Beta Testers Needed: New app for frequent flashing (Settings Savior)...

[dny238]

This is my first post of the like so go easy on me.

I'm in the process of writing an application to deal with the annoyances I found after frequently flashing my phone.
Everytime I would flash my phone, I would have to go back and resetup a ton of settings.
I even started exporting portions of the registry to my flash card, so I could reimport them after each flash. But it's difficult to update the reg files and tedious to reimport them along with reinstalling a folder full of applications.

Thus....

SettingsSavior was born.

This is definately a beta application. I did my best to test it on my own settings, but I expect your mileage may vary. I tried to only export registry keys which I thought wouldn't change too much between roms. That said who knows what would happen by adding regkeys from a different rom into your new one.

There isn't an installer yet so here are the instructions...

1) Download it to your phone
2) Create a /Storage Card/Program Files/SettingsSavior/ folder and move it into there. (It can be anywhere on your memory card, but that's where I'm going to put it when I get the installer built)
3) Run it and pick 'Backup'
4) Flash your phone (sometime in the future is fine)
5) Navigate to the install folder, and run the application again.
6) Uncheck any settings you don't want restored and pick "Restore".
7) Reboot (so the applications can pick up their new settings)
8) Post feedback here.
9) Make your own config files and post them here too.

If you have suggestions of areas of the registry I should add, please post them here in the thread.

Thanks,
Rob

Version History
---------------
Download Version 0.8 (http://geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorV0.8.zip)
* Not sure what happened to 0.7, did I think I uploaded it and never did? odd.
* Provisioning systems export feature enabled in the tools menu, can't import so not worth much right now. Thanks walshieau!
* Improved error handling
* Updated a few of the config.xml files to work better.

Download Version 0.6 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorV0.6.zip)
* Fixed a few more areas where things can crash
* Added a reg dumper and a file hash dumper to help locate what's changing between reboots
* Figured a ton of stuff out about the reason bluetooth stuff isnt' working right, but I'm out of time to work on it tonight.
* Tomorrow is mothers day
* Double checked all the reg exports against another regexporter to make sure I'm not making any mistakes (found 2 differences and changed my stuff to be like the others, not sure if it'll make a difference)

Download Version 0.5 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.5.zip)
* Much more error handling
* File based error log for file copies (beats popup dialogs!)
* Sorted the Configs on screen by filename
* Unchecked (Beta) Rules, some of them have some issues. This helps set expectations...
* Added Support for MultiString reg keys, some how I missed that up to this point. They were previously ignored.
* Upgraded the Config's alot. Combined many of them into one 'General Windows Mobile Settings' package.
* Other stuff I'm not remembering right now.

Download Version 0.4 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.4.zip)
* Added file copy support
* Fixed issue with DWord handler
* Added some WaitCursors
* Added a few new XML configs.
* Fixed the 'Restore' button defaulting problem. Should default to restore the first time the app runs if there is data to restore on the memory card.
* Forced the application to save it's data to the /Storage Card/Program Files/SettingsSavior/ directory, rather than the folder it was installed in.
* More items I've forgotten, I'm sure.

Download Version 0.3 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.3.zip)
* Added error handler for bad XML
* Added Wait Cursors during backup
* Changed DWord handler from uInt to long, still chasing a bug here but this should help.

Download Version 0.2 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.2.zip)
* This version is driven off of config XML files, instead of being hardcoded. Make your own!
* With config files also comes the ability to support multiple reg keys (any number) per checkbox
* Support Framework for moving files is in the XML but isn't implemented. (Time for bed)

Download Version 0.1 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorv1.zip)
* Everything is hardcoded
* The reg files were in the top level folder with the application
* Messy, Messy, Messy

[walshieau]

This is my first post of the like so go easy on me.

I'm in the process of writing an application to deal with the annoyances I found after frequently flashing my phone.
Everytime I would flash my phone, I would have to go back and resetup a ton of settings.
I even started exporting portions of the registry to my flash card, so I could reimport them after each flash. But it's difficult to update the reg files and tedious to reimport them along with reinstalling a folder full of applications.

Thus....

SettingsSavior v 0.1 was born.
Download it here (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorv1.exe).

This is definately a beta application. I did my best to test it on my own settings, but I expect your mileage may vary. I tried to only export registry keys which I thought wouldn't change too much between roms. That said who knows what would happen by adding regkeys from a different rom into your new one.

There isn't an installer yet so here are the instructions...

1) Download it to your phone
2) Create a /Storage Card/Program Files/SettingsSavior/ folder and move it into there. (It can be anywhere on your memory card, but that's where I'm going to put it when I get the installer built)
3) Run it and pick 'Backup'
4) Flash your phone (sometime in the future is fine)
5) Navigate to the install folder, and run the application again.
6) Uncheck any settings you don't want restored and pick "Restore".
7) Reboot (so the applications can pick up their new settings)
8) Post feedback here.

The application saves a bunch of .reg files to the same directory where it was copied. If you have suggestions of areas of the registry I should add, please post them here in the thread.

Thanks,
Rob

have you directally tried a reg hive import and export?? cause they work for me...

[HHumbert]

Looks to be an errror on the link. Says "ERROR in CGI."

-Humbert

[dny238]

Looks to be an errror on the link. Says "ERROR in CGI."

