Deploy via SDCard

[Lars Black]

We have an application that run on devices out in the field where there's no
access to a PC (and thereby ActiveSync). To be able to get these devices up
and running after a battery loss or simular, I'm working on a solution where
everything needed is on a SDCard in the device (Symbol 8037).

I got all the different CABs on the SDCard and now the trouble begins ;-)

1) What is the best way of installing a number of CABs on the PPC? All
examples that I can find is using RAPI via ActiveSync but this is not
available for me..

2) I want to update some registry values (regional settings etc.) but it
seems like I'm not able to import a REG file like in normal Windows - any
other options?

Of course, I could create a little cool setup-program, but that would
require CF.NET to be installed in order to be able to install CF.NET <g>

Any ideas would be much appreciated

Cheers,
Lars

 

[David Bergeron]

I wrote an application with eVC 3.0 that we deploy on SD Cards. I do not
use a CAB file, the application runs from the SD Card. When the application
runs, it attempts to open a dialog that fails without registered controls.
When the attempt fails, it is detected and code is run to register the
controls and set any registry settings needed. The application is then
rerun. This works fine for us.

If you need more details, let me know and I can get you more information.

 

[Lars Black]

I wrote an application with eVC 3.0 that we deploy on SD Cards. I do not

use a CAB file, the application runs from the SD Card. When the

application

I sound something like what I have in mind, except that using C# I would run
into the "unregistered control" exception even before my apps is starting
;-)

Going the eVC route is something that I definitly don't want to do, given my
skills in that area<g>

Thanks for the input

Cheers,
Lars

 

[chris-s]

This can be performed on most devices by copying the required cab files into
a folder named 'CABFILES' on your permanent storage media. Then in another
folder named something like '2577' which is processor dependent you can
create some 'autocab' and 'autorun' files that control what is installed,
particularly the order which is important to ensure that the compact
framework is installed before apps that require it.

To create registry settings, these can be configured as part of your cabfile
install by adding a registry section to you 'inf' file used to create the
cab in the first place.

Do a serach on '2577', 'autocab' and 'autorun' to see what turns up.

Chris

 

[Lars Black]

Hi Chris,

Do a serach on '2577', 'autocab' and 'autorun' to see what turns up.

I tried this but only got two hits - both were specific to Intermec
terminals.. Do you have another reference for info on this feature and do
you know if it works on non-Intermec devices as well?

Cheers,
Lars

 

[Kevin Z Grey]

-----Original Message----- When the
application

I sound something like what I have in mind, except that using C# I would run
into the "unregistered control" exception even before my apps is starting
;-)

Going the eVC route is something that I definitly don't want to do, given my
skills in that area<g>

Thanks for the input

Cheers,
Lars

You may have no choice but to use eVC unless your users
are using devices that have the .NET CF in the ROM image.

I recently wrote an application which would simply re-
install to the device if a hard reset occurred. The user
would be required to manually execute the application on
the SD card. The application would simply deploy several
cabs that were stored on the device.

I checked out the Autorun option as well, but on many
devices Autorun needs to be manually turned on by the user
(which is useless after a Hard Reset). In my opinnion,
that was a very poor decision on the manf's part.

~~K

 

[chris-s]

Not sure if it is Intermec specific since I see somebody else has mentioned
it in another reply, may differ slightly between devices. I just tried it on
my iPaq and it didn't work.

Sorry,

Chris

 

[Lars Black]

I recently wrote an application which would simply re-

install to the device if a hard reset occurred. The user

I have now found a solution very much like it, but without going to eVC <g>

Using PocketWizard from http://www.e-pocketsetup.com/, I have create an EXE
installer that installs all the nessecary CABs. All the user has to do after
a cold boot is to start the installation and this can be done automatically
on the Symbol device after a cold boot.

Thanks for all the input

Cheers,
Lars