Hard Reset Recovery

[Harry Simpson]

I've done a lot to aid in users being able to recover from battery loss,
hard resets, etc.

I've moved the local SDF database to the Application directory etc. I've
created a nice install app using NSIS open source stuff.

My boss wants me to make it easier - almost like a one click total restore
of app and the settings - down to hot buttons, proxy server designation
etc....

The install uses the normal CEAppMGr UI prompts. Should I load all the cabs
into Application directory on the device and use wceload/noui from an
AutoRun.exe app located in Application??

Here are the requirements:
Need a process to restore a Pocket PC to its previous condition after a
total battery loss or hard reboot. This process must

perform the following tasks:
*********Install Application**********************************
1. Install application exe
2. Install three SQL Server CE Cabs
3. Install the .NET Compact Framework
4. Install the Symbol library cab
5. Install the eConnect cab
*********Set Background Picture******************************
6. Set the background for the Today screen (involves copying jpg image
included in the app cab to My Documents)
*********Hide Other Function Items****************************
7. Uncheck items that appear on the Today screen
*********Set Hot Buttons***********************************
8. Set the Hot button for Button 1 to Application exe
9. Set the remaining 3 buttons to <None>
**********Hide Shortcuts***********************************
10. Create a new directory named SM in the Windows directory on the device.
11. Create a sub directory under Windows\SM\ called Programs.
12. Move all program file shortcuts except for our application's shortcut
from Windows\Start Menu\Programs to

Windows\SM\Programs
13. Move all Start Menu Items from Windows\Start Menu\ to Windows\SM\
***********Proxy set up************************************
14. Create a proxy server setting the IP address
15. Check "This network connects to the Internet"
16. Check "The network uses a proxy server to connect to the Internet"
***********Set eConnect for Ethernet Cradling*******************
17. Uncheck "Launch ActiveSync"
18. Check "Connect to:"
19. Select "My Work Network" in dropdown
20. Check "Launch Application"
21. Select the application exe in the dropdown
21. Check "Query cradle for DNS domain
22. Check "Bypass RF connection if present"
*******************************************************

Is there a third party kinda like Ghost for the PPC.....what have other
developers done to remedy this. The users let the devices run down a
lot....so there's got to be a better solution.

TIA
Harry Simpson

 

[Peter Foot [MVP]]

You "may" be able to do this from an SD card. I say may because not all
devices correctly handle Autorun on storage cards. If it does you can place
all your cabs on the SD card (mark them as read-only so they aren't deleted
when installed). Then write an Autorun.exe application in the processor
named directory on the card, e.g. \2577\ for ARM. When the device recovers
you'll go through the normal welcome setup screens and then your app should
autoload, and this can then install the relevant cabs, set your registry
settings whatever. If your device is Pocket PC 2003 or higher you can even
write this autorun program in managed code.

Peter

 

[Harry Simpson]

Thanks Peter,

It's a Symbol PPT8800 with no SD/CF card slot. It is WM2003 guaranteed.
Could I write managed app in VS2003 (VB.NET smart device) to run the cabs
and set the settings....and run this app from the non-volatile \Application
directory?

Thanks
Harry

Like I say I have written a nice NSIS install app which relies on desktop
and CEAppMgr to install. But it doesn't allow for programattically or
scripting settings changes too....

If there is a third party install that would do all of the settings and do
an install with no UI prompting, that'd be good. If I can write such a
beast, that'd be great too. Kind of a loader app and configuration setting
app.

H

 

[Linus Rörstad]

Hi Harry!

First, the Application folder on a Symbol device is non-volatile memory and
all files in that directory will remain even after a cold boot.

I'm using .reg files which I have exported from the device. If you place
those in the Application folder they will be inserted to the registry in
case of a cold boot. Also you can use .cpy files to copy files from the
Application folder to any folder. In the Application folder there is a
startup folder which you also can use. Under the registry key
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs] you can place a program
that you want to launch only when a cold boot was done. The one below launch
the compact framework cab file and install it.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog10]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe"
"Command"="\application\netcf.core.ppc3.arm.cab"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

Check out http://devzone.symbol.com. There you will find some good programs
and documentations.

For third party application to use for installation I can recommend
InstallShield which is good.

Hope this will help you somewhat.

Regards,
Linus Rörstad
PSI Antonson

 

[Harry Simpson]

Thanks so much Linus!! This got me going in the right direction for sure.
Wish there was a little more documentation about this. Right now I've
written my reg files and a cpy file and it seems to be working initially.
I'd like to use some of the parameters used with wceload.exe like noui....
Wondered if the reg file could be modified to use these params in the line:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog18]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe \noui"
"Command"="\application\EasyIDLAB_PPC.ARMV4.CAB"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

What are other reg file params?