-Humbert

Sure enough, wonder what's wrong with the webserver. I am not at home to work on it. Check back in a bit.
Rob

[doedoe]

Have you also thought about backing up folders from the device? ie Application Data

My One Note notebooks are kept there...

[dny238]

Ok, for some reason I had to zip up the exe file.
Sorry about that I didn't want to have to do that, so that it was easier to download onto a phone directly.
Rob

[dny238]

Have you also thought about backing up folders from the device? ie Application Data

My One Note notebooks are kept there...

Absolutely! This is version 0.1 and all it does is hardcoded registry settings. I have plans to let it operated off of XML based config files that the community could create. Those XML files should define the registry settings and files to backup, etc.

If you have suggestions for set of files and registry settings for apps, let me know.

Do you think there is value in just backing up the Application Data folder? I might be able to finish that tonight.
Rob

[iammaz]

CGI error will be because you'll have a mime type for applications and it's trying to run your program instead of downloading it. No big deal there. Zip file fixed it.

What is your program written in? I'm assuming .Net 2 but I'm just curious. If you need a hand with anything just let me know. I seem to have an abundance of time on my hands.
Maz

[etijburg]

UDAMAN!!!

I will be testing this. I have been thinking about how to do this for a long time. I'm not a programer, but I have work and managed programers. I will be providing you with as much feed back as possible. I am having a hard time downloading the first version. Can you zip it up and then post it again? Thanks for the hard work. I hope I can be of help to you in my testing and feedback.

Erik

[etijburg]

Here is a list of ideas of things that I have to go through when setting up my device after a flash.

1: notification and sound settings
2: sounds and ringtones
3: alarm settings
4: messaging settings (I don't know if this is possible but I'd love to be able to back this up)
5: connection settings
6: auto install applications

[dny238]

UDAMAN!!!

I will be testing this. I have been thinking about how to do this for a long time. I'm not a programer, but I have work and managed programers. I will be providing you with as much feed back as possible. I am having a hard time downloading the first version. Can you zip it up and then post it again? Thanks for the hard work. I hope I can be of help to you in my testing and feedback.

Erik

Cool, looking forward to feedback.

Is it still not working?
http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorv1.zip
Try this url.
Thanks,
Rob

[dny238]

Here is a list of ideas of things that I have to go through when setting up my device after a flash.

1: notification and sound settings
2: sounds and ringtones
3: alarm settings
4: messaging settings (I don't know if this is possible but I'd love to be able to back this up)
5: connection settings
6: auto install applications

I'll look over these and see how each will work.

I did #4 but I use ActiveSync against a Exchange Server and Windows Live aka Hotmail.
I use a Cab for my Connection Settings, but I'll add it to my list.

These are all good suggestions.
Thanks,
Rob

[HHumbert]

Cool, looking forward to feedback.

Is it still not working?
http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorv1.zip
Try this url.
Thanks,
Rob


It works now. Thanks, Rob. Of course, I *just* flashed to 3.0.1, so I will not be able to tell the real effect until the next time that I need to flash again.

Totally appreciate your efforts on this front, though.... You will truly be a savior!

-Humbert

[etijburg]

I'll look over these and see how each will work.

I did #4 but I use ActiveSync against a Exchange Server and Windows Live aka Hotmail.
I use a Cab for my Connection Settings, but I'll add it to my list.

These are all good suggestions.
Thanks,
Rob

I am working on a cab file as well. I haven't found one that does the setting just the way I like them. I'm on cingular and I don't use medianet and no proxy server. Non of the settings cabs for cingular is just right for me so I'm going to work on my own. I'll be posting it when I get it right. I'm hoping for something that can do the exchange settings for me as part of the restore process.

[dny238]

I am working on a cab file as well. I haven't found one that does the setting just the way I like them. I'm on cingular and I don't use medianet and no proxy server. Non of the settings cabs for cingular is just right for me so I'm going to work on my own. I'll be posting it when I get it right. I'm hoping for something that can do the exchange settings for me as part of the restore process.

I'll look inside the registry for these settings. They were in the 'HCKU\Comm' key if I recall. I'll look around here in the registry...

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Comm\RasBook\CINGULAR GPRS]

Rob

[dny238]

Here is a sample config file. I imagine it will change a bit as I actually try to implement it.
The idea is that anyone could create their own config file and share them with the community. These files would tell me what you want to backup and restore. This isn't a real example, so hang with me on it.

In my current app, everything is hardcoded. In the next version, it'll run off of these config files. One checkbox would exist for each config file. The Checkbox name would be the PackageName. As the backup runs, it would store everything in the PackagePath folder inside the Savior Directory.
The rest of the XML file defines as many reg keys and file paths as you need to capture all of the settings you want to backup for your 'package'.

