[SOLVED]How to set a start menu location for an added package? - Windows Mobile

Hi, I'm trying to cook Scilor's groovemobile into my rom (I have permission done worry) and so I made it into a package the usual way (cab to oem - ext package rebuilder) but I cant find anywhere which specifies what location it goes too.. (as in startmenu\multimedia or %CE11%)
Is there a way to set its location?
Thanks
Mod edit: Solved

Post you *.dat or *.provxml, so I can guide you completely. (or if needed, attach the whole package).
Regards

TAEL said:
Post you *.dat or *.provxml, so I can guide you completely. (or if needed, attach the whole package).
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesnt even create a .dat or .provxml file, it just creates a sub folder (files) with the contents of the .cab in

So gimme a screenshot from opened CAB. (like below image). I should know about default installation destination.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Here ya go

Ok, I downloaded it's CAB and looked at it. It doesn't need to be in extra folder (like \Program File\Groove\), So you can run it in \Windows folder as default. But as you say, you need to have a shortcut in start menu. I attached a .LNK and .DAT file to this post to add it's shortcut to start menu. (note: it's default is Start Menu>Multimedia, if you don't this you can change it in DAT file easily).
Structure:
PACKAGE_GrooveMobile\
----------app.dat
----------files (folder)
---------------groovemobile.lnk
Regards

TAEL said:
Ok, I downloaded it's CAB and looked at it. It doesn't need to be in extra folder (like \Program File\Groove\), So you can run it in \Windows folder as default. But as you say, you need to have a shortcut in start menu. I attached a .LNK and .DAT file to this post to add it's shortcut to start menu. (note: it's default is Start Menu>Multimedia, if you don't this you can change it in DAT file easily).
Structure:
PACKAGE_GrooveMobile\
----------app.dat
----------files (folder)
---------------groovemobile.lnk
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh thankyou very much it seems I still have alot to learn

[★] said:
Ahh thankyou very much it seems I still have alot to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help you. Feel free to ask your questions in Chef Central.
P.S: Topic title is changed to [SOLVED]
Regards

TAEL said:
Ok, I downloaded it's CAB and looked at it. It doesn't need to be in extra folder (like \Program File\Groove\), So you can run it in \Windows folder as default. But as you say, you need to have a shortcut in start menu. I attached a .LNK and .DAT file to this post to add it's shortcut to start menu. (note: it's default is Start Menu>Multimedia, if you don't this you can change it in DAT file easily).
Structure:
PACKAGE_GrooveMobile\
----------app.dat
----------files (folder)
---------------groovemobile.lnk
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I need to add your stuff to my package or is it good to go like it is? you seem to have forgotten all the files, or is it just me

[★] said:
So do I need to add your stuff to my package or is it good to go like it is? you seem to have forgotten all the files, or is it just me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added files which are needed to create a shortcut. You should add those 2 files to your package which you created before. (as above structure)

TAEL said:
I added files which are needed to create a shortcut. You should add those 2 files to your package which you created before. (as above structure)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I realise that now, I have done it
thanks again

He Star,
I think I can help you with this question as well, at least I will try.
Do a search in your kitchen to initflashfiles.dat
If you found it open it with a text editor.
Two very good ones I like to recommend for this you can find in Hilaireg's Kitchen Utils here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=651026
Now if you opened it have a good look at the start menu hierarchy.
Do a search in initflashfiles.dat with the text editor for 'start menu' and you know what I mean.
You want to specify a path for your package shortcut on a location in your start menu isn't?
Don't close initflashfiles.dat yet.
Go into the package you want to create the start menu location for and first find the shortcut so you know the name.
Next you need to create a app.dat in the root of the package (if it doesn't exist already), to do this just create a new tekst document (right klick on a empty area and choose new\tekst document) and change the name to app.dat
Open your newly created app.dat with the same editor as you opened initflashfiles.dat
Next take the initflashfiles.dat as a sample and create the path for the shortcut according where you want to have it in your app.dat.
For example:
start menu\Programs\Tools\yourapp.lnk
Offcourse you can also specify a path to the shortcut like Teal is mentioning with a provxml but I just wanted you to know this one as well.
Hope it helps.
Grtz Leo

Laurentius26 said:
He Star,
I think I can help you with this question as well, at least I will try.
Do a search in your kitchen to initflashfiles.dat
If you found it open it with a text editor.
Two very good ones I like to recommend for this you can find in Hilaireg's Kitchen Utils here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=651026
Now if you opened it have a good look at the start menu hierarchy.
Do a search in initflashfiles.dat with the text editor for 'start menu' and you know what I mean.
You want to specify a path for your package shortcut on a location in your start menu isn't?
Don't close initflashfiles.dat yet.
Go into the package you want to create the start menu location for and first find the shortcut so you know the name.
Next you need to create a app.dat in the root of the package (if it doesn't exist already), to do this just create a new tekst document (right klick on a empty area and choose new\tekst document) and change the name to app.dat
Open your newly created app.dat with the same editor as you opened initflashfiles.dat
Next take the initflashfiles.dat as a sample and create the path for the shortcut according where you want to have it in your app.dat.
For example:
start menu\Programs\Tools\yourapp.lnk
Offcourse you can also specify a path to the shortcut like Teal is mentioning with a provxml but I just wanted you to know this one as well.
Hope it helps.
Grtz Leo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh thankyou, yes Ive heard of (and use) initflashfiles, but I thought I wouldnt be able to make a shortcut with it as theres all that code inbetween the location and the name, how would I know what it is? Also last night I cooked wit teal's stuff and it didnt seem to work, probably my fault so I will have to look into that in a bit

It still didnt work, no shortcut is being created, heres my package, I cant see whats wrong with it

[★] said:
It still didnt work, no shortcut is being created, heres my package, I cant see whats wrong with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did wrong and didn't pay attention to what I said.
SciLor's GrooveMobile.LNK should be in "files" folder.

