[Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General] dbigdawg:
Here is how I avoided a hard reset.

Since the program activates from "today" screen, the error stops if you navigate away from today screen before the plug-in installs. The Today plug-ins load in sequence, so the key is to open another file prior to that plug-in being loaded. After soft reset, tap start icon until you can open any other program. It will take a while for your other program to open. Once in another program (internet explorer for example) you should be able to tap your start icon and get a drop down menu again. Now open start menu>settings>system>remove programs and remove SPB Watcher. Soft reset and you should be back in good shape.

You may have to try this a few times to beat the Evil Empire, but it beats a hard reset.

How To Complete A Safe Install

Here are the steps to completing the install, including a safety net.

1. Download the .cab file.

2. Create Folder Spb Mobile Shell. This folder must be created in your device "Program Files" folder exactly as you see it here.

3. Find Menulauncher.exe in your Device Windows Folder. This file will show the SPB Mobile Shell icon and be 69.k in size.

4. Copy Menulauncher.exe file and paste it into your newly created Spb Mobile Shell folder.

5. Paste Menulauncher.exe file in Windows>StartUp if you want it to automatically boot after soft reset.

6. Access Settings>Personal>Buttons and change your camera button to access Help. This is your safety net in case the install goes bad.

7. Extract the .cab file and install it on your device.

8. Open Settings>Personal>Today and make sure that the Spb Watcher plug-in is selected. You can now deselect all other plug-ins if you want to speed up your boot up time after soft reset.

9. Tap OK to exit all the way out.

10. Soft Reset

If you missed any of these steps, you will get the dreaded "can`t open file MenuLauncher. Perhaps this file is not signed or one of its component is missing" error. If so, soft reset again and press your camera button as soon as your final splash screen disappears. This will load the Help menu before the Spb Watcher plug in can install. Be patient while it loads because the Spb Watcher error really slows things down. Tap Start>Settings>System>Remove Programs and remove Spb Watcher.

Once you have completed this process properly, the watcher will make Spb "Now" your default screen. There is a slight delay in returning to Now, so you may see flashes of your today screen. To make this less obvious, open Spb Mobile Shell Settings and select "Use Color Based Theme". This will kill the background image in Today and minimize the "flash" image. Don't forget to change your camera button back after a successful installation.

Now that I have the install completed. It is pretty cool and serves the purpose. I am going to play with Mortscript to see if I can get rid of the "Today Flash". If I have time, I will post a .cab and oem file that will make the install a one step process with no need for a safety net.

Many thanks to the developers of this program. It is a really cool trick and hopefully my contribution will make it easier for people to use your brilliant idea!