Feedback encouraged.
Rob

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<BackupPackage xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.cpandl.com">
<PackageName>Windows Live</PackageName>
<PackageDescription>Windows Live files and reg keys</PackageDescription>
<PackagePath>WinLive</PackagePath>
<Keys>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>WindowsLive.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\</KeyPath>
</RegKey>

<RegKey>
<RegFile>WindowsLive2.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live2\</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
</Keys>

<BPPaths>
<BPFile>
<DestinationFolder>AppData</DestinationFolder>
<FilePath>\Application Data\</FilePath>
</BPFile>

<BPFile>
<DestinationFolder>ProgFiles</DestinationFolder>
<FilePath>\Program Files\Windows Live\</FilePath>
</BPFile>
</BPPaths>
</BackupPackage>

[spidy.web]

Awesome stuff man!
I've been waiting for something like this since I started Flashing :)

It would be nice if you can include a couple of other things.
1. Keyboard Layout settings (Since I have a Softbank X01HT I have to always have to English hack the registry to convert it)
2. Bluetooth and Device ID (My Activesync always thinks its a different a device after I flash)
3. Regional Settings too

Also I'm wondering if you could possibly look into the PIM Backup included to this. Then it would be the one stop shop for restoring after a flash. Maybe even integrate it with the ROMS so it just a happens during setup :)

[goestoeleven]

Now if you can figure out a way to back up the Speed Dial entries I'LL BE REALLY IMPRESSED...

[ezrabenun]

ROCK ON!
I have been timing how long it takes to do this all by hand after every flash and I'm currently at 10 minutes....would love to not have to do this EVER AGAIN.

Ezra

[dny238]

ROCK ON!
I have been timing how long it takes to do this all by hand after every flash and I'm currently at 10 minutes....would love to not have to do this EVER AGAIN.

Ezra

Ok, I updated it as promised. Now I have to go to bed.
I did some quick testing in the debugger, but didn't copy it down to my real device so I left the link for the 0.1 version on the main page.

This version still only supports registry keys, the xml I posted earlier shows my initial thoughts on how to support file copies. I'll try to implement that tomorrow.

Can't wait to see people start sharing Config.xml files.
Download Version 0.2 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.2.zip).
Night all,
Rob

[jcespi2005]

Now if you can figure out a way to back up the Speed Dial entries I'LL BE REALLY IMPRESSED...

Congratulations to Rob for this great app :)

You can save Speed Dials with PIMBackup also.

Take a look at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=299705

Regards.

[ZaJules]

Awesome App!!

This will be a firm favorite with all the Flashaholics or as I like to call it "Spousal Disrupto Agrovato Syndrome" :p


It would be great if it could be set to copy a certain folder from the SD card to the Device. eg. Copy \Storage Card\store\rings to \windows\rings
and \Storage Card\store\wav to \windows (Easy way to restore my tones)

I would love to know if it is possible to "track" a cab files installation and then backup those reg keys with an app. This means that all the apps that are run of my SD card would be re activated and working after running your program and would not need to be reinstalled The app would also need to backup and recopy the start menu shortcuts.

Keep it up this app will be a real time saver, Im sure my Wife will be fond of the program too:p


Jules

[dny238]

Now if you can figure out a way to back up the Speed Dial entries I'LL BE REALLY IMPRESSED...

Hrm, they don't appear to be stored in the registry to me.
They've gotta be somewhere. I'll keep looking.
Rob

[dny238]

Awesome App!!

It would be great if it could be set to copy a certain folder from the SD card to the Device. eg. Copy \Storage Card\store\rings to \windows\rings
and \Storage Card\store\wav to \windows (Easy way to restore my tones)




This is the file stuff I said I'd work on tomorrow. I totally get what you want. Backup this directory, restore it after I flash. No prob.
Rob

[dny238]

Congratulations to Rob for this great app :)

You can save Speed Dials with PIMBackup also.

Take a look at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=299705

Regards.

Good call, maybe we'll just let that application do what it does. It'd be nice if it were all in one package though. I don't think I'm going to tackle many of the items he's worked out though. I sync with an exchange server so the benefit of duplicating the calendar, contacts, etc.. isn't as important to me.
Rob

[senergy]

I agree, FANSTATIC APP.
I was working on my own cab but then relised i would need to install my inital cab then install the other apps then install another cab for each app with my personal settings. Now this just does it all without hoging up my installed applications.
Copying ringtones etc would be also be a plus.

I tried doing this
<RegFile>PhoneSounds.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\LoudestInCallVolume</KeyPath>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\QuietestInCallVolume</KeyPath>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\RingTone0</KeyPath>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\StandardInCallVolume</KeyPath>
</RegKey>

and it doesnt work. Is there a way to copy a subset rather then a full Hive? or should i just make seperate .reg files for each path

[crazyC]

I tried to restore my speed dials using pim backup recently, but I don't think it liked the fact that I had restored all my contacts from the activesync exchange server. Although it appeared to have worked, when I selected the speed dial it did not seem to have linked to the contact and gave me errors.

[ZaJules]

This is the file stuff I said I'd work on tomorrow. I totally get what you want. Backup this directory, restore it after I flash. No prob.
Rob


Also if possible a filter of sorts to for example only backup the .wav files from a certain folder

[dny238]

I agree, FANSTATIC APP.

and it doesnt work. Is there a way to copy a subset rather then a full Hive? or should i just make seperate .reg files for each path

Right seperate file per key. Sorry that's how it works right now.
It's set to overwrite the file with each new key. I could change that.... have to think about it.


Here's a new one I just wrote to keep track of the state of the wireless and power tray icons. I hate that they keep turning back on after a restore.