TAEL said:
You did wrong and didn't pay attention to what I said.
SciLor's GrooveMobile.LNK should be in "files" folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean ink? and so you mean the shortcut? thanks I will try again

yeah correct.
I've examined the package and noticed one last thing.
The shortcut itself is not ok.
@Star,
Open the shortcut with the editor I suggested 'Editpadlite' and you will see this line:
67#"\Windows\SciLor's GrooveMobile.exe"
This isn't correct, it should be like this:
37#"\Windows\SciLor's GrooveMobile.exe"
You need to count the characters after '#' beginning with one.
In this case 37.
I've attached the corrected package for you as an example for next time.
TAEL said:
You did wrong and didn't pay attention to what I said.
SciLor's GrooveMobile.LNK should be in "files" folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Laurentius26 said:
yeah correct.
I've examined the package and noticed one last thing.
The shortcut itself is not ok.
@Star,
Open the shortcut with the editor I suggested 'Editpadlite' and you will see this line:
67#"\Windows\SciLor's GrooveMobile.exe"
This isn't correct, it should be like this:
37#"\Windows\SciLor's GrooveMobile.exe"
You need to count the characters after '#' beginning with one.
In this case 37.
I've attached the corrected package for you as an example for next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh thanks I am trying with it now, last time it did show up in the start menu, but I got an error about directory not found :S maybe this will solve that problem

[★] said:
Ahh thanks I am trying with it now, last time it did show up in the start menu, but I got an error about directory not found :S maybe this will solve that problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I still am getting an error :s 'DirectoryNotFoundException' and then loads of stuff I dont know what do do :S will this be my fault or something to do with the cab

Looking at the xml included I notice now it creates a directory in the root with the name 'SciLor's GrooveMobile'.
I tried to make a app.reg from the xml but it doesn't work.
Do you have the cab so I can make a package for you myself?
The XML looks messy.
Edit; I've found the cab and will play with it.
Meanwhile a tip for you, install the cab and check directory, the shortcut you can copy from device and use in your package.
The shortcut itself you need to redirect to that dir instead of Windows or change all path of the files in the XML.
[★] said:
Yeah I still am getting an error :s 'DirectoryNotFoundException' and then loads of stuff I dont know what do do :S will this be my fault or something to do with the cab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Related

How can you link to a folder instead of an app in new Topaz Start menu?

I have asked this question on some other xda-developer forums with no solution so thought maybe I was asking in the wrong place.
Basically I have flashed to the new Topaz rom and like the new Start Menu when you tap on Start but I can only add apps and not folders. I want to link to category folders in my Windows/Start/ folder.
Please how can this be done?
I tried to go into the registry to edit the paths for each square but that did not work.
I beg of you lol! Please!
How can this be done? Folders are not .lnk files. Maybe that is the solution to make Folders into .link files.
HELP!
I can answer your question but it is in a wrong section.. so moderators will flog both of us
crajee said:
I can answer your question but it is in a wrong section.. so moderators will flog both of us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so answer his question and hope for the moderator to move this thread ;-)
btw: i would be interested in the answer as well
Ok..
Method 1 Only downside is clutter (unlike method2)
Without any third party app lets open a folder called Multimedia in Programs menu:
With a registry Editor got to one of the shortcut keys:
Say: HKLM\SoftwareHTC\Manila\ProgramLauncer\18
Create (if not exists) a string Value :
Name: command
String: windows\Start Menu\Programs\Multimedia
Edit the Path key:
String: windows\fexplore.exe
Save and exit your reg editor.
Click the shortcut and it will launch file explorer with the folder.
You can Change the View options in File Explorer to "Icon".
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Please wait for method 2..
Method 2
Folderview.exe from HTC has been notorious in having a hard coded encrypted path to Programs Folder and could not open any custom folder, and use to end only in questions how to do it. After much reversing this has been almost overcome in this app. Enjoy!!
Folder Viewer
Q.What does this app do?
A. It allows you to navigate through custom start menu folders on Blacksone that you can create
and categorise your applications. Modified win 6.1 ROMs have replaced the Start Menu with Manila
Programs Tab. However sometimes you need more customised access to your apps.
Instructions:
=========
Add the Favourites icon to start menu
A. Install FolderViewer.cab
B. Open the Fav.reg with Notepad on your Desktop.
In the line :[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\HTC\Manila\ProgramLauncher\2]
Replace "2" with the icon of your choice in the start group.
The icons are numbered as follows:
0 1 2
3 4 5
6 7 8
And so on...
Create the Start Group Shortcut
Copy the Fav.reg to your Blackstone.
Import the registry the file with your favourite registry Editor.
Create App Shortcuts in windows\Start Menu\Favourites:
Create Subfolders in the "Favourites" folder e.g System, Multimedia, Business and so on.
(A few have been created for you convenience).
Add the application short cuts of your choice to each folder.
Back Navigation:
In each of the custom folder (Multimedia, Business etc,. Add a shortcut to parent("Favourites" folder)
This shortcut called "Favourites.lnk" has been supplied in this package in sample folders.
Restart your HD. Enjoy!!
Advanced:
You can study the shortcut properties and tweak it your own satisfaction.
Limitations:
1.Navigating All Programs possible on first launch only. You can always click start menu to relaunch.
2.Use the Hard key (Back) to navigate back the second time from a subfolder.
3.Only one level of folders reasonable (but usually enough for most users anyway).
4.Tested on Blackstone with Dutty's 3.4 only.
The author disclaims any responsibility with respect to this application.
Use at your own risk.
you could also go on your pc, navigate to the folder, create a shortcut (which would be a .ink file), put the shortcut on your touch hd and then link to it in the registry editor,
THREAD MOVED to blackstone section
You have two methods now. Let me know if it helps
Matthes42 said:
btw: i would be interested in the answer as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ASK768 said:
you could also go on your pc, navigate to the folder, create a shortcut (which would be a .ink file), put the shortcut on your touch hd and then link to it in the registry editor,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will get a File Not found Error.
total commander is good for making shortcuts
Thanks Crajee. I used method 1 except did not use the path setting: String: windows\fexplore.exe
Instead I used the path: "\windows\start menu\games" for example
Thank you so much!
A few questions...
1. I want to use the hi res folder icon from "file explorer" each category folder. How can I link to it?
2. What is the path for manilla settings or win mo settings page as I accidentally deleted them?
3. I want to use the hi res topaz icon used for "File explore" in each category folder. What is the "Icon path" info i need? Is it to a specific dll file?
4. Finally, are there any custom icon sets i can impost and choose from or how can i customise my own icons and use them for folders or apps.
Here is the result below.
@ tboy2000 on your custom folders you never got error messages trying to open them?
(deleted)....
no mate.
here is an example of one folder...
....HTC\Manilla\ProgramLauncher\6
(Default)
(value not set)
command
\windows\start menu\office
DispName
Office
Icon Path
Is ReadOnly
0x0 (0)
Path
\windows\Start menu\
but that's not a custom folder that's one of the folders cooked into the rom.
I made a folder of my skyscape medical books, named it med books, when i did "windows\start menu\programs\med book" for the path, i get the certificate error or that it cannot be found.
for me, it works using method 1 as crajee outlined, using windows\fexplore.exe.
That aside, i'd also like to know which dll has the icons b/c i don't like having the fexplore icon...fugly...
Hi tboy2000, Nice to know it works well for U.
tboy2000 said:
2. What is the path for manilla settings or win mo settings page as I accidentally deleted them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manilla Settings path:
Command = --switchtopage Manila://settings.page
Path = \Windows\manila.exe
IconPath = \windows\HTC\Assets\Images\programlauncher\Program_icon\settings_88.qtc
DispName = [[IDS_SETTINGSTITLE]]
If you want Direct link to "All Settings" then U should use custom apps as I described in another post.
tboy2000 said:
3. I want to use the hi res topaz icon used for "File explore" in each category folder. What is the "Icon path" info i need? Is it to a specific dll file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DRTigerlilly said:
That aside, i'd also like to know which dll has the icons b/c i don't like having the fexplore icon...fugly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again it seems not possible to link icons from dll files like in usual shortcuts.
So you need to extract the icon of your choice from the shellres.192.dll (copy to Desktop and extract with resource explorer eg. Reshack. Save as .ico file and copy to windows directory). In the IconPath use "\windows\myicon.ico" where myicon.ico is the name of the icon U extracted.
tboy2000 said:
4. Finally, are there any custom icon sets i can impost and choose from or how can i customise my own icons and use them for folders or apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not I am aware of. There are a few posts on this in this forum though.
tboy2000 said:
no mate.
here is an example of one folder...
....HTC\Manilla\ProgramLauncher\6
(Default)
(value not set)
command
\windows\start menu\office
DispName
Office
Icon Path
Is ReadOnly
0x0 (0)
Path
\windows\Start menu\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May be some thing else you have set??
For example for me this method opens up "All programs" with the Title Office..
No Filtering occurs..
For me, when i click on a category icon, i get the list of apps in the category with the category title. See images below.
I have also used the pc prog in this link below to change the icons in my start menu...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513501
I have not set anything else. Yes I used office in my example above but it also works with folders i have made up such as travel.
Hmmm... tboy2000 I can't understand but that would be cool. Mine always goes to first item for All Programs - Dutty 3.4. Only Title chnages. What ROM are U using?
That's why i hacked the old method (Method 2).
Anyone else??
I am using Dutty 3.4 rom also.
I just had a thought. If it just shows All Programs, that means you don't have any sub-folders in your windows start menu directory. Make sure you create new folders and name them for each category.