Thanks
Harry

Hi Harry!

First, the Application folder on a Symbol device is non-volatile memory
and all files in that directory will remain even after a cold boot.

I'm using .reg files which I have exported from the device. If you place
those in the Application folder they will be inserted to the registry in
case of a cold boot. Also you can use .cpy files to copy files from the
Application folder to any folder. In the Application folder there is a
startup folder which you also can use. Under the registry key
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs] you can place a
program that you want to launch only when a cold boot was done. The one
below launch the compact framework cab file and install it.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog10]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe"
"Command"="\application\netcf.core.ppc3.arm.cab"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

Check out http://devzone.symbol.com. There you will find some good
programs and documentations.

For third party application to use for installation I can recommend
InstallShield which is good.

Hope this will help you somewhat.

Regards,
Linus Rörstad
PSI Antonson

Thanks Peter,

It's a Symbol PPT8800 with no SD/CF card slot. It is WM2003 guaranteed.
Could I write managed app in VS2003 (VB.NET smart device) to run the cabs
and set the settings....and run this app from the non-volatile
\Application directory?

Thanks
Harry

Like I say I have written a nice NSIS install app which relies on desktop
and CEAppMgr to install. But it doesn't allow for programattically or
scripting settings changes too....

If there is a third party install that would do all of the settings and
do an install with no UI prompting, that'd be good. If I can write such
a beast, that'd be great too. Kind of a loader app and configuration
setting app.

H

 

[Linus Rörstad]

Take a look at this site.

http://blog.opennetcf.org/afeinman/PermaLink,guid,1de2284c-a65e-417c-a130-1bd5acd4ad3d.aspx

Regards
Linus Rörstad
PSI Antonson

Thanks so much Linus!! This got me going in the right direction for sure.
Wish there was a little more documentation about this. Right now I've
written my reg files and a cpy file and it seems to be working initially.
I'd like to use some of the parameters used with wceload.exe like noui....
Wondered if the reg file could be modified to use these params in the
line:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog18]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe \noui"
"Command"="\application\EasyIDLAB_PPC.ARMV4.CAB"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

What are other reg file params?

Thanks
Harry

Hi Harry!

First, the Application folder on a Symbol device is non-volatile memory
and all files in that directory will remain even after a cold boot.

I'm using .reg files which I have exported from the device. If you place
those in the Application folder they will be inserted to the registry in
case of a cold boot. Also you can use .cpy files to copy files from the
Application folder to any folder. In the Application folder there is a
startup folder which you also can use. Under the registry key
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs] you can place a
program that you want to launch only when a cold boot was done. The one
below launch the compact framework cab file and install it.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog10]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe"
"Command"="\application\netcf.core.ppc3.arm.cab"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

Check out http://devzone.symbol.com. There you will find some good
programs and documentations.

For third party application to use for installation I can recommend
InstallShield which is good.

Hope this will help you somewhat.

Regards,
Linus Rörstad
PSI Antonson

Thanks Peter,

It's a Symbol PPT8800 with no SD/CF card slot. It is WM2003 guaranteed.
Could I write managed app in VS2003 (VB.NET smart device) to run the
cabs and set the settings....and run this app from the non-volatile
\Application directory?

Thanks
Harry

Like I say I have written a nice NSIS install app which relies on
desktop and CEAppMgr to install. But it doesn't allow for
programattically or scripting settings changes too....

If there is a third party install that would do all of the settings and
do an install with no UI prompting, that'd be good. If I can write such
a beast, that'd be great too. Kind of a loader app and configuration
setting app.

H

You "may" be able to do this from an SD card. I say may because not all
devices correctly handle Autorun on storage cards. If it does you can
place all your cabs on the SD card (mark them as read-only so they
aren't deleted when installed). Then write an Autorun.exe application
in the processor named directory on the card, e.g. \2577\ for ARM. When
the device recovers you'll go through the normal welcome setup screens
and then your app should autoload, and this can then install the
relevant cabs, set your registry settings whatever. If your device is
Pocket PC 2003 or higher you can even write this autorun program in
managed code.

Peter

--
Peter Foot
Windows Embedded MVP
http://www.inthehand.com | http://www.peterfoot.net |
http://www.opennetcf.org

I've done a lot to aid in users being able to recover from battery
loss, hard resets, etc.