Tray Icons.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<BackupPackage xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.cpandl.com">
<PackageName>Tray Icons</PackageName>
<PackageDescription>Tray Icons for Power and Communications</PackageDescription>
<PackagePath>Tray Icons</PackagePath>
<Keys>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>Power.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Services\Power</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>Wireless.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Services\WirelessMgr</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
</Keys>
<BPPaths>
</BPPaths>
</BackupPackage>

Let me know if you need help editing yours after you see this.
Cheers!
Rob

[ZaJules]

I also use an exchange server so Pim backup is not realy for me but if you could find a way of intergrating the backup of Call log and SpeedDials that would be fantastic

[dny238]

I agree, FANSTATIC APP.

<RegFile>PhoneSounds.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\LoudestInCallVolume</KeyPath>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\QuietestInCallVolume</KeyPath>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\RingTone0</KeyPath>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\StandardInCallVolume</KeyPath>
</RegKey>

and it doesnt work. Is there a way to copy a subset rather then a full Hive? or should i just make seperate .reg files for each path

Couldn't help myself... had to go look at your question.

Here are the keys...
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Sounds\StandardInCa llVolume
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Sounds\LoudestInCal lVolume
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Sounds\QuietestInCa llVolume
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Sounds\RingTone0

You could take all 4 of them into seperate regfiles like I showed you in the previous response, or you could just grab the entire sounds key.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Sounds\

Once I get the file copy going, I don't see the damage in taking the entire sound key. Right now you'd potentially run up against not having the files you are telling it to play.
Rob


Sounds.xml


<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<BackupPackage xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.cpandl.com">
<PackageName>Sounds</PackageName>
<PackageDescription>The entire sounds key</PackageDescription>
<PackagePath>Sounds</PackagePath>
<Keys>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>Sounds.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Sounds</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
</Keys>

<BPPaths>
</BPPaths>
</BackupPackage>

[dny238]

I also use an exchange server so Pim backup is not realy for me but if you could find a way of intergrating the backup of Call log and SpeedDials that would be fantastic

Any guesses as to where they are stored on the device?
Rob

[ZaJules]

Any guesses as to where they are stored on the device?
Rob

I would guess its somewhere in the windows folder as some obscure file.

Will take a look

Maybe the author of PIMBackup will share some data with you

[senergy]

the great thing about this app is its module. There are so many "backup","tweak" apps out there that are bloated. This way people with some know how can make their own tweaks and only use what they required.

I think backing up sounds/ringtones is a bit too much to ask, you have filter out all the default ones etc. I would make it a restore option only. Say create a folder under SettingsSavior for Sounds and then a menu item to copy all sounds from that dir to \Windows\. Ringtones stored on \Storage Card\My Documents\ dont really need to be backedup/restored because they shouldnt be whipped when flashing.

[jcespi2005]

Any guesses as to where they are stored on the device?
Rob

Can remember the only files manages PIMBackup are pim.vol and cemail.vol, so the Speed Dial and Call history must be in this files, if i'm not wrong.

Regards.

Edit: Yes, looking at the DotFred Thread find this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1195343&postcount=60

[dny238]

the great thing about this app is its module. There are so many "backup","tweak" apps out there that are bloated. This way people with some know how can make their own tweaks and only use what they required.

I think backing up sounds/ringtones is a bit too much to ask, you have filter out all the default ones etc. I would make it a restore option only. Say create a folder under SettingsSavior for Sounds and then a menu item to copy all sounds from that dir to \Windows\. Ringtones stored on \Storage Card\My Documents\ dont really need to be backedup/restored because they shouldnt be whipped when flashing.

I hear what you are saying. I'll have to think about it.
I have a 2 gig card, so the fact that a few extra sound files might get backed up doesn't seem like a huge issue to me. It's almost like a filter option is what we need. Copy all the keys here, except these. Copy all the files from this directory, except these.

Rob

[dny238]

I found a few crashing bugs last night and have released v0.3 to help with them.

There is still one outstanding problem which I can't find. I'm rebooting to see if helps the debugger attach to the emulator better. More on this later.

V0.3 mostly contains bug fixes, no new features. If you aren't crashing, then wait until the next release to update.
Thanks
Rob

[spidy.web]

Version History
---------------

Download Version 0.3 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.3.zip)
* Added error handler for bad XML
* Added Wait Cursors during backup
* Changed DWord handler from uInt to long, still chasing a bug here but this should help.


It still says version 0.1 in your about!

[etijburg]

I also use an exchange server so Pim backup is not realy for me but if you could find a way of intergrating the backup of Call log and SpeedDials that would be fantastic

Agreed. Also need to backup SMS and MMS as well.

Erik

[dny238]

Have you also thought about backing up folders from the device? ie Application Data

My One Note notebooks are kept there...

Ok, with version 0.4 you should be able to backup your OneNotes. I'll work on an XML tomorrow, if you haven't figured it out before then.
Thanks,
Rob

[dny238]

Can remember the only files manages PIMBackup are pim.vol and cemail.vol, so the Speed Dial and Call history must be in this files, if i'm not wrong.