[SOLVED] Include .cabs in ROM?

I'm trying to include a newer Google Maps and a few other applications and converted the .cab installers to EXT in osKitchen. They get included in the list in EXT Packages and I select all of them but still I cant find them when I have flashed my ROM to my device.
Am I supposed to do something more?
Double check that they are in the windows folder. All you should have to do is check the package.
djr83 said:
I'm trying to include a newer Google Maps and a few other applications and converted the .cab installers to EXT in osKitchen. They get included in the list in EXT Packages and I select all of them but still I cant find them when I have flashed my ROM to my device.
Am I supposed to do something more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your ROM is not in english you have to edit the app.dat to use the correct start menu folder.
look into or show us your buildlog...
airxtreme said:
If your ROM is not in english you have to edit the app.dat to use the correct start menu folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Havent tried the new rom yet but the paths in app.dat was wrong.
But I do have to change the path to the programs folder too, I guess?
When I check the path in file explorer it says \Program and in app.dat it says \Program Files.
If you use cab 2 oem and oem 2 ext the app.dat is automatic created with the correct path.
So if you use a WWE package it will be 'Program files' and for the shortcut 'start menu'. If you use another language (Dutch for example) 'program files' has another name 'programma bestanden' and 'start menu' becomes 'startmenu' in Dutch.
So you need to correct that path according to the language you use.
You can use initflashfiles.dat as an example for every language you use.
djr83 said:
Thanks! Havent tried the new rom yet but the paths in app.dat was wrong.
But I do have to change the path to the programs folder too, I guess?
When I check the path in file explorer it says \Program and in app.dat it says \Program Files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laurentius26 said:
If you use cab 2 oem and oem 2 ext the app.dat is automatic created with the correct path.
So if you use a WWE package it will be 'Program files' and for the shortcut 'start menu'. If you use another language (Dutch for example) 'program files' has another name 'programma bestanden' and 'start menu' becomes 'startmenu' in Dutch.
So you need to correct that path according to the language you use.
You can use initflashfiles.dat as an example for every language you use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using osKitchen Zero 1.31 beta1 and cab 2 oem doesnt seem to exist anymore. I think it was in my old kitchen, osKitchen 1.25 but I dont use that anymore.
One of my cabs is actually a today screen plugin. How do I choose what plugins which should be selected from start?
Hmm the program files gets into the correct folder and a link is created in the start menu, but the link doesnt start the program. I guess it's still pointing to the wrong path.
How do I fix this?
djr83 said:
I'm using osKitchen Zero 1.31 beta1 and cab 2 oem doesnt seem to exist anymore. I think it was in my old kitchen, osKitchen 1.25 but I dont use that anymore.
One of my cabs is actually a today screen plugin. How do I choose what plugins which should be selected from start?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything is in the universal package converter now
djr83 said:
Hmm the program files gets into the correct folder and a link is created in the start menu, but the link doesnt start the program. I guess it's still pointing to the wrong path.
How do I fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just edit the shortcut; total commander works well.
Farmer Ted said:
Just edit the shortcut; total commander works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant I change that in the ROM? I dont want to have to change a lot after flashing.
I did a quick search for you:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=510806&highlight=cab2oem
Today items you enable/disabled like the sample of registry below.
1 is enabled and 0 is disabled.
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Today\Items\HTC Sense]
"Enabled"=dword:1
djr83 said:
I'm using osKitchen Zero 1.31 beta1 and cab 2 oem doesnt seem to exist anymore. I think it was in my old kitchen, osKitchen 1.25 but I dont use that anymore.
One of my cabs is actually a today screen plugin. How do I choose what plugins which should be selected from start?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Laurentius26 said:
Today items you enable/disabled like the sample of registry below.
1 is enabled and 0 is disabled.
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Today\Items\HTC Sense]
"Enabled"=dword:1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! But the plugin doesnt even show up in plugin list when I pre-install it in the ROM. The plugin is TodayAgenda. Do I need to do something more when adding today screen plugins?
djr83 said:
Cant I change that in the ROM? I dont want to have to change a lot after flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just edit the shortcut and then swap the new one into your package for the bad one. Although this whole topic is confusing. Are you trying to install cabs during customization, or are you trying to make actual packages from cabs? If it's the former, then you'll need to edit the .cab file to fix the shortcuts (if they are the problem).
Farmer Ted said:
Just edit the shortcut and then swap the new one into your package for the bad one. Although this whole topic is confusing. Are you trying to install cabs during customization, or are you trying to make actual packages from cabs? If it's the former, then you'll need to edit the .cab file to fix the shortcuts (if they are the problem).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to be able to select which programs I want to include in the ROM. How it gets included doesnt matter (I think?).
What's the difference between installing them during customization and making packages?
I found the bad shortcuts now, thanks, so I guess that problem is solved now. But please tell me the difference between customization installing and packages. I want to do it the correct way
There are different ways to include apps into a rom. Installing a cab during customization isn't a whole lot different then just installing a cab normally. There's nothing really special about it, except that the cab file is stored in rom. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. You don't get any of the benefits of cooking an app into rom when you use cab files.
