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 <><
Related
Hello All,
Is there a way to strip an installed application from a PPC into an installable .CAB file, if one has lost the installation files/DVD, but still have the application installed on the hand-held.
Thanks in Advance.
Not really.
You can always copy the files out (if you can find them all - some may be in windows folder or places other then the main app folder) but you still would need to know every registry key the app requires.
If you use sktools it tells you all the files installed and registry entries. You could then extract all the files as levenum said and make a cab including the registry entries.
Hi lev
ahh..hhaa !
meschle said:
If you use sktools it tells you all the files installed and registry entries. You could then extract all the files as levenum said and make a cab including the registry entries.
Hi lev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My experience with SKTools makes me cringe...my ATRE would not stop rebooting until I remove the SD card(where SK Tool was installed and remove it completely.
What software do I need to make a .cab file ?
I will still make all efforts to attempt this anyways....
Ive had no problem with sktools - i always install to main memory. If you manually make your cab then use cabiwiz - or use a commercial app like wince cab manager. Which program are you trying to put together?
cabiwiz enclosed inc example app and tutorials
Funny thing - I was replying to another thread with similar question stating that there would be a problem finding out all the REG keys.
Then jackleung posted about a tool called "ssnap" that supposedly can take an image of the system.
Comparing an image from before and after installation should show all the changes a cab makes.
Since I am not personally familiar with the tool I can't say any more about it.
As for cab creation - while I use cabwiz my self, it is a command line tool and you need to know ho w to write inf files for it.
For a beginner an app like WinCE cab manager will be more comfortable.
It is a shareware, so it will stop working after a while unless you pay but it is very good.
P.S.
Hi Mark
i just put together a cab file (for personal use) to remove sms threading (due to upgrading roms alot etc)
however i have hit a brick wall.
i do not know how to make the device restart after install?
i have compared to other cab files but the only difference is the other cabs install files not registry?
i'm not all that good with programming however i would really like to complete this cab for ease of reloading a new rom - so any input would be grateful - thank you
For cab file creating i use PocketPC Installation Creator. In the menu there is a check box to set the 'reboot after installation' behaviour. I played with it but noticed that my device only rebooted after installation of files. Because i found it to much effort to look into it, i didn't. After all it is quite easy to reboot manually.
You could use MSCEinf to examine different cabs and look for the reboot after installation setting (http://www.codeppc.com/telechargements/msceinf/msceinf.htm)
I also noticed that some people make cab files from .xml files (sleuth for example). Maybe this method has other options than cabarc in combination with inf files.
Cant give you any answers, still hope it will be of any help.
Good luck and post back result if you figured it out.
Arjan
The easiest way tocreate CAB files is to purchase a copy of WINCE Cab Manager from OCP Software
they have just released a new version which supports Vista
i created the xml document then created the cab from it.
should have said that sorry.
so i was looking for a way to restart device via the xml..
thanks for the input so far
Introdution:
This small app will help you out when you have a bunch of cab files to install after flashing the new rom.
How to use:
1. Select or input a directory that contains a bunch of cab files.
2. Generate the list file that is [INSERT SELECTED DIRECTORY]\batch-list.txt. You can manually edit this file to select which to install.
3. Batch install. It will promot you if you really want to install that file.
Problems:
1. The small utility can not silently install cab files.
Todo:
1. More UI friendly to select the files.
Note:
I am rather new at windows mobile programming. I have learned it from scratch. The whole program uses pure C and winapi, no managed code, no MFC/ATL.
Acknowledge:
Thanks legedug for packaging the cab file.
Copyleft:
The source code is available, anyone can modify it and redistribute it. But you should contain at least a piece of my name in it and should distribute with full source code.
reserved for future.
Or no future.
thank you very much for this tool
Will try it! This will be super good as my P3600i constantly needs a hard reset due to all available roms are for P3600. I'll let you know how this go! Thanks
This will differentiate itself from other similar programs (TierAutoinstall) if it can popup when dialogs are displayed after installs on some cabs.
Tested. I really like it!