Regards.



jcespi2005,
I wrote this Config XML to try to copy the files for you. It sorta works. For some reason pim.vol can be copied, but cemail.vol was in use for me. I catch the error so it's not fatal. The version of PIMBackup I put into the 0.4 zip file doesn't have cemail.vol in it, no sense in making the app crash each time. I'll see if I can figure out who has it open and potentially I can kill that process before I try to take a backup. I don't know how much info I can get about who has the handle open.
Anyways, here is the 'full' version in case you want to try to kill processes until it works. Let me know if you figure anything out.
Thanks,
Rob

PIMBackup.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<BackupPackage xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.cpandl.com">
<PackageName>PimBackup</PackageName>
<PackageDescription>PimBackup</PackageDescription>
<PackagePath>PimBackup</PackagePath>
<Keys>
</Keys>


<BPPaths>
<BPFile>
<FilePath>\pim.vol</FilePath>
<DestinationFolder>pim</DestinationFolder>
</BPFile>
<BPFile>
<FilePath>\cemail.vol</FilePath>
<DestinationFolder>cemail</DestinationFolder>
</BPFile>
</BPPaths>
</BackupPackage>

[dny238]

It still says version 0.1 in your about!

Thanks! I fixed it.

[dny238]

Version 0.4 is posted.

You might have to move your homegrown xml files into the \Storage Card\Program Files\SettingsSavior\Configs directory, if you weren't storing them there already. I hardcoded the directory in case ROM Chefs what to embed the application into the \Program Files later on.

Cheers.
Rob

Download Version 0.4 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.4.zip)

[dny238]

Agreed. Also need to backup SMS and MMS as well.

Erik

We'll have to figure out where they are saved. I'm about to build a system diff tool to try to make searching this stuff a bit easier.
Wonder if there is an MD5 Hasher somewhere in the WM5/6 API.
Rob

[senergy]

there seems to be a bug with slashes
for eg. creating a backup using
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<BackupPackage xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.cpandl.com">
<PackageName>PIE and MultiIE</PackageName>
<PackageDescription>Internet Explorer Stuff</PackageDescription>
<PackagePath>IE</PackagePath>
<Keys>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>Cache.reg</RegFile> <KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
</Keys>
<BPPaths>
</BPPaths>
</BackupPackage>

gives you
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders]
"History"="\\Storage Card\\Pocket IE\\History"
"Cookies"="\\Storage Card\\Pocket IE\\Cookies"
"Cache"="\\Storage Card\\Pocket IE\\Temporary Internet Files"
[/QUOTE]
Where in actual fact my registry settings are
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders]
"History"="\Storage Card\Pocket IE\History"
"Cookies"="\Storage Card\Pocket IE\Cookies"
"Cache"="\Storage Card\Pocket IE\Temporary Internet Files"
So if you backup-restore-backup a few times you end up \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

[cybertron]

hi

i tried you program , awsome!!

but i tried to make an xml file to save my "Connections" (data and mms) although cant get it to work it says "backup items = 0 ) .

Can you provide a xml? (or anyone else?)

[dny238]

there seems to be a bug with slashes
for eg. creating a backup using

Where in actual fact my registry settings are

So if you backup-restore-backup a few times you end up \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\


I think I fixed this with Version 0.4. Can you check?
It should clean up old backup issues too, so if you do a restore and backup, then everything should be fixed.
Thanks,
Rob

[tylr]

When I run v0.4 I only see "Windows Live" as an option. Curious why I dont see all the other options? Thoughts?

T

Edit: Nevermind. The install directory has to be "SettingsSavior". I had abbreviated "SS".

[dny238]

hi

i tried you program , awsome!!

but i tried to make an xml file to save my "Connections" (data and mms) although cant get it to work it says "backup items = 0 ) .

Can you provide a xml? (or anyone else?)


Try this... I haven't tested it.

Connections.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<BackupPackage xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.cpandl.com">
<PackageName>Communications</PackageName>
<PackageDescription>Dialup Settings</PackageDescription>
<PackagePath>Comm</PackagePath>
<Keys>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>RasBook.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Comm\RasBook</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>ConnMgr.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\ConnMgr</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>Cellular.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\State\Connections\Cellul ar</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
</Keys>
<BPFiles>
</BPFiles>
</BackupPackage>

[dny238]

When I run v0.4 I only see "Windows Live" as an option. Curious why I dont see all the other options? Thoughts?

T

Edit: Nevermind. The install directory has to be "SettingsSavior". I had abbreviated "SS".

Sorry, this will be easier when I get the proper installer in place.
Rob

[dny238]

Try this... I haven't tested it.



I sorta worked. It didn't save the username and password.
I'll have to work on it more.
Rob

[spidy.web]

I was wondering if you just missed my recos?

It would be nice if you can include a couple of other things.
1. Keyboard Layout settings (Since I have a Softbank X01HT I have to always have to English hack the registry to convert it)
2. Bluetooth and Device ID (My Activesync always thinks its a different a device after I flash)
3. Regional Settings too
4. PIM Backup

[x0n]

Ok, for some reason I had to zip up the exe file.
Sorry about that I didn't want to have to do that, so that it was easier to download onto a phone directly.
Rob

Most likely you got a CGI error because [your windows apache server probably] actually tried to execute the file server-side under the web server identity credentials. Oopsee!

[senergy]

dny238: v0.4 seems to have fixed the //// issue.

spidy.web: just find the registry settings that you want and put them in an xml file.

[dny238]

dny238: v0.4 seems to have fixed the //// issue.

spidy.web: just find the registry settings that you want and put them in an xml file.

Cool. Good to know. Sorry I didn't catch it sooner.
Rob

[dny238]

Here's a new version of Settings Savior
I spend a good part of the day trying to make sure I got more user settings, I bundled most of these into one config called General. It's much nicer than before.