Creating a package means extracting the files (and reg keys, if there are any) from the cab file and then cooking them directly into the rom. In many cases, you can re-locate the application directly into the \windows folder (from \program files), and this saves space and shortens the time for first boot. You may also be able to convert some of the files to modules, which can increase performance (mainly, the apps boot up faster), but it doesn't always work. Modules can also save a bit of ram by loading code into the page pool. As an example, you can create a package with TCPMP (core player) that loads all of the files directly into the rom. This is much better than having the files in their own folder in \program files\tcpmp, because you don't end up having duplicate files in \windows (if you use an app.dat to copy the files into the program file directory) or one big cab file sitting in \windows. It saves on storage. Also, some of the .dll's and the .exe can be made into modules.
On the other hand, some apps just don't work if the files aren't placed in the proper directory. I've had a bugger of a time getting the new resco keyboard to work properly. Most of the time, you can just move files and sub-folders from program files straight into \windows, but it doesn't work with resco keyboard. The bloody skin files have to be located in \program files\resco keyboard pro\skins (the same goes for the language and sound files). It's not a big deal, but I could save a bit of space if I could locate some of the files in \windows. I get these files into the program files directory by unzipping a zip file with a mortscript during customization. Zips are easier to edit than cabs, and install faster, so that's what I prefer to use. You also don't have to bother with uninstall info (I always seem to leave that crap in when I pack a cab, even though it's pretty much useless to me).
Customization is the step after the screen alignment. It's basically the time when you pretty up your rom, and put in the final touches so that when the phone is fully booted up, it's just the way you want it.
Your post is just kind of unclear. It sounds like you're just trying to install cabs during customization, but some people are telling you how to extract cabs to make EXT's. I'm not really sure what you're asking.
Farmer Ted said:
There are different ways to include apps into a rom. Installing a cab during customization isn't a whole lot different then just installing a cab normally. There's nothing really special about it, except that the cab file is stored in rom. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. You don't get any of the benefits of cooking an app into rom when you use cab files.
Creating a package means extracting the files (and reg keys, if there are any) from the cab file and then cooking them directly into the rom. In many cases, you can re-locate the application directly into the \windows folder (from \program files), and this saves space and shortens the time for first boot. You may also be able to convert some of the files to modules, which can increase performance (mainly, the apps boot up faster), but it doesn't always work. Modules can also save a bit of ram by loading code into the page pool. As an example, you can create a package with TCPMP (core player) that loads all of the files directly into the rom. This is much better than having the files in their own folder in \program files\tcpmp, because you don't end up having duplicate files in \windows (if you use an app.dat to copy the files into the program file directory) or one big cab file sitting in \windows. It saves on storage. Also, some of the .dll's and the .exe can be made into modules.
On the other hand, some apps just don't work if the files aren't placed in the proper directory. I've had a bugger of a time getting the new resco keyboard to work properly. Most of the time, you can just move files and sub-folders from program files straight into \windows, but it doesn't work with resco keyboard. The bloody skin files have to be located in \program files\resco keyboard pro\skins (the same goes for the language and sound files). It's not a big deal, but I could save a bit of space if I could locate some of the files in \windows. I get these files into the program files directory by unzipping a zip file with a mortscript during customization. Zips are easier to edit than cabs, and install faster, so that's what I prefer to use. You also don't have to bother with uninstall info (I always seem to leave that crap in when I pack a cab, even though it's pretty much useless to me).
Customization is the step after the screen alignment. It's basically the time when you pretty up your rom, and put in the final touches so that when the phone is fully booted up, it's just the way you want it.
Your post is just kind of unclear. It sounds like you're just trying to install cabs during customization, but some people are telling you how to extract cabs to make EXT's. I'm not really sure what you're asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I'm doing now is definitly makeing EXT's. But that doesnt mean I'm sure that it is what I want to do. I just want to include some programs in the ROM from the beginning and EXT's seems like a good way to go.
But if I want to install cabs during customization, how do I do that?
You create an EXT:
Sample:
Yourpackage\
Yourpackage\files\your cab
And you add a line to config.txt so it will be autoinstalled during device setup.
A sample of that line:
CAB: \Windows\your_app.cab
djr83 said:
What I'm doing now is definitly makeing EXT's. But that doesnt mean I'm sure that it is what I want to do. I just want to include some programs in the ROM from the beginning and EXT's seems like a good way to go.
But if I want to install cabs during customization, how do I do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laurentius26 said:
You create an EXT:
Sample:
Yourpackage\
Yourpackage\files\your cab
And you add a line to config.txt so it will be autoinstalled during device setup.
A sample of that line:
CAB: \Windows\your_app.cab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where should this config.txt be? Yourpackage\config.txt?
And can I add an app.reg to this EXT so I get some settings installed too? Will these settings be applied before or after the cab-install?