No bug so far and here are my findings and suggestions:
1. Yes we need silent installation
2. Pick a directory: this need to pick up sub-directories. My cabs saved in "Storage Card/PDA SW/Common". It won't pick up cab file in "Common" directory.
3. Some cab files require restart - If I choose restart now, it won't resume batch install. (I can choose not to restart now to by-pass it)
jackkkkk said:
Tested. I really like it!
No bug so far and here are my findings and suggestions:
1. Yes we need silent installation
2. Pick a directory: this need to pick up sub-directories. My cabs saved in "Storage Card/PDA SW/Common". It won't pick up cab file in "Common" directory.
3. Some cab files require restart - If I choose restart now, it won't resume batch install. (I can choose not to restart now to by-pass it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, you can manually input the directory. I do not know how to invoke folder selection dialog. If anyone know , please help me.
Nice!! Wish I would have seen it a couple of hours ago before I reflashed for WM 6.1
stanglifemike said:
Nice!! Wish I would have seen it a couple of hours ago before I reflashed for WM 6.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try it next time
helloworld1 - this app is shining jewel in dull xdadev world.
kudos.
just improve it a bit(exit option, folder select dialog..)
nothin said:
helloworld1 - this app is shining jewel in dull xdadev world.
kudos.
just improve it a bit(exit option, folder select dialog..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your kudos. I will continue develop this little app making it better and easier to use.
First trying, put on \Storage Card\Program Files\CabbatchInstall and make it shortcut to \windows\Start Menu\Programs; it works
So I make it on cab file to put the programs such as above:
legedug said:
First trying, put on \Storage Card\Program Files\CabbatchInstall and make it shortcut to \windows\Start Menu\Programs; it works
So I make it on cab file to put the programs such as above:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks ,I will cab it next time.
I would welcome if this would install silently...otherwise its great because its so simple - no hassle like with sashimi, which is great, but too much work for the first time!
thanks man, this is actually exactly what i needed
im actually gonna flash today so I will your app a run and see how it works
however I have seen other tools like this or there about here on xda which use a combination of code and mort script for the silent install part
quick feedback ..the exit function don't work
absorber786 said:
im actually gonna flash today so I will your app a run and see how it works
however I have seen other tools like this or there about here on xda which use a combination of code and mort script for the silent install part
quick feedback ..the exit function don't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I forget to add it. There is a big OK button to do that.
I fail to make upgrade recently because I don't have visual studio 2008 as in the lab before.
This one is written in pure C. So It can run without any additions.
laser21 said:
I would welcome if this would install silently...otherwise its great because its so simple - no hassle like with sashimi, which is great, but too much work for the first time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can not install things very silently. Because you have to select where to install.
My ambition plan is to parse the XML manually and let it really silent.
Now I don't have a Windows OS and Visual Studio. I will delay upgrade this software.
I have released the source, it is welcome for anyone to help.
Ok so i have tried it a couple of times..and after using the tool from v3patel(see my sig) im sorry.....
v3patel's is mortscript; quick and already allows for a silent install. However, my suggestion fro you to get the silent install working is to have a look at the command he uses in his script and see you can replicate it for your tool....
If it works, i will be more than to hard-reset my device to test...(and it better work lol)
helloworld1
excuse me;
can this be used to install all ones cab file apps etc, after a system hard reset if all cabs are say kept in a pacific folder for that purpose.
thanks
Hi,
I'm currently working on a few tools, and want to know what features would be liked by cooks/users or anyone really.
The first tool is an exe generator for hot fixes. Simply put, you plug some files into it, and it generates an exe that can be run on the target device which will do all the hot fixes.
The advantages it gives:
No more cabs!
Can use a custom icon for the exe if desired
Things like messing around with setup.dll files doesn't need to happen, and an application can be launched after install if wanted
Files can be deleted
File properties can be changed
Can use XMLs
Can edit registry
Can install files
Since it's written in native C++, it should run without a hitch on WM5+ devices, whether or not they have .Net whatever...