It grabs a ton of regkeys including keyboard settings and some locationalization stuff. If I missed some of them, just let me know where they are or which 'cab' you currently have to install to fix them and I'll see what reg key they are affecting.

I had issues with ActiveSync and Live Search working perfectly still, so I made up a (Beta) Designation for Configs I think have issues. They are automatically unchecked by default, so you know to expect some problems if you use them.

As a part of tracking down why a few of them don't work right I discovered that I wasn't backing up MultiString keys, so I fixed that.

I also got annoyed with popup dialogs for reporting problems copying files. I'm not sure why I can't copy some stuff, so now it'll write that to an error. Backing up the My Docs seems like a good Idea for example, but if you try it it errors on the entire Templates sub folder for some reason. Access Denied type of problem which I don't get. I'll look at it more later. So that rule is (Beta) and the error log will let you see the problem I was getting.

Have fun. The new General Settings Config is really coming along, IMHO it totally makes this update worth the download.

Thanks,
Rob

Download Version 0.5 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.5.zip)
* Much more error handling
* File based error log for file copies (beats popup dialogs!)
* Sorted the Configs on screen by filename
* Unchecked (Beta) Rules, some of them have some issues. This helps set expectations...
* Added Support for MultiString reg keys, some how I missed that up to this point. They were previously ignored.
* Upgraded the Config's alot. Combined many of them into one 'General Windows Mobile Settings' package.
* Other stuff I'm not remembering right now.

[dny238]

I was wondering if you just missed my recos?

It would be nice if you can include a couple of other things.
1. Keyboard Layout settings (Since I have a Softbank X01HT I have to always have to English hack the registry to convert it)
2. Bluetooth and Device ID (My Activesync always thinks its a different a device after I flash)
3. Regional Settings too
4. PIM Backup

1) I tried to do Keyboard in V0.5 check it out.
2) I looked for these and didn't find them immediately. Can you tell me where to go in the interface to change them, so I can see what's changing in the registry?
3) I tried to do this. I'm not sure if I got all the right keys. If it doesn't work for a setting tell me which setting you are having to alter again by hand so I can track it down.
4) I did a PIM Backup but it can't get access to cemail.vol for some reason. Locked. I think I may have to terminate some processes before it's not in use anymore. That might mean rewriting part of the config.xml format to say to kill a process before you attempt to backup stuff. The contacts copy over but the emails don't.

Thanks,
Rob

[dny238]

Now if you can figure out a way to back up the Speed Dial entries I'LL BE REALLY IMPRESSED...

I looked for these, they might be on the file system. I have plans to make this type of searching easier on us down the road. But the registry doesn't appear to be much help at this point.

[jcespi2005]

1) I tried to do Keyboard in V0.5 check it out.
2) I looked for these and didn't find them immediately. Can you tell me where to go in the interface to change them, so I can see what's changing in the registry?
3) I tried to do this. I'm not sure if I got all the right keys. If it doesn't work for a setting tell me which setting you are having to alter again by hand so I can track it down.
4) I did a PIM Backup but it can't get access to cemail.vol for some reason. Locked. I think I may have to terminate some processes before it's not in use anymore. That might mean rewriting part of the config.xml format to say to kill a process before you attempt to backup stuff. The contacts copy over but the emails don't.

Thanks,
Rob

hey man, you're making a great work :)

One suggestion...about BT, can you take a look if it's posible to backup and restore the whole BT config, includes paired ones? I worry about pairing all the time :)

Regards.

[dny238]

hey man, you're making a great work :)

One suggestion...about BT, can you take a look if it's posible to backup and restore the whole BT config, includes paired ones? I worry about pairing all the time :)

Regards.

Yeah, I'll see if I can figure it out. You want it to remember which PC's it's been paired with already right? Is there more to it than that?
Rob

[jcespi2005]

Yeah, I'll see if I can figure it out. You want it to remember which PC's it's been paired with already right? Is there more to it than that?
Rob

Talking about BT Paired devices, like BT HandsFree, BT GPS Receiver, and of course PCs or any other BT device.

Every time a flash my hermes, must take time to pair every device with new ROM :(

Thanks.

[cbrandon]

deletemessage

[dny238]

Talking about BT Paired devices, like BT HandsFree, BT GPS Receiver, and of course PCs or any other BT device.

Every time a flash my hermes, must take time to pair every device with new ROM :(

Thanks.

This communications.xml will be in the next version I put out. It seems to restore BT Devices. I haven't tested it extensively.
Let me know how it works for you.

It's (Beta) because it doesn't restore the username and password part of the dialup connections it restores yet.

Rob



<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<BackupPackage xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns="http://www.cpandl.com">
<PackageName>Communications (Beta)</PackageName>
<PackageDescription>Dialup Settings</PackageDescription>
<PackagePath>Comm</PackagePath>
<PackageAuthor>Rob Bruce</PackageAuthor>
<PackageVersion>3</PackageVersion>
<Keys>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>RasBook.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Comm\RasBook</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>ConnMgr.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\ConnMgr</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>Cellular.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\State\Connections\Cellul ar</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>CS-Bluetooth.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\Security\bluetooth</KeyPath>
</RegKey>
<RegKey>
<RegFile>SW-Bluetooth.reg</RegFile>
<KeyPath>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Bluetooth</KeyPath>
</RegKey>


</Keys>

<BPPaths>
<BPFile>
<FilePath>\ConnMgr</FilePath>
<DestinationFolder>ConnMgr</DestinationFolder>
</BPFile>
</BPPaths>
</BackupPackage>

[dny238]

Check out 0.6.
I added a tools menu which has a reg exporter and a file hasher. Both useful if you have a desktop 'Diff' program like WinMerge to see what changed after you make a few alterations to your system.