[Q] Can I rename StartMenu -> Settings

Hello,
To be as short as possible:
I'm trying to cook a Polish ROM out of the dump of a well known WWE ROM around here (of course under a permission of the noble Chef). I managed to find/edit/translate all the neccesary *.mui, *_manila and *.htm files and the outcome appears OK but I have one issue I can't really work out by an easy way. I mean the "Settings" shortcut in StartMenu. I want it to be called "Ustawienia" as it's called in Polish.
I know that the names/paths of several system folders are stored in the package called Base_Lang_0415 which consists of several mui files. I know that the Settings name/path is stored in "shellres.dll.mui".
Now the problem: I got a Base_Lang_0415 from one of Polish chefs but the package changes physical paths to almost all the system folders like
Start Menu -> Menu Start
Programs -> Programy
Settings -> Ustawienia
Favorites -> Ulubione
My Documents -> Moje dokumenty
and many other (i don't even know which ones).
Since I can only work on the ROM dump without any kitchen (and honestly I don't need a kitchen since I only exchange some mui and manila files and add some reg entries - at least up to now), I try to avoid influence on the folders structure. On the other hand I think it doesn't make sense to rename all these folders because an average user will not even notice the change. I want the change only the appearance of the Start Menu and I don't really care about what would be the names of physical folders.
So I started trying to edit only the shellres.dll.mui (with Unsign -> ResHacker -> Sign procedure). First I changed only the string Settings into Ustawienia living the physical path string intact.
But after exchanging the mui file in \Windows\ the Start Menu showed only one icon - Today.
So I changed the name entry and the path entry and changed the physical path of the \Windows\Start Menu\Settings into \Windows\Start Menu\Ustawienia.
But the effect with the new mui was the same and additionally my "Ustawienia" folder has been moved to the Programs folder.
I tested some other combinations of the strings inside mui and physical paths but without any positive effect.
Does some of you know what do I have to do to change only the Settings folder but not to change all the rest?
I understand that you want to do these out of kitchen? I think you should dump an original rom of your own lang and take a look at the initflashfiles.dat. This archive describes the names of windows folders, including Settings
or using a good Mortscript.......
Well, working on dump is not very convinient but as soon as I perform only file/registry operations it's not so bad.
I have the original initflashfiles.dat from stockROM, so I know more less which paths I should change in to new ones. The problem is that everytime my Chef releases new version of his ROM I would have to compare his new initflashfiles with the old initflashfiles for changes and apply the changes manually to the initflashfiles from the stockROM.
But for me it would be the best If I could edit shellres.dll.0415.mui only once changing the name and/or path ONLY for Settings folder, and eventually rename only the Settings folder. Thats a solution I am looking for.
I used MortScript to rename shortcuts inside StartMenu -> Programs. But the problem is that I can run mort i.e. by a config.txt file, but in this moment all the system folders which have the -permdir- attribute in initflashfiles are not moveable or renameable. Also the files inside all the system folders are not deleteable and this means I would have to COPY all the files into new catalogues making the ROM bigger and bigger.
That's why I think I must influence the initflashfiles if I am to use Base_Lang_0415. And this is OK if I would have to modify 1 or 2 paths, but I don't want to modify 25 paths or so...
So my only chance is that somebody would post yet another way to make the Settings appear as Ustawienia (with or without modyfying physical directories).
I don't know how to explain it better because of my English...
Well, i have to agree that Initflashfiles thing is the best way and ,dont worrie, i doubt that your Chef will change Initflashfile for every Rom,even, i never change it from the beginning.
Isn't the initflashfiles a place where are all the files that are indended to be copied/linked to other locations than \Windows\?
That means every new program file or even start menu shortcut will appear in initflashfiles, doesn't it?
Nope.
You can also create Folders in it..little example:
Code:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu"):-PermDir("Settings")
Skrobel said:
Isn't the initflashfiles a place where are all the files that are indended to be copied/linked to other locations than \Windows\?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
When we import a new program file we have an app.dat file that has inside the instructions to copy files/shortcut over Windows, Initflashfiles its no more touched for that purpose.
Another little example:
Code:
Directory("\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Tools"):-File("Total Commander.lnk","\Windows\Total Commander.lnk")
This come from App.dat , as you can see it works like Initflashfile.
That means every new program file or even start menu shortcut will appear in initflashfiles, doesn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But in case you have to do Hard Reset, all will be lost. And twice...
I think the best option is cook it in first time. Best regards
Well that's what I meant that initflashfiles consists of the paths (directories and files) of all the things we want to put in different folders than \Windows\.
And yes - I want to cook all the Polish files to make it a normal ROM (also after HR).
But in order to clarify:
You Guys say that the only way to rename the Settings in StartMenu is to cook the whole Base_Lang_0415 and to change all the paths in initflashfiles?
Hello all
Sorry for refreshing such an old thread but over a year later I bumped into the exactly same problem.
The only difference is that I use PRB kitchen this time (Jackos's kitchen to be exact).
And all I want to do is to rename the freakin' "Settings" into "Ustawienia" in Start Menu. I thought I found all the references to the Start Menu. I altered the Shellres.dll.0415.mui (responsible for most of system paths), I altered initflashfiles.dat to prepare a permDir in \Windows\Start Menu\Ustawienia, I changed all the keys in registry that I could find...
But still after a flash I have an empty Start Menu with only "Today" link. When I look into the directory structure with Total Commander, everything seems to be OK (all the structure in \Windows\Start Menu\programs is fine) except that my "Ustawienia" folder has been moved from \Start Menu\ to \Start Menu\Programs\
I don't know how, I don't know what else am I missing.
Please help me to get my full translation of the Start Menu...
You're missing "Settings" folder
Actually, full fixing of this stuff isn't that easy, these paths should be hardcodded somewhere (i think so)
Actually it is as easy as it can be.
Made a quick test with Polish language without changing anything and all works as it should.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Well, I've seen Polish ROMs so it actually has to be possible.
@Spiaatie - can you tell me HOW you actually did it?
I see that all the Start Menu links are in Polish on your screenshot. I presume you exchanged at least Base_Lang_0415 package and at least initflashfiles.dat?
Skrobel said:
@Spiaatie - can you tell me HOW you actually did it?
I see that all the Start Menu links are in Polish on your screenshot. I presume you exchanged at least Base_Lang_0415 package and at least initflashfiles.dat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took 23153 as the Base and all Polish language packages from 28205.
And initflashfiles.dat from [here]
Well... This is a proof that it can be done. However I don't wan't to build up a new ROM. I downloaded Jackos' kitchen just to be able to prepare his ROM in Polish.
Jackos used 21690 for his ROMs as a Base. But actually it is a mixture of packages from many different builds choosen carefully and tested for maximum compatibility and stability.
I want to stay as close to the original as possible except for the language. Honestly I had to prepare many of the .mui files myself because none of the "ready" 0415 build packages worked with Jackos ROM. And now as I have a set of fully working .muis I want to include them into the kitchen (actually I already did it), change any further files I have to change (I copied all the 0409 packages, checked each of them file by file including app.reg, app.dat, provxml etc. altering them basing on files I found in polish packages over the internet). And I bumped into the Start Menu problem.
I will check everything once again but I thought some of you might know where else the paths are stored in the system besides .mui, initflasfiles and the [HKLM\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start].
There must be a way to change the paths properly...
I finally found a proper copy of shellres.dll.0415.mui. I had to adjust the initflashfiles.dat a bit, and of course paths in all my app.dat. But I have no idea why this shellres.....mui works with this ROM and the other ones doesn't work. The resource structure looks completely the same. All the resource IDs are filled.
Only RCML_DLGDATA section looks differently. I mean the resource IDs are the same, but they have different data. I don't know what and how should I change because everything in there is binary data.
However ultrashot must had been right. The paths have to be hardcoded somewhere else, because in this .mui file the name "Today" is translated differently into "Główny", which directly means "Main". I tried to change this translation, but there are many occurences of this word in this file, and whatever I change in any of it (of course I started with changing all of them) I immediately havethe problem that my Start Menu consists only of the Today link (correctly translated ).
So I left it like it is.
I'm sure however that everythings that concerns Start Menu naming and structure is stored in this single file, because I changed only this file out of the whole Base_Lang_0415 package.
You need to use an mxip_lang.vol that already contains the translation for the call to the settings. Best is to pick one from any shipped ROM of the same version that has your language included.
On smartphone it is settings.lnk, on your device possible settings.cpl (not sure).
Look at the provxml files how other localizations are done and create one in a similar way for your item.
Edit: look at the "Beginners Guide to Windows Mobile (prepare for cooking)" in my signature - you find all the basics for localization there.
Hello Tobbbie,
Thanks for the advice. I read your tutorial many months ago. Actually I kept an eye on your discussion within the OSbuilder thread...
This time I'm almost sure that mxip_lang.vol has not much to do as I have one copy of shellres....mui with which I get "Settings" in my start menu, and I have 2 different versions of the same file which gives me "Ustawienia" (the one I want). So it has to be independent on the other files. The problem starts when I try to adjust the paths myself. It seems like the String resources are somehow connected with binary data stored in this file.
If about the mxip_lang and generally .vol files: do you know how they can be edited by any chance?
Skrobel said:
If about the mxip_lang and generally .vol files: do you know how they can be edited by any chance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are databases, that's my clue for you today.
Surprisingly I know!
But that's not a big clue for me. I never had much to do with databases, and in this particular case uncle Google refused to help me...