The second tool is an AutoRun/UC/whatever like system that simply searches through a folder, finds all cabs/xmls/provxmls and then installs them. This means there's no reliance on autorun for parsing config files, or any other requirements. Again, it's written in native C++ so is better
Any suggestions/ideas would be welcome!
Oh, and once I've got slightly further, both these will be released as open source. Probably.
l3v5y said:
Hi,
I'm currently working on a few tools, and want to know what features would be liked by cooks/users or anyone really.
The first tool is an exe generator for hot fixes. Simply put, you plug some files into it, and it generates an exe that can be run on the target device which will do all the hot fixes.
The advantages it gives:
No more cabs!
Can use a custom icon for the exe if desired
Things like messing around with setup.dll files doesn't need to happen, and an application can be launched after install if wanted
Files can be deleted
File properties can be changed
Can use XMLs
Can edit registry
Can install files
Since it's written in native C++, it should run without a hitch on WM5+ devices, whether or not they have .Net whatever...
The second tool is an AutoRun/UC/whatever like system that simply searches through a folder, finds all cabs/xmls/provxmls and then installs them. This means there's no reliance on autorun for parsing config files, or any other requirements. Again, it's written in native C++ so is better
Any suggestions/ideas would be welcome!
Oh, and once I've got slightly further, both these will be released as open source. Probably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, this sounds very very promising. Can't wait!
dwizzy130
yeah some user friendly and easy to understand specialy editing the rom or making add/remove programs EASILY is the best specialy to noobs like me when cooking ROMS all in one tool with advance AI for error checking
Sounds very attractive. go on my friend.....
Sounds good mate
I'm looking for a tool to easily make a setup.dll. Like setup.dll maker/generator/wizard.
Seems the only tools I can ever found is from e-pocketsetup, but that company was sold to another company and the product was never available since then.
I know cooks hate a cabs with a setup.dll. But seems without setup.dll a cab installer can not execute some little complicated actions. And it is impossible to make a setup.dll without grasp a computer language like c++.
Edit: Found another one: setupdllcreator , but it's not strong enough and not freeware.
Edit: If these can be realized, a setup.dll maker is much less needed:
No more cabs!
Can use a custom icon for the exe if desired
Things like messing around with setup.dll files doesn't need to happen, and an application can be launched after install if wanted
Files can be deleted
File properties can be changed
Can use XMLs
Can edit registry
Can install files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But we need above mentioned fubctionalities to be DYNAMIC, like:
Can detect availability of certain reg entries or installed apps, base on the result to decide which variants of install files to be installed, or whether some supporting apps like netcf or mortscript to be installed. Or can detect device id, resolutions, drivers to decide what to do.
Otherwise it still can not completely replace setup.dll.
But if dynamic actions can be executed, wow that's a dream of developers & hackers and even common users can benefit from that, a real revolution !
woww can wait for realese
l3v5y said:
Any suggestions/ideas would be welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm posting my requests again, the idea is this: It will be much helpful if I can know what is happening/changed in the registry after I did anything to my WM devices. So maybe you can develop a tool to monitor & log the real-time changes of registry. Or at least we can have a registry-comparision tool on ppc.
Another thing is it seems we don't have a file structure viewer on ppc, not the stuff like total commander etc., want to export the file structure to a file like .txt or .jpg.
Update: Now my idea is clearer for this, what I suggest would be a System Snopshot program to realize this:
Can make a system snapshot to record the registry content, file structure, ram usage etc.
The snapshot can be initialized in the similiar way of CapSure screen capture program, i.e., a hardwre button, a fixed time, a screen tap, a program launch, etc., defined by user.
Can choose a full system snapshot or only on selected part of registr, file system etc.
Can generate a file containing the recorded system condition.
Can compare any two system snapshot result and generate a comparision chart/change log.
So I've posted my requests as per your request, whether or not you'll do it is not my business lol.
Update: Found SK Tracker, cost EUR9.95, so forget this one. Why I did not know it in the past?!
Gurus,
I tried searching for this but in vain. I keep flashing all the great roms posted here frequently. And every time i have to configure my email accounts from scratch and this is a real pain. Is there any way to backup the settings like we do in PIM backup and restore upon reflashing the ROM'S?