I'll explain more on this stuff tomorrow.

Currently research why it's so hard to capture comm stuff. I think it has something to do with the crypto keys.

Read this if you are a huge geek.
http://www.aximsite.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-71690.html

see the title page of this thread for the URL. It's not in my clipboard anymore, sorry.

Thanks,
Rob

[spidy.web]

1) I tried to do Keyboard in V0.5 check it out.
2) I looked for these and didn't find them immediately. Can you tell me where to go in the interface to change them, so I can see what's changing in the registry?
3) I tried to do this. I'm not sure if I got all the right keys. If it doesn't work for a setting tell me which setting you are having to alter again by hand so I can track it down.
4) I did a PIM Backup but it can't get access to cemail.vol for some reason. Locked. I think I may have to terminate some processes before it's not in use anymore. That might mean rewriting part of the config.xml format to say to kill a process before you attempt to backup stuff. The contacts copy over but the emails don't.

Thanks,
Rob

Thanks a lot man!
1. I will have to try it out next time I flash! (Prolly next week sometime) I dunno if I can just check the config files created
2. Device ID is at Settings > System > About > Device ID
Bluetooth ID is a little bit trickier. I can only seem to change it with some versions of Tweak UI or Pimp My Black by JJ
3. Will have to check next flash! I usually just change the country to Canada
4. Your guess prolly right cause some programs might still be accessing them at the time of back up.

[spidy.web]

Version History
---------------

Download Version 0.6 (http://www.geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingSaviorV0.6.zip)
* Fixed a few more areas where things can crash
* Added a reg dumper and a file hash dumper to help locate what's changing between reboots
* Figured a ton of stuff out about the reason bluetooth stuff isnt' working right, but I'm out of time to work on it tonight.
* Tomorrow is mothers day
* Double checked all the reg exports against another regexporter to make sure I'm not making any mistakes (found 2 differences and changed my stuff to be like the others, not sure if it'll make a difference)


Download Link not working :(

[jcespi2005]

This communications.xml will be in the next version I put out. It seems to restore BT Devices. I haven't tested it extensively.
Let me know how it works for you.

It's (Beta) because it doesn't restore the username and password part of the dialup connections it restores yet.

Rob





Thanks.

i'll give a try.

Edit: Link for 0.6 dosn't go.

[dny238]

Thanks.

i'll give a try.

Edit: Link for 0.6 dosn't go.

Whoops, that's what I get for not testing it.
Fixed my typo, here you go.
Rob

[jcespi2005]

Whoops, that's what I get for not testing it.
Fixed my typo, here you go.
Rob

:) Thanks.

If i select all stuff, i get en error. Here you have the error report anexed.

To make correct backup, i select only General Windows Movile, Active Sync(two), Comm, IE, Sounds and Rings, My documents and Windows Live.

Regards.

[etijburg]

Errors from v5

[.VIBE]

quick note,

Thanx dny238. Your contribution with this app is sincerely appreciated.

[dny238]

:) Thanks.

If i select all stuff, i get en error. Here you have the error report anexed.

To make correct backup, i select only General Windows Movile, Active Sync(two), Comm, IE, Sounds and Rings, My documents and Windows Live.

Regards.

Both the "My Documents" and "PIM Backup" are (Beta) for these reasons. I've fixed the MyDocuments problem, but I can't seem to fix the issue with /cemail.vol file being locked always by the OS.

Thanks for the feedback!
Rob

[spidy.web]

Check out 0.6.


anything you need tested specifically?

I just did a flash and the Device ID still didn't stick! But the Bluetooth stuck until I tried connect to it! It reverted back to the very first name I gave to it or rather my name!

Communications Beta didn't work for me either.
Windows Live restore gave me errors!
PimBackup gave me an error during backup...

I dunno what is exactly in the General WM setting so I can't tell if it went back.

I'm wondering if you should separate them in tabs like in the settings of the device. You know Personal, System, Connections, Programs! And check off which ever setting you want backup!

Let me know if you will have a new version soon cause I will be flashing again when Custel comes out with a new version on Wednesday!

Anyway keep up the great work!

[y2whisper]

So far when I backed up it only said 4 were done when I checked 5.

Sounds were restored fine
Bluetooth wasn't restored
Had to go through the activesync wizard again so I gues that didn't go through.

Wifi connections would be huge but so far something as small as sounds is pretty big as I have become lazy at changing my ringers everytime i flash does anyone know if it is possible to maintain the same ringers for contacts? not even sure how to find that in the registry.

[dny238]

So far when I backed up it only said 4 were done when I checked 5.

Sounds were restored fine
Bluetooth wasn't restored
Had to go through the activesync wizard again so I gues that didn't go through.

Wifi connections would be huge but so far something as small as sounds is pretty big as I have become lazy at changing my ringers everytime i flash does anyone know if it is possible to maintain the same ringers for contacts? not even sure how to find that in the registry.

I am learning that there is only so much you can do with registry imports and file replacement. There is an api to make changes to the user experience which is there for oem's to make customizations.