[APPLICATION] APP.DAT Changer and creator

hello,
when I import CABs for osKitchen, he always puts "Program Files", "StartUp" and others. I'm Portuguese and my rom does not have these folders are in Portuguese. so to save me work to edit files I created this little application.
And sometimes not create APP.DAT, this little app also creates APP.DAT.
Link:APP.DAT Changer
Little Toturial:
APP.DAT Changer:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
1.From: osKitchen always create APP.DAT with that folders
2.To: Destination folder in Windows Mobile
3.Click here to change APP.DAT.
APP.DAT Creator:
1.Name of destinations folders in Windows Mobile.
2.Click to analyse folder.
after analyse folder appears this screen:
1. Select files to StartUp with windows, i recommend only links.
2.Click to create app.dat
Translation of program:
in path of exe is a file called "ChangeAPP.DAT.exe.config" if you open this file with note path you can translate de program.
And done, now you have changed or created APP.DAT.
I hope you like my application. it´s simple but useful for me.
Attention: I only have tested this with osKitchen, i never used other kitchen.
Next release soon: CabExtractor ->to extract some cabs that do not extract very well oskitchen
Nice app, now life will be a bit easy for NON-English chefs.
Thanks for sharing.
PS. I did correct your post because this line looked as this:
1.FromsKitchen always create APP.DAT with that folders
2.Toestination folder in Windows Mobile
Great tool, thank you for sharing.
If I create multiple language kitchen the app.dat I put in the corresponding
language folder. 0409, 0413, 0408 etc...
Can you modify the tool so that you can pick the language you are cooking for?
Like this:
\0409\app.dat (Program files)
\0413\app.dat (Programma bestanden)
etc...
This way you don't need to modify app.dat each time you are cooking another lang.
Grtz Leo
I have a little problem.
I select the OsKitchen EXT folder but when i click Mudar it doesnt change nothing.
Im curious to know if in ChangeAPP.DAT.exe.config we can add some other folders like Tools,Internet,etc..
Thanks.
Laurentius26 said:
Great tool, thank you for sharing.
If I create multiple language kitchen the app.dat I put in the corresponding
language folder. 0409, 0413, 0408 etc...
Can you modify the tool so that you can pick the language you are cooking for?
Like this:
\0409\app.dat (Program files)
\0413\app.dat (Programma bestanden)
etc...
This way you don't need to modify app.dat each time you are cooking another lang.
Grtz Leo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, nice sugestion, i do that this weekend
af974 said:
I have a little problem.
I select the OsKitchen EXT folder but when i click Mudar it doesnt change nothing.
Im curious to know if in ChangeAPP.DAT.exe.config we can add some other folders like Tools,Internet,etc..
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i found a bug, link updated.
i can make more folders options. i will try make a XML with various folders options.
It work fine now,thank you sir
Since you are a so good programmer, i have an idea for haver a better life for us NON English:
When you want to build a TMOUS rom for NON English people you need to manual sort all the Language package.....would be awesome have such an app that auto-sort those packages for you:
Example:
Now we have :
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
---------files
-----------------0409
My idea is:
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------files
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------0409
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------0410
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------0804
af974 said:
It work fine now,thank you sir
Since you are a so good programmer, i have an idea for haver a better life for us NON English:
When you want to build a TMOUS rom for NON English people you need to manual sort all the Language package.....would be awesome have such an app that auto-sort those packages for you:
Example:
Now we have :
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
---------files
-----------------0409
My idea is:
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------files
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------0409
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------0410
Adobe PDF v2.5.1.0.404840.03
--------0804
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I understand.
you just want to copy the folders that are inside the folder "files" to the same level of the folder "files".
Great application, I already created all the files for 12 languages and it cost me 2 day's to do that, this is really a timesaver.
Thanks
Hint: oskitchen allows using variables for all system folders in the app.dat files.
Ops...sorry i guess i had explain me not well.
What i meant was an app that grab the Language folder from package and put it in another folder with the same package name ,so we should have:
Example:
AdobeReader--> (subfolder) files
AdobeReader_0409-->(subfolder) 0409 (0410,0804,etc..)
anhado said:
I think I understand.
you just want to copy the folders that are inside the folder "files" to the same level of the folder "files".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Airxtreme, can you explain this better please?
I dont understand how to use it.
airxtreme said:
Hint: oskitchen allows using variables for all system folders in the app.dat files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
af974 said:
Airxtreme, can you explain this better please?
I dont understand how to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You put those variables inside the app.dat files and the kitchen will be replace them with the matching localized folder while the ROM is generated.
Thanks Airxtreme, i didnt know that and it is a pretty nice feature indeed.......perhaps,do you think that it will be difficult to have those variables auto-compiled from OsKitchen when you go to import a new cab?...oh well,i fell a bit lazy dont you think? lol
airxtreme said:
