ROM Customization Tool - Pandora PreConfig Launcher

[mattk_r]

So here's the scoop. You got this killer rom, but it loads a whole bunch of stuff that you don't want. You get around this by resetting before the configuration starts after aligning the screen.

You might have a host of cabs that you always load, and after you flash you need to run each one. Every rom you use it's the same thing - flash the rom, then load all your cabs.

Or, you may have a program you want to execute, such as enabling SetHSDPA.

Here's a way to "automate" it so you can use the power and flexibility of the PreConfig funtion as an "after the flash" customization tool, and make subsequent installations much faster.

You'll need a folder on your storage card called CABS, and in that folder put the attached file called CFG.txt as well as the cabs / exe's etc (unless they're already in the ROM, then just point the config file to the correct path) that you want to run. The CFT.txt is the file that will tell it what to install, and is exactly like the PreConfig.txt file - see my extended rom thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=335871)for ideas on what you can do with it.

Basically, here's the contents of the CFG.txt file I attached:

LOCK:Enabled
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\A2DPFix.CAB
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\ATIFix.cab
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\Cingular_WAP_MediaNet_MMS_Settingsv2_No_ ICON_Change.cab
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\Google Maps Cell.CAB
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\Monopoly.cab
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\NETCFv2.wm.armv4i.cab
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\S2U2-0.72-WM5.cab
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\Solitare.cab
CAB: \Storage Card\CABS\StartClean.cab
LOCK:Disabled
RST: Reset

Just list out your cabs or actions in this file - and be sure the files you are referring to are in the destination path.

To use this setup:

Edit the CFG.txt file and place in \Storage Card\CABS (if the folder isn't there, create it)

Copy your cabs/exes into this folder, being sure they are set to READ ONLY.

Install the attached cab, and after you reset it'll start the installation!

Once the installation is complete and the phone resets - you can remove the program from Settings-Remove Programs.

Important Notes:

Don't forget to make your CABs READ ONLY - or they'll delete after installing. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

Ensure that the cabs you're installing does not require any user input. If it does, it will hang the installation process, you'll need to reset the phone, and not all of your stuff will get installed.

Known list of NOT COMPATIBLE files:

MS Reader

[twist]

Sweet bro!!! I am all over it, will give it a go and let you know my results!!! Very cool stuff!

[spastico]

You Rock!
Downloading Now!
Can I put this on My Treo?

[mattk_r]

You Rock!
Downloading Now!
Can I put this on My Treo?

sure, if it's WM5/6.

[spastico]

sure, if it's WM5/6.

Jokes on Me. :o

Seriously Though,
This is Great!

...clip...
Ensure that the cabs you're installing does not require any user input. If it does, it will hang the installation process, you'll need to reset the phone, and not all of your stuff will get installed.


We do want to be sure not to use apps that require a reset.

[blinkin]

great! That's what I was looking for recently :)

[kc_hubbard]

Is there a way to get cab files to default to installing on a Storage Card? I'm trying to prevent it from asking me where I want to install it and thus causing this tool from hanging up.

Nevermind, I made a bad assumption (yes, I know what they say about assuming things) that the PreConfig Launcher would hang up waiting for input for where to install something. I just tested it out on a cab that allows a user to override the installation directory and everything worked fine.

Sorry.

[mattk_r]

Is there a way to get cab files to default to installing on a Storage Card? I'm trying to prevent it from asking me where I want to install it and thus causing this tool from hanging up.

Nevermind, I made a bad assumption (yes, I know what they say about assuming things) that the PreConfig Launcher would hang up waiting for input for where to install something. I just tested it out on a cab that allows a user to override the installation directory and everything worked fine.

Sorry.

You could edit your cabs and have them install to the storage card by default - or at least I think you could. I'm thinking something like %storage card%. If I get a chance I'll poke around WinCE Cab Manager and see if it's possible.

[mattk_r]

I just tested it by building a cab to install to the folder /Storage Card, and it worked fine.

[kc_hubbard]

I just tested it by building a cab to install to the folder /Storage Card, and it worked fine.