I've moved the local SDF database to the Application directory etc.
I've created a nice install app using NSIS open source stuff.

My boss wants me to make it easier - almost like a one click total
restore of app and the settings - down to hot buttons, proxy server
designation etc....

The install uses the normal CEAppMGr UI prompts. Should I load all
the cabs into Application directory on the device and use wceload/noui
from an AutoRun.exe app located in Application??

Here are the requirements:
Need a process to restore a Pocket PC to its previous condition after
a total battery loss or hard reboot. This process must

perform the following tasks:
*********Install Application**********************************
1. Install application exe
2. Install three SQL Server CE Cabs
3. Install the .NET Compact Framework
4. Install the Symbol library cab
5. Install the eConnect cab
*********Set Background Picture******************************
6. Set the background for the Today screen (involves copying jpg
image included in the app cab to My Documents)
*********Hide Other Function Items****************************
7. Uncheck items that appear on the Today screen
*********Set Hot Buttons***********************************
8. Set the Hot button for Button 1 to Application exe
9. Set the remaining 3 buttons to <None>
**********Hide Shortcuts***********************************
10. Create a new directory named SM in the Windows directory on the
device.
11. Create a sub directory under Windows\SM\ called Programs.
12. Move all program file shortcuts except for our application's
shortcut from Windows\Start Menu\Programs to

Windows\SM\Programs
13. Move all Start Menu Items from Windows\Start Menu\ to Windows\SM\
***********Proxy set up************************************
14. Create a proxy server setting the IP address
15. Check "This network connects to the Internet"
16. Check "The network uses a proxy server to connect to the Internet"
***********Set eConnect for Ethernet Cradling*******************
17. Uncheck "Launch ActiveSync"
18. Check "Connect to:"
19. Select "My Work Network" in dropdown
20. Check "Launch Application"
21. Select the application exe in the dropdown
21. Check "Query cradle for DNS domain
22. Check "Bypass RF connection if present"
*******************************************************

Is there a third party kinda like Ghost for the PPC.....what have
other developers done to remedy this. The users let the devices run
down a lot....so there's got to be a better solution.

TIA
Harry Simpson

 

[Harry Simpson]

Linus,

I've been looking at your article - I'm just trying to translate the
"Launch wceload.exe with /noaskdest parameter"
into the syntax used in .REG files:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog20]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe"
"Command"="\application\EasyIDLAB_PPC.ARMV4.CAB"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

When i add params to the second line wceload won't execute at all!!
Any idea what the correct syntax is for use in a REG file.

Thanks
Harry

Take a look at this site.

http://blog.opennetcf.org/afeinman/PermaLink,guid,1de2284c-a65e-417c-a130-1bd5acd4ad3d.aspx

Regards
Linus Rörstad
PSI Antonson

Thanks so much Linus!! This got me going in the right direction for sure.
Wish there was a little more documentation about this. Right now I've
written my reg files and a cpy file and it seems to be working initially.
I'd like to use some of the parameters used with wceload.exe like
noui....
Wondered if the reg file could be modified to use these params in the
line:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog18]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe \noui"
"Command"="\application\EasyIDLAB_PPC.ARMV4.CAB"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

What are other reg file params?

Thanks
Harry

Hi Harry!

First, the Application folder on a Symbol device is non-volatile memory
and all files in that directory will remain even after a cold boot.

I'm using .reg files which I have exported from the device. If you place
those in the Application folder they will be inserted to the registry in
case of a cold boot. Also you can use .cpy files to copy files from the
Application folder to any folder. In the Application folder there is a
startup folder which you also can use. Under the registry key
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs] you can place a
program that you want to launch only when a cold boot was done. The one
below launch the compact framework cab file and install it.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Symbol\Startup\Programs\Prog10]
"Name"="\windows\wceload.exe"
"Command"="\application\netcf.core.ppc3.arm.cab"
"Continue"=dword:0
"ColdBootOnly"=dword:1

Check out http://devzone.symbol.com. There you will find some good
programs and documentations.

For third party application to use for installation I can recommend
InstallShield which is good.

Hope this will help you somewhat.

Regards,
Linus Rörstad
PSI Antonson

"Harry Simpson" <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
Thanks Peter,

It's a Symbol PPT8800 with no SD/CF card slot. It is WM2003
guaranteed.
Could I write managed app in VS2003 (VB.NET smart device) to run the
cabs and set the settings....and run this app from the non-volatile
\Application directory?