You put those variables inside the app.dat files and the kitchen will be replace them with the matching localized folder while the ROM is generated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
airxtreme said:
You put those variables inside the app.dat files and the kitchen will be replace them with the matching localized folder while the ROM is generated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Directory("\Windows"):-Directory("Arranque")
Directory("\Windows\Menu Iniciar\Programas"):-Directory("Tools")
Directory("\Programas"):-Directory("ArkSwitch")
Directory("\Windows\Menu Iniciar\Programas\Tools"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
Directory("\Windows\Arranque"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
this is what my app create.
i need to change to
Directory("%Windows%"):-Directory("Arranque")
Directory("%Windows-StartMenu-Programs%"):-Directory("Tools")
Directory("%ProgramFiles% "):-Directory("ArkSwitch")
Directory("%Windows-StartMenu-Programs%\Tools"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
Directory("%Windows-StartUp%"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
and about red? osKitchen creates that but is no necessary, anyway you don't have variables to that.
af974 said:
Ops...sorry i guess i had explain me not well.
What i meant was an app that grab the Language folder from package and put it in another folder with the same package name ,so we should have:
Example:
AdobeReader--> (subfolder) files
AdobeReader_0409-->(subfolder) 0409 (0410,0804,etc..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't konw the folder structure of a TMOUS rom for HD2 on osKitchen. now i am downloading a ROM for HD2 tomorrow i imports and try to understand what you want.
Hmm, okay not sure what everybody means, but I think I'm on the same level as af974, what I did to create my kitchen for all the languages I use is just the simple way copy-paste, to give a short example, if I use the camera-pkg, I just have one folder for the camera but I put all the mui-files in the camera-pkg, so I don't have a long list for every language, I did the same with all the other pkg.
Maybe a lot of people are gonna laugh because they now an easier way, but I did it on the 12th of september when the server was down, so I had all the time of the world
Greetz,
Yes like this:
Camera\0409\0408\0413 etc...
What I do is place the app.dat in every language folder and modify the path by hand.
Camera\0409\app.dat = start menu\example.lnk
Camera\0413\app.dat = Startmenu\example.lnk
Now in the kitchen I can set the language and it automatic pics the appropiate app.dat.
Rataplan said:
Hmm, okay not sure what everybody means, but I think I'm on the same level as af974, what I did to create my kitchen for all the languages I use is just the simple way copy-paste, to give a short example, if I use the camera-pkg, I just have one folder for the camera but I put all the mui-files in the camera-pkg, so I don't have a long list for every language, I did the same with all the other pkg.
Maybe a lot of people are gonna laugh because they now an easier way, but I did it on the 12th of september when the server was down, so I had all the time of the world
Greetz,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laurentius26 said:
Yes like this:
Camera\0409\0408\0413 etc...
What I do is place the app.dat in every language folder and modify the path by hand.
Camera\0409\app.dat = start menu\example.lnk
Camera\0413\app.dat = Startmenu\example.lnk
Now in the kitchen I can set the language and it automatic pics the appropiate app.dat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I forgot to do, thanks for the tip, I only edited the initflashes.dat
Greetz,
anhado said:
Directory("\Windows"):-Directory("Arranque")
Directory("\Windows\Menu Iniciar\Programas"):-Directory("Tools")
Directory("\Programas"):-Directory("ArkSwitch")
Directory("\Windows\Menu Iniciar\Programas\Tools"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
Directory("\Windows\Arranque"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
this is what my app create.
i need to change to
Directory("%Windows%"):-Directory("Arranque")
Directory("%Windows-StartMenu-Programs%"):-Directory("Tools")
Directory("%ProgramFiles% "):-Directory("ArkSwitch")
Directory("%Windows-StartMenu-Programs%\Tools"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
Directory("%Windows-StartUp%"):-File("ArkSwitch.lnk","\Windows\_ArkSwitch.lnk")
and about red? osKitchen creates that but is no necessary, anyway you don't have variables to that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The variables are for app.dat files not for initflashfiles.dat where folders like the startup folder should be created. I could allow custom instructions in initflashfiles to create all the system folders since I know where each of them are mapped but I think would be pointless with all the all-languages initflashfiles archives Da_G released.
Thanks for the kitchen Airxtreme,
Yes system files can be set but what about a app.dat for every extended package that needs it?
Maybe I could work straight from initflash but I think creating a app.dat is more save and portable.
airxtreme said:
The variables are for app.dat files not for initflashfiles.dat where folders like the startup folder should be created. I could allow custom instructions in initflashfiles to create all the system folders since I know where each of them are mapped but I think would be pointless with all the all-languages initflashfiles archives Da_G released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laurentius26 said:
Thanks for the kitchen Airxtreme,
Yes system files can be set but what about a app.dat for every extended package that needs it?
Maybe I could work straight from initflash but I think creating a app.dat is more save and portable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said the variables are only for app.dat; having to write the localized folders by hand with this tool is useless because instead of setting the localized path you can use one of the variables I provide and make your app.dat entries compatible with every language, also the kitchen now does all the variables mapping when a CAB file is imported.