Help greatly appreciated...
Thanks,
Raj
prudviraj said:
Gurus,
I tried searching for this but in vain. I keep flashing all the great roms posted here frequently. And every time i have to configure my email accounts from scratch and this is a real pain. Is there any way to backup the settings like we do in PIM backup and restore upon reflashing the ROM'S?
Help greatly appreciated...
Thanks,
Raj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, what is best method to backup & restore phone settings regardless of what ROM we are using.
What about Microsoft my phone?
get makisu from HERE
(its a plugin to sashimi, but it will run standalone too)
run it, (it may take a few moments to start, be patient) enter your account details, add as many as you like, including wifi settings
tutorial video HERE
copy the xml file it creates (created mine as program files/makisu/makisu.xml)
get the microsoft cabinet sdk from HERE
extract it, and in the BIN folder is an .exe file called makecab.exe
I coppied that file out to its own folder, i dont use anuthing else in the sdk.
put makecab.exe and makisu.xml in a folder together, rename the xml to _setup.xml
open a command line window, and browse to that folder.
(Useful tip for vista/7, with the folder open on screen, hold shift and right click, you will get the option to 'open command window here')
issue the command
makecab /D COMPRESS=OFF _setup.xml mail.cab
(set mail.cab to whatever.cab name you want)
Thats it, copy the cab to your phone and run it when you need to set up your email accounts (and wifi if you set that too, very handy, i've automated 5 email accounts and 3 wifi networks)
(You could also just stop at the xml stage, and next time you hard reset, instal makisu and then choose 'provision xml' and browse to the makisu.xml file and it will install the settings.)
@samsamuel - I've just found this post (after searching for "rename email account"!!) and it's awesome.....just what I've been looking for!! Now I can reload my mail settings whenever I flash....assuming I can find a way to rename the current (incorrect) mail account I just added, otherwise I'll have to go for the delete/re-create option
Thanks again for posting about "makisu" - shame I have to register on yet another forum I'll never use just to get it....unless it's hidden on XDA somewhere?
Mark.
This is all that you guys need.
This will take care of provisioning for Wi-Fi Configs, Email Configs and Certificates.
leepriestenator said:
This is all that you guys need.
This will take care of provisioning for Wi-Fi Configs, Email Configs and Certificates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you make the xml with the program, how do you access it on the phone for restoration of settings? I don't need it right now but I am making xml's since I have had to hard reset my phone 4x already (and not because I was flashing a ROM) and re-creating all the settings is such a pain. I read into the sashimi and makisu but those apps make my head spin. There has to be a simpler way. Thanks in advance.
Edit: I think I got it. Either I use Makisu to access the xml or make the cab using the post above. If I make the cab and I want to use Quick cab (since it is much easier to use), where does the file install? \Windows?? It was unclear from the previous post since the instructions are for a different cab making utility.
k8sh said:
Edit: I think I got it. Either I use Makisu to access the xml or make the cab using the post above. If I make the cab and I want to use Quick cab (since it is much easier to use), where does the file install? \Windows?? It was unclear from the previous post since the instructions are for a different cab making utility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it doesnt install any files anywhere, not in teh way you mean, its just setting/changing/applying settings. Think of the xml file as a script that makes changes as it runs.
For me, i have makisu in my autoinstall folder, so it gets installed at hard reset, and i run teh xml file (also on my sd card) manually when i am ready to apply it. (I flash a lot, so sometimes i dont want email setting up, because i am gonna flash again in a few minutes).
I no longer bother creating the cab, because with the xml file you can just open it in notepad and add anotehr email account, make other small adjustments, whatever, which you cant do with a cab, you have to rebuild the whole thing from scratch. (for some reason wince cab manager cant open that cab.)
Well if you are on a custom rom, every chef support some form of UC or the other (User Customization).
In addition to Sashimi / Makisu you can also use SDConfig.txt & XDA_UC if your ROM supports it.
Google them and you'll find more info.
This looked like it would do the trick. When I run it I get a visual basic error. I have netcf v4 installed. Is there another file required to make this run?