Matt,

While I'm not quite the noob the number of posts would indicate I am, I admit that I haven't done much w/ building cab's. In an attempt to build one to install directly to the storage card, I've used WinCE to alter the default directory and have altered _setup.xml file, both to no avail.

While my pride says not to ask you to tell me how you set the cab up to install to storage, I'm not above asking you to post the example you created to test this so that I can look it over and try to figure this out for myself.

Would you mind attaching a cab file that installs directly to storage for me? Please?

[mattk_r]

Matt,

While I'm not quite the noob the number of posts would indicate I am, I admit that I haven't done much w/ building cab's. In an attempt to build one to install directly to the storage card, I've used WinCE to alter the default directory and have altered _setup.xml file, both to no avail.

While my pride says not to ask you to tell me how you set the cab up to install to storage, I'm not above asking you to post the example you created to test this so that I can look it over and try to figure this out for myself.

Would you mind attaching a cab file that installs directly to storage for me? Please?

I could - but this is super easy. When you add a file, you get a window with three tabs, one being location. In that tab, you'll have the folder view. Click on the root '/' folder and press 'new folder'. Call it Storage Card.

That's it!

[kc_hubbard]

I could - but this is super easy. When you add a file, you get a window with three tabs, one being location. In that tab, you'll have the folder view. Click on the root '/' folder and press 'new folder'. Call it Storage Card.

That's it!

I must be an idiot to not have been able to figure that out (and my day job is computer programming, albeit on IBM Mainframes). Will work on this again once I'm back home. I'm sure big brother is already not too happy w/ all the time I spend on the forums anyway.

Thanks Matt!

[AximMarkSD]

so, if i were flashing a ROM i would flash, install the cab and then, assuming i already have my cabs and config files on my card, i hard reset and this should launch ok?

thanks,
mark

[kc_hubbard]

so, if i were flashing a ROM i would flash, install the cab and then, assuming i already have my cabs and config files on my card, i hard reset and this should launch ok?

thanks,
mark

From what I've done/learned no hard reset is required. You install the Pandora PreConfig Launcher and let your phone Restart. When it restarts, your cabs in the CFG.TXT file will be installed.

[AximMarkSD]

so after a flash or a hard reset (for whatever reason) you just install the cab and then soft reset and it will install your cabs?

[mattk_r]

so after a flash or a hard reset (for whatever reason) you just install the cab and then soft reset and it will install your cabs?

correct - as long as your cabs and the configuration file reside in the CABS folder on your storage card :)

[AximMarkSD]

correct - as long as your cabs and the configuration file reside in the CABS folder on your storage card :)

right.

thanks. that's a great tool.

pardon the ignorance but i've never played w/ the WinCE cab manager. can i change the default install location on commercial cabs that i've purchased (assuming they require no interaction during install)?

[megarek]

right.

thanks. that's a great tool.

pardon the ignorance but i've never played w/ the WinCE cab manager. can i change the default install location on commercial cabs that i've purchased (assuming they require no interaction during install)?

Yes you can change the default install directory.

[megarek]

Matt,
Thanks for this great program. It makes changing roms SOOO much easier!! When combined with WinCE cab manager, you can autoinstall just about any program. This thread should be stickied.

[megarek]

Quick guide on how to get programs to install to storage card used WinCE Cab Manager. This guide was modified from K's FlexiRom instructions:

Preparing the cabs
---------------------------

- To set the cabs to a static path, install WinCECab Manager.

- Open a cab with WinCE Cab Manager and click on "CAB Information".

- Double click on "Default Install Dir" then select "Installation Directory"

- Change the default install directory to what every use desire. Do this by creating new directories under "/". For most users wanting to install on storage card, change path to "/Storage Card/Program Files/cabname". Before moving on to the next step, make sure that once you make the folders, click the desired installation path and click "APPLY".

- After applying the new default installation path, choose "Do not allow user to select installation directory"

- Check if there "Setup dll" is present under Cab Information. If setup dll is present, delete it off. [this step is from K's instructions, not sure if it is necessary or not. I've been doing it.]