More on this in a bit. I have to work out a few more items. so far thinds are much easier and work better. Email settings are a snap.

Rob

[.VIBE]

when will we see 0.7? :o

[dny238]

when will we see 0.7? :o

Not sure what happened to version 0.7.

Here is version 0.8. It's almost ready for prime time.
Thanks to walshieau I have begun to implement a promising new system based on the WindowsMobile.Configuration class also known as the Provisioning system.

it's the system that the OEM's use to when they build cabs full of settings.

The only part of it which is vaguely complete at this point is going to only be a novelty for you guys so far, but I wanted to demostrate progress and I have made the application more robust. All it currently does it dump out the XML configuration settings files it can.

It's very slow, so have patience or get a coffee while it runs. I need to see what I can do to lessen the amount of stuff it's looping through.

Down the road we can build an editor which would let you put your password back into these files and then use them to import settings rather than the Regfile mechanism this system currently relies on.

I think it's a security thing which prevents the XML files from containing your passwords when I export the current settings. I think that actually makes alot of sense, if you think about a trojan app getting your password.

Rob
PS. If all this doesn't make sense right now, it will with the next version when you can actually import the files back into the system. It's late for me, need sleep.

http://geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorV0.8.zip

[dny238]

I'm working out the issues with Live Messenger today. Should have another post tonight.
Rob

[dny238]

I'm working out the issues with Live Messenger today. Should have another post tonight.
Rob

Question for users...

I am working on the cab file auto installer part of this app now... the provisioning xml is bugging me so I am taking a break.

the question I have is if people would be ok with copying the cabs they want installed on a restore request into a special directory? that would be easiest for me. alternatively I could build something which let you browse for files, but so far the built in file browser api seems limited to navigating the my docs directory. Pretty stupid to me. Maybe someone can point me to another bit of source for a nonsucky openfiledialog...

Rob

[todd_jg]

Question for users...

I am working on the cab file auto installer part of this app now... the provisioning xml is bugging me so I am taking a break.

the question I have is if people would be ok with copying the cabs they want installed on a restore request into a special directory? that would be easiest for me. alternatively I could build something which let you browse for files, but so far the built in file browser api seems limited to navigating the my docs directory. Pretty stupid to me. Maybe someone can point me to another bit of source for a nonsucky openfiledialog...

Rob
I would guess most (like me) keep all their cabs in a dedicated director on the SD card. That would work well.

[dny238]

I would guess most (like me) keep all their cabs in a dedicated director on the SD card. That would work well.

Would you be willing to have me decide where that folder is?
I'd choose something like /Storage Card/Program Files/Settings Savior/Packages

Our do you already have one, and would rather I just figure out a way to point at it?
Rob

[etijburg]

I'm using V.9. Just upgraded to LSVW-3.20.2.1 and restore with CAB Install worked great. I am having one issue and I can figure out if it is the ROM or SettingSavior. Anyone having an issue with the connection password for My ISP saving? Everytime I do a soft reset I have to enter it again. Anyone know of a fix?

Erik

[dny238]

Fixed a couple bugs added a silent install cab feature.

http://geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/silent.jpg

1) It now installs the cabs before the settings, this is important if the installers overwrite settings with defaults.
2) Added a checkbox to allow for silent cab installs (much less annoying if you are autoinstalling 15 cabs, like me)
3) Fixed some file handling code, it wasn't creating sub folders if they were missing on the way to restore a file.
4) Updated the General Settings to have more options in it.
5) Added "Live Search" settings to the "Windows Live" so that it remembers the locations you've searched for. Still beta because I've had a few issues getting mail sync working.
6) Wrote a Picsel Config.xml, beta because I haven't tested it enough yet, and wasn't sure if people have it.

Sorry, still no installer cab. I've gotta stop working on the app long enough to work that out.

Rob

Settings Savior v0.9 Zip File (http://geekspeakradio.com/wp-content/SettingsSaviorV0.91.zip) Copy the contents of this to
\Storage Card\Program Files\SettingsSavior or it won't work.

[tony.wheeler]

Rob,

Thanks for the work that seems to be about to provide what will be of great help to many. Have you had much user feedback from people that have actually used it after a restore? I see only a few comments here on actual use of the app.

I have version 0.94 from the geekspeakradio site but I see nothing posted since 17 May. How are things going?

I'd like to look at WM6 (from WM5) having just upgraded the radio so may be using SettingsSavior to help with the re-configuration of the OS - have you any feedback specifically on WM5 to WM6 use? You mentioned the potential that there may be issues with the (differing?) registries.

Regards

[todd_jg]

Rob,

Thanks for the work that seems to be about to provide what will be of great help to many. Have you had much user feedback from people that have actually used it after a restore? I see only a few comments here on actual use of the app.

I have version 0.94 from the geekspeakradio site but I see nothing posted since 17 May. How are things going?

I'd like to look at WM6 (from WM5) having just upgraded the radio so may be using SettingsSavior to help with the re-configuration of the OS - have you any feedback specifically on WM5 to WM6 use? You mentioned the potential that there may be issues with the (differing?) registries.

Regards
New thread was started HERE (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=308100&highlight=savior). Lot's has happened. Up to version 0.97 now. I seem to have some odd issues with latest, but give it a go. I have used after restore (as have many in the attached thread).