Thanks
Harry

Like I say I have written a nice NSIS install app which relies on
desktop and CEAppMgr to install. But it doesn't allow for
programattically or scripting settings changes too....

If there is a third party install that would do all of the settings and
do an install with no UI prompting, that'd be good. If I can write
such a beast, that'd be great too. Kind of a loader app and
configuration setting app.

H

You "may" be able to do this from an SD card. I say may because not
all devices correctly handle Autorun on storage cards. If it does you
can place all your cabs on the SD card (mark them as read-only so they
aren't deleted when installed). Then write an Autorun.exe application
in the processor named directory on the card, e.g. \2577\ for ARM.
When the device recovers you'll go through the normal welcome setup
screens and then your app should autoload, and this can then install
the relevant cabs, set your registry settings whatever. If your device
is Pocket PC 2003 or higher you can even write this autorun program in
managed code.

Peter

--
Peter Foot
Windows Embedded MVP
http://www.inthehand.com | http://www.peterfoot.net |
http://www.opennetcf.org

I've done a lot to aid in users being able to recover from battery
loss, hard resets, etc.

I've moved the local SDF database to the Application directory etc.
I've created a nice install app using NSIS open source stuff.

My boss wants me to make it easier - almost like a one click total
restore of app and the settings - down to hot buttons, proxy server
designation etc....

The install uses the normal CEAppMGr UI prompts. Should I load all
the cabs into Application directory on the device and use
wceload/noui from an AutoRun.exe app located in Application??

Here are the requirements:
Need a process to restore a Pocket PC to its previous condition after
a total battery loss or hard reboot. This process must

perform the following tasks:
*********Install Application**********************************
1. Install application exe
2. Install three SQL Server CE Cabs
3. Install the .NET Compact Framework
4. Install the Symbol library cab
5. Install the eConnect cab
*********Set Background Picture******************************
6. Set the background for the Today screen (involves copying jpg
image included in the app cab to My Documents)
*********Hide Other Function Items****************************
7. Uncheck items that appear on the Today screen
*********Set Hot Buttons***********************************
8. Set the Hot button for Button 1 to Application exe
9. Set the remaining 3 buttons to <None>
**********Hide Shortcuts***********************************
10. Create a new directory named SM in the Windows directory on the
device.
11. Create a sub directory under Windows\SM\ called Programs.
12. Move all program file shortcuts except for our application's
shortcut from Windows\Start Menu\Programs to

Windows\SM\Programs
13. Move all Start Menu Items from Windows\Start Menu\ to Windows\SM\
***********Proxy set up************************************
14. Create a proxy server setting the IP address
15. Check "This network connects to the Internet"
16. Check "The network uses a proxy server to connect to the
Internet"
***********Set eConnect for Ethernet Cradling*******************
17. Uncheck "Launch ActiveSync"
18. Check "Connect to:"
19. Select "My Work Network" in dropdown
20. Check "Launch Application"
21. Select the application exe in the dropdown
21. Check "Query cradle for DNS domain
22. Check "Bypass RF connection if present"
*******************************************************

Is there a third party kinda like Ghost for the PPC.....what have
other developers done to remedy this. The users let the devices run
down a lot....so there's got to be a better solution.

TIA
Harry Simpson

 

[chips4brains]

If you're installing a cab then you want the line to look like this....

"Command"="/noaskdest /noui \application\EasyIDLAB_PPC.ARMV4.cab

You might consider not making your cabs read only and copy them to
\Temp
and install from \Temp if you plan on doing any application updates in
the field.

Another thing we have found is that not all registry settings get
processed during startup.
Some registry settings get processed after the app that needs them is
loaded which would
require a restart of the app to read the new settings. I've seen
references to sending a
windows message settings change but that doesn't work for all
applications.

 

[Harry Simpson]

Thanks Chips!

Looking at the answer it seems simple now.....argh....

Any experience with RegSave EMEATS scripting? I've got it working for
persisting the time over a cold reboot but deleting files is not working....

Harry

 

[Roman Moiseenko]

There is another command key for wceload "/delete 0", applying this
parameter commands to wceload do not delete .cab file you installing.
In this case you have not to copy your .cab file to /Temp directory.

Your command will be:
"Command"="/noaskdest /noui /delete 0 \application\EasyIDLAB_PPC.ARMV4.cab"

 

[Harry Simpson]

Thanks Roman,

Added that to my notes. Right now I just make the file read only before I
copy it to the Application directory. Course your tip would eliminate the
need to do that.

Thanks
Harry