- Save the cab then right click on the can and select "Read Only" and click apply/OK.

- Check and prepare all the cabs you want to auto install and place them into the CABS Folder of your storage card.

PS Using WinCE Cab manager, you can also modify the shortcuts of the program.

[jws3]

mattk_r,

Were you planning to give credit to Kin0kin for developing this method?

[kc_hubbard]

mattk_r,

Were you planning to give credit to Kin0kin for developing this method?

While both Matt's tool here and K's Flexi Rom are very similar (I'm using bits and pieces of both for my current Rom), I'm not sure why Matt would need to give any credit here...this thread started mid December and K's Flexi Rom came out in January.

[jws3]

kc_hubbard

K's auto configure was introduced with version 1.3 on December 9, 2007 and continued in his FexiRom. That was about a week before this thread was started.

[spastico]

ga! ga! ga!

my daddy can beat up your daddy!

[corepda]

@mat, I am crazy about Your ROMS, I am using Pandora 7 & about to install Pandora 9, I wish there is some utility which allows me to have a restore the content of my last pandora ROM to new one. I have heard that on ROM upgradation backup is of no use. I wish You can tell me if there is some way to make it possible. Cheers anyway You are the best on Forum XDA with Your User friendly attitude. Great man Great.

[Moe5508]

Would this work for the Kaiser?

[mattk_r]

This is kinda funny. To set the record straight - I had no idea what K was working on in December. I had a need, and used my knowledge and understanding of the autorun / preconfig system to build a cab that would initiate the preconfig utility and call a specified config file. At the time, I believed this to be the best way to use it.

I decided to release it in case anyone else had a use for it as well, hence this thread.

Regardless - as everyone knows - I post all my kitchen builds so anyone can use what I have. I don't horde information, as I want this to be a free exchange of ideas and work.

I did notice his rom came out after I put up this launcher - but I didn't care - because IF he got the idea from me, he used his own knowledge and ingenuity to come up with a new and great use for autolaunching programs off the extended rom / storage card that I didn't.

In the end, it advanced the concept even further, regardless of who came up with the base idea. In any case, PreConfig came from the OEM's - so it's nothing new anyway!

I know there are others on here that bitch, moan and complain to the mods if they see a piece of their work in someone elses build. If they're so damn stingy - they shouldn't post in a public DEVELOPERS forum where EVERYONE is working to better the whole.

While kudo's are nice (referenced in the release), I leave that up to the integrity of the builder - but in the end who cares? As long as our phones work great and new ideas keep being brought to fruitation and improve things, I say keep it up :)

[mattk_r]

Would this work for the Kaiser?

Yes it will, on any WM5/6 device with a storage card mapped "/Storage Card" by default :)

[mattk_r]

@mat, I am crazy about Your ROMS, I am using Pandora 7 & about to install Pandora 9, I wish there is some utility which allows me to have a restore the content of my last pandora ROM to new one. I have heard that on ROM upgradation backup is of no use. I wish You can tell me if there is some way to make it possible. Cheers anyway You are the best on Forum XDA with Your User friendly attitude. Great man Great.

I've setup the PreConfig utility to install most of my programs (as this thread is for), so except for Windows Live, MS Reader, and Xpress Mail, everything gets installed super easy.

As for the rest of the stuff (such as ringtones, themes, etc), if you have a standard batch you move every time, you can add them to the preconfig script (CFG.txt). Example:

CPY1: \Storage Card\Themes\HTC_Default.tsk
CPY2: \Windows\HTC_Default.tsk
CPY1: \Storage Card\Ringtones\Aooga2.wma
CPY2: \Windows\Rings\Aooga2.wma

The up-front work is a bit tedious if you have quite a few, but it is easy to add it in and once done you can easily update if you have changes. You could even add in a line to set your favorite theme after moving it over:

EXEC: \Storage Card\Themes\CusTsk.exe HTC_Default.txt (need to verify - going off memory on this one)

Just make sure the files actually exist where you're referencing or it'll hang and you'll have to reset.