[tutorial] custom icons

i thought it would be handy to create a thread for icon tutorials that are simple to use and understand
feel free to add your own tutorials here or ask any questions, if i am not able to answer then i hope someone else will
if you do post a differant way of doing icons, please explain it step by step so the newer chefs can follow instructions easily. your tutorial will be added to this first post. this way all the tutorials will be in one post, users dont need to find it, they simply just scroll to the next tutorial
(all tutorials will be quoted for credits)
*you can find plenty of free icons @ WWW.ICONFINDER.COM
**the way ill be showing you is with the icons inside a .dll that you can link to almost anything
eg, program shortcuts within the start menu is the most common**
firstly you will need to download some tools needed
download tools here
(inside tools.rar is: icofx, reshacker, blank .dll)
##########
##########
##########
*install and open ICOFX
*click: tools
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
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*batch prosess
*if your doing start menu icons i use 128x128 with xp colors (max color)
add the icons you want and select the destination folder and click ok
*icons with a specific height and width are best to do these individually =
file\new or drag and drop your .PNG and select custom size
*now you have made your own custom icons.
*i have attatched a blank .dll in the winrar file below, just rename it.
*i have opened the blank .dll and added a custom icon so you can see how it works.
*it is simple enough, icons added will be labled 1,2,3 etc - then click save when done
(delete the automaticly saved .BAC file created by icofx, it is not needed)
*to link your icon to a specific program on your device, either edit your program XXXX.lnk or create a new .lnk
(rename a blank .txt file to .lnk)
*add this into the the .lnk replacing the XXXX with your program name and .dll name
#\windows\XXXX.exe ?\windows\XXXX.dll,-X
*no number before # eg, usually you would have a number of how many leters are in the link = the amount of letters is not needed
*-X is the number position of the icon inside the .dll
*if your icon is for a folder, rename the .lnk to ICON.lnk
*inside the icon.lnk should be
1#XXXX.dll, -X
*now put the ICON.lnk into the specific folder you want icon for
##########
##########
##########
**i will now show you how to edit/replace the icon inside either a .dll or an .exe file**
*in this example i have used the blank .dll from the first tutorial
*reshacker shows all the contents inside a .dll and also with .exe files too (not just icons)
*open/run RESHACKER
*click: file\open - select your .dll or .exe
*as you can see i have circled the icon number with red = ignore the highlighted 0 (zero)
*rightclick to get these avaliable options
*from here you will be able to replace the icon
*when finished click file\save
*it automaticly creates a XXXXX-original.dll/.exe file
*some .exe do not like their icons being changed.
##########
##########
##########
FInixNOve said:
* Unsigner - to remove the digital signature from the dll.
* Multiple file Signer - to digitally re-sign the finished dll.
* First, remove the digital signature from the dll you’re going to edit, because the icons you’ll be replacing later can have different color depths and that will leave you with an unusable dll (meaning that you’ll not be able to re-sign it).
o To unsign a file, all you have to do is drag the dll/mui file over the unsigner.exe and release it. A command window will open and close. You will know if the file has been unsigned by checking its size (it will be smaller). Also remember that the file can't be as read only or the tool will not be able to unsign it.
* Then, using the resource editor extract the icons, you wish to edit, from the dll.
* With the icon creator application, or by searching the web, make/get your icons.
* After this, use the resource editor once again to replace the now edited icons inside the dll.
* To finish, re-sign the dll using the Multiple File Signer tool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ill update this tutorial as soon as i can
thanks
Rn
Thanks nice to see this so quickly .
Cheers!!!
Great
So, help me, please How do I set it up in my reg file (assuming my dll is called Start_Icon.dll):
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start\Today] <<=folder
"Icon"="\\Windows\\Start_Icon_Today.png"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Shell\StartInfo\Start\Java\JavaShortcut.lnk] <<=shortcut
"Icon"="\\Windows\\Start_Icon_Javashortcut.png"
Thank you.
you do not need to add any registrys
best part of doing icons my way
(also assuming you have done the first tutorial with icofx)
create new .lnk
open .lnk with notepad and add this:
* FOR TODAY FOLDER ICON
1#Start_Icon.dll, -X
*rename .lnk to ICON.lnk
*put .lnk into start menu/programs/today FOLDER
*if your cooking then i suggest you rename the icon.lnk to something else when copying the .lnk to start menu/programs/today - otherwise the windows folder will have the icon for your today folder (eg icon.lnk in windows folder will change the windows folder icon)
* use this in initflashes.txt to move/rename your .lnk = Directory("\start menu\programs\today\"):-File("ICON.lnk.","\Windows\MYTODAYICON.lnk")
* FOR JAVA SHORTCUT
#\windows\java.exe ?\windows\Start_Icon.dll,-X
*java.exe (or what ever java program you are using)
(-X = number location of icon inside .dll)
*eg, if the icon number is 1 then you will have -1
Rn
Thanks raving_nanza. However, I noticed .ico files are much larger than .png files. What's the advantage with doing it this way?
Thanks
illi said:
Thanks raving_nanza. However, I noticed .ico files are much larger than .png files. What's the advantage with doing it this way?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
icos are used in dlls or exes, where as pngs are used only in startmenu using registry. Hence icos are much smaller, but lower in quality compared to pngs...
all your .ico in one single .dll rather than having X amout of .png's clogging up the windows folder. (cleaner)
no registrys to write, just edit the .lnk to the program (registrys use memory, no registry needed)
if editing the .exe directly and replacing the icon (no memory added)
ico drawing is definitely faster.
Thanks for the clarification guys. I appreciate it very much
Use ResHacker to change icon in EXE,DLL file
yeah dude, use reshacker to edit .dll or .exe
use icofx to edit the icon.
(i use photoshop and then convert a .png to .ico)
Rn
MsSigner
Hi,
I've edited the taskbar dlls and changed the icons, but then I'm not able to make them to work.
This tutorial is missing the signature issue.
I've found that dlls need to be signed after modification, and seems that also need to unsigned before editing.
Found the tolls (UnSigner, Signer, and WM65Certs), but I guess that I'm making a mistake in the process.
Can someone indicate how to edit taskbar dlls? (E.G: phcanOverbmp.dll, shellres.192.dll, tapres.192.dll, etc)
- Does original MS dlls need to be unsign before editing?
- Which certificate need to be used for signing?
- how to add the certificate to the cab? Anyone have a cab with the new certificate?
Have someone use restorator instead or reshacker?
Best regards
EDIT
Found this [TUT] from FInixNOver
Do we need a new sdkcerts.cab if we sign dlls using the new certificates?
FInixNOver said:
How to make your own set of Battery Icons:
You'll need some programs, and of course, the dll.
Unsigner - to remove the digital signature from the dll.
Reshack / PE Explorer / Restorator - resource editor to extract/replace the icons inside the dll
iconFX or any other icon editor (GIMP can also handle .ico files) - to edit/create icons
Multiple file Signer - to digitally re-sign the finished dll.
How to do it?
First, remove the digital signature from the dll you’re going to edit, because the icons you’ll be replacing later can have different color depths and that will leave you with an unusable dll (meaning that you’ll not be able to re-sign it).
To unsign a file, all you have to do is drag the dll/mui file over the unsigner.exe and release it. A command window will open and close. You will know if the file has been unsigned by checking its size (it will be smaller). Also remember that the file can't be as read only or the tool will not be able to unsign it.
Then, using the resource editor extract the icons, you wish to edit, from the dll.
With the icon creator application, or by searching the web, make/get your icons.
After this, use the resource editor once again to replace the now edited icons inside the dll.
To finish, re-sign the dll using the Multiple File Signer tool.
That's it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use reshacker
if their not working after you have signed them, then i think you need to install sdkcerts.cab to your device , softreset and then install/overwrite your old .dlls in the windows folder - and then softreset again
i might be wrong though so dont quote me on that. 60/40
*ill add the sign/unsign to the firsty post
Reshacker & CeleSign
For Sign-Unsign I use CeleSign. It´s very intuitive. The certificates are updated. Just run CeleSign, [not signsis neither SISSigner (inside also)] setup pvc, spc and file to unsign-sign. If the file is signed you must remove the certificate for sign after. Regards
It would also help you guys customizing your own icons in Start Menu by using my JWMD Icon Changer
more stuff at my sig

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