "Test.lnk" in \windows\start menu\programs folder pointing to \Storage card\myprogram.exe (that for wwe).
I want to copy some files in the windows folder. How?
Create a folder in FB_Install called "CopyInWindowsFolder". all files there will be copied to the windows folder. You can do that for Programs,Favorites,Fonts,Startup,Program files folders creating folders:
CopyInWindowsFolder
CopyInProgramsFolder
CopyInProgramFilesFolder
CopyInFavoritesFolder
CopyInFontsFolder
CopyInStartupFolder
I want to install some cabs to storage card instead of internal storage. how?
Just create (as an example, if your file is "mycab.cab") a mycab.ToSD file.
I will include that feature on my future ROMs, but if someone is interested i can release it here.
EDIT: yes i know that noonski done something similar but i was searching about something integrated
Nice idea. Good luck.
One thing though. There might be a clutter of files created but users which can get confusing? How about just parsing one file with all directions?
rjmjr69 said:
Nice idea. Good luck.
One thing though. There might be a clutter of files created but users which can get confusing? How about just parsing one file with all directions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks. added other features on first post.
Maybe I missed it but is there anyway to automate .cabs to be installed on storage card?
MrDSL said:
Maybe I missed it but is there anyway to automate .cabs to be installed on storage card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm working on that too
michyprima said:
i'm working on that too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can get that to work then it would be awesome..So far theres no automated option that works to install on storage card..
MrDSL said:
If you can get that to work then it would be awesome..So far theres no automated option that works to install on storage card..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i can say i now i got it to work. Requires a bit of work but it works. Well, visual studio is EXTREMELY powerful
Looks really good, I really like to try this UC
This is also a nice tool
finally got it to work right.
Now it can install CABs to storage card without problems
I want that in my ROMs too. Can you share it here?
solved problems on installing cabs too. The installation dll will NOT be executed so you won't need to care about user interaction while installing
Definatly interested in checking this out since it can install to storage card.
hope u make it available..
MrDSL said:
Definatly interested in checking this out since it can install to storage card.
hope u make it available..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well that's something for cooks not for users (it needs to be cooked in to work) so if i release it you can't use it at least when someone use it in his rom...
To me it looks like MrDSL is a cook. The ROM linked in his signature is made by him.
Are there any news? Will you release it here soon?
A powerfull alternative;
Will it get released? I'm eager to test it Virtually in an Embedded WM6 environment;
Windows (Embedded) CE/WM6 PowerToy: DiskPrep;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=655377
I'm glad though that User Customizer DevPrep (CPY2 Storage Card possible) saved my day(s) until now!
Soon most readers from this thread too IMNSHO,
Senax

How-To's For Nubs

Hi guys, this is my first windows mobile ever, and i've come on here and looked at all these threads for around 2 weeks now and id really like to start doing things!
I've looked at the *Leo hints and tips* and downloaded Resco, so i now know how to edit values and things in the root folder, but what i'm unsure about, and i'm sure all the new people to windows phones are to, is where to start?
I mean the phone reads .cab files, but say I download a .cab file, do i download it on my pc and put it on the phone, if so where to? After that do i have to click it, run it, what? Do i download it off my hd2 and it'll run? which I have done, but after installation, where is it stored if i want to open the file? What happens if i install a .cab and don't like it? Where is it for me to delete and how do I go about this? how do I uninstall things i've installed?
What im asking is, if there is a starting tutorial for these things, can it be a sticky because there are hundreds of threads on here and the search tool and my searching isn't finding what I really want...essentially...'HD2 for dummies...' guide.
sorry if this has been said before, or i'm expected to know these things, but if someone could point me and many others in a direction, or a sticky could be made, then id be one happy welsh man!
Cheers guys.
The simple answer to your question about cab files is that they're installers, just like you have on your PC. When it's installed, you can (if you wish) delete the cab file. (I keep all mine so if I upgrade my ROM then I can install things again without having to find the cab files all over again.) There's also "remove programs" in the windows settings folder, and you can uninstall apps from there.
Think of it more like a PC than a phone and you'll get on with it a lot easier.
Also, if it's windows you want help with then there's dedicated windows folders on this forum. Windows isn't specific to the HD2, so you will usually get better help in the more specific areas.
Other than that, just play with it and have fun.
Hope this helps
To install a cab you just need to copy or download it to your phone and then click on it. An installation wizard will then appear to take you through the installation process.
right okay, so the .cab i can delete as if it was a .exe file, but where do i save it on the phone for it to run, which folder?
When using file explorer and tweaking and installing .cabs, thats windows though i pressume? Not htc...
matt_attack_2k1 said:
right okay, so the .cab i can delete as if it was a .exe file, but where do i save it on the phone for it to run, which folder?
When using file explorer and tweaking and installing .cabs, thats windows though i pressume? Not htc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run the cab file from anywhere you like on the phone. If you're planning on deleting them after installing it really doesn't matter. Like I said, I keep my cabs (and would recommend it too!), so I have an "installers" folder, with sub-folders for different types of cab files.
Installers and tweaks are not specific to either windows or HTC - they could be either or both.
I personally keep all my cabs at Storage Card\Backup\CABs I transfer them to there from my PC, run them from there, save them there.
You can put them in any folder you like and run them from anywhere you like. There are no rules on where cab files need to be.
right okay, so i install a .cab file, say for example ive installed a new unlock slider, i change my mind and don't want that one anymore i would like the old one back, what do I do?
matt_attack_2k1 said:
right okay, so i install a .cab file, say for example ive installed a new unlock slider, i change my mind and don't want that one anymore i would like the old one back, what do I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that specific example, you'd have to check the thread where you got the new slider from. That's overwritten original files so obviously an uninstall doesn't recreate them. I tend not to install theme mods that can't be rolled back, purely because of this!
I've tried some alternative lockscreens before, and they definitely had the original files in a cab so you could undo it.
right okay. and for example if i was to install, i don't know, an additional button up onto the top bar by the start menu, how would I go about deleting?
Back to my OP, why is there no tutorial or hot-tips threads made as a sticky for people new to this stuff like I am?

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