[mattk_r]

One more thing to add - I choose not to install a program to my storage card.

As I understand it, the files gets copied over and saves on the storage card to save from the dreaded Windows folder bloat, but if you reflash your phone, you'll need to restore the registry and links for each application.

The reason I avoid this path is:
1. Having to restore the registry / links of installed programs
2. Potential for device errors if the program is called before the /Storage Card drivers are up and ready
3. General mistrust of the stability of the storage card to execute applications from in real-time (a carry over from the Wizard and trying to do this many times)

So it's probably out of my own ignorance that I don't use it now, but if you want to go there - good luck!

[Moe5508]

Yes it will, on any WM5/6 device with a storage card mapped "/Storage Card" by default :)
Oh lovely! Thanks mattk_r! I have loads and loads of cab files (in fact all my apps are in cab format on my SD card!!!!) so the task now will be just to change the default install location of all the cabs to point to \Storage Card\... And I tend to flash a new ROM every day so this really is a life-saver! Been using the Cab Manager feature in SKTools thus far...

[Moe5508]

One more thing to add - I choose not to install a program to my storage card.


When "space" becomes an issue because you've loads of apps to install, the only alternative is to install to SD card surely...:confused:

[manum86]

Hey folks..

I'm trying to test my xml-file for registrychanges and copying files..
I created the CFG.txt in \Storage Card\CABS:
LOCK:Enabled
XML: \Storage Card\CABS\Finishing.xml
LOCK:Disabled
RST: Reset

The Finishing.xml: <wap-provisioningdoc>
<characteristic type="FileOperation">
<characteristic type="\Program Files" translation="install">
<characteristic type="Minimize.exe">
<characteristic type="Copy">
<parm name="Source" value="\Storage Card\Install\Program Files\Minimize.exe" translation="install"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="\Program Files\PocketCM" translation="install">
<characteristic type="settings.ini">
<characteristic type="Copy">
<parm name="Source" value="\Storage Card\Install\Program Files\PocketCM\settings.ini" translation="install"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="\Windows\Start Menu\Programs" translation="install">
<characteristic type="New SMS.lnk">
<characteristic type="Copy">
<parm name="Source" value="\Storage Card\Install\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\New SMS.lnk" translation="install"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\0">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="FlightMode"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\1">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="Phone"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\2">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="WLAN"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\3">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="Bluetooth"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\4">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="Ir"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\5">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="3G"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\6">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="Vibrate"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\7">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="InternetSharing"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\8">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="Ir"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\CommManager\9">
<parm name="Default" datatype="string" value="ActiveSync"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
<characteristic type="Registry">
<characteristic type="HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\Timeou ts">
<parm name="BattResumingSuspendTimeout" datatype="integer" value="15"/>
<parm name="ACResumingSuspendTimeout" datatype="integer" value="15"/>
</characteristic>
</characteristic>
</wap-provisioningdoc>

After installing the PreConfig and rebooting, I always get the errormessage "The file:
\Storage
does not exist!"

In the status-field on bottom: "Loading Finishing.xml"

I tried all this in CFG.xml:
XML: \Storage Card\CABS\Finishing.xml
XML: /Storage Card/CABS/Finishing.xml
XML: "\Storage Card\CABS\Finishing.xml"
XML: "/Storage Card/CABS/Finishing.xml"
XML: &quot;\Storage Card\CABS\Finishing.xml&quot;
XML: &quot;/Storage Card/CABS/Finishing.xml&quot;

I tried the Finishing.xml with only registry-changes, and the changes were not done. That's why the error must be in the CFG, but I don't know where...

so far

manu

[diogo6]

can somebody please help, I feel really stupid, I've followed the explanations on how to make the storage card the default install location word by word a FEW times and it still doesn't work. I have done:

1. create folders Storage Card/Program Files/**cabname**
2. click on such folder, and click apply (seems fine up until this point)
3. check on "Do not allow user to select installation directory" (this seems to clear up what I did on step 2)
4. save and then make it a read only file


so what am I doing wrong????

please, can anybody help

thanks