yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
This is a very good point... when I first started with M2DC I though that I could change the location of the theme files via some simple xml cahnges... and that is about 80% true. For just about every image file referenced in the HTCHomeSettings.xml you can change the directory... It is kinda confusing, but it can be done. I say it is confusing because the ImageList node takes an absolute path the the image file, and you specify the base directory as an attribute of the ImageList xml node, so that is easy to change the location of those files. It gets confusing because there are multiple widget nodes, (1 for each tab of manila 2D) and some of them take the absolute path to the file ("\Windows\hh_fw_tabicon_messaging.png" or somehting like that) and the other nodes take a path that is relative to the windows directory (or probably the install directory truthfully... an example would be "hh_fwtabicon_messaging.png" which would mean "\Windows\hh_fwtabicon_messaging.png", but you can hack these nodes by adding leading dots, so a value of "..\StorageCard\Manila2DGraphics\hh_fwtabicon_messaging.png" would actually be saying, "read this file form \Window\..\Manila2DGraphics\hh_fwtabicon_messaging.png which can be thought of as just "\StorageCard\anila2DGraphics\hh_fwtabicon_messaging.png"

So that takes care of 80% of the images... the other 20% are not referenced in the xml file, i think the best example of this would be the specific weather images (HH_WEATHER_XX.png) these images have to be in the windows directory because they ar enot read from xml... I think I will invest some time into this, seeing if I can get Manilla2D to run with having no images in the windows folder... I bet that would speed a lot of things up
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
Here is my unofficial understanding/opinion on this, I may be wrong.

To my knowledge Manila2D is a program that was originally on an HTC Opal (aka http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/15/...as-htcs-low-end-champion/#comments]Touch Viva)

Someone was able to get a hold of the rom for this device and extract components of it to use on other roms. (I believe udk was the first to release a rom that included Manila 2D)

The cominents that they have extracted have been released here on xda, but the people at xda are not the ones that actually developed the software.

Basically Manila 2D is a program that is made by HTC for release on the phones that they sell.

The talented people here at xda have been able to take what was needed to run Manila 2D and make it available for use to people using other HTC devices.

So if that is true then I hope that you would agree with me that the people here at xda are not responsible for making changes in the core functionality or fixing the core functionality of Manila 2D. Most likely we will not see another true update to Manila 2D until someone gets a hold of a rom from HTC that contains a new build of Manila 2D. What changes will be in the new version? I don't know, and I don't think anyone else really knows either unless you work for HTC or you have access to pre release phones/roms/information.

To answer your question, it is true that the operator and myfaves widgets don't work right now, but they may work in the future, and in the end the future core functionality of Manila 2D is not up to the people here at xda.

Now don't get me wrong and think that I am saying that xda has nothing to do with Manila 2D, because as you can see that is far from the truth. There are literally dozens of people that are doing all that they can to understand how manila 2D works so that they can pass of their knowledge for other people to run Manila 2D in a better way.

I personally think Manila 2D is awesome, so I try to do what i can to contribute to the effort. That is why I created M2DC. HTC Home had HTC Home Customizer, and i loved that program, without it I don't think I would have used HTCHome at all. So I decided to create the Manila 2D Customizer, because as much as I like Manila 2D on a fresh install, I love it even more with tabs rearranged and turned off, and having my own specific theme that I pick out.

I may be wrong about all of this, and if I am please correct me, but this is the way that i have understood Manila2D and the original HTCHome.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
present for you twolf, and anyone else who likes m2dc

The first step to getting screenshot support is displaying a file in an easy way with c++ code, I figured that out tonight :) Maybe update with this new functionality tomorrow?
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] ssamth2003:
thks for your usefull work.

Since we can enable both Digital and Analog clock, can you made it on the diference time? like map to Home time and Visiting time. This should be usefull to see multi time on the today screen. thks in advance.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] schnitzelbrain:
@mpenguin14

Dont do that, u have no need to explain urself. The work u do is great and if someone doesnt read through the forum enough and doesnt care about the work of you or all the other developers here. He is STILL free to leave.

You and an all the skinners do great work, all of the people in this whole forum. Ride on
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] twolf:
Excelent, thank you. :D

Maybe the image doesnt need to be resized and look that pixelated if all skiners make the preview.jpg with that default 75x100 size... ;)
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] pdgpereira:
Very nice.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] ady_uaic:
please can you tell me how can i add themes on m2dc and how can i change from black to blue entire skin, and the digital clock how can i make it bigger? thx.

p.s. and also can be added with a cab or something, that electric windscreen wiper from diamond wheather?
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] andrew-in-woking:
Start Menu Problem fix script - SOLUTION!!

Ladies and Germs,

Thanks to rabdo for this fix. He is indeed correct, I've verified this on my own device. N.B. out of interest, on HD III OPAL it is not only the M2DC which causes this registry change, other operations seem to cause it also. I've not detected a pattern yet but if it was not an intended consequence of running M2DC then it may be ROM related. I will update the thread if I spot a particular pattern.

rabdo also published a Mortscript over in the HD III ROM thread ( http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=2742266#post2742266 ) which will fix the problem. There is no confirmation dialogue, it just works! If you have the HD OPAL III ROM then you can copy the script to \Windows\Start Menu\Utils but it will work from anywhere on the device.

Thanks all!

andrew-in-woking
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
@schnitzelbrain, no worries. I just felt like trying to let everyone know the background because I think a lot of people that casually come to these forums just assume that the devs here at xda actually make Manila 2D, when the truth is that HTC makes it and the devs here package it for everyone to use. Hopefully if people understand that they will start to understand why some things are unable to be done

SOUnds good, I iwll see what I can do, that image was a 240x320 image that was scaled to fit the area, I will try a smaller image next time, thanks for hte feedback :)

I am glad to hear that it has been fixed, what can be done with morscript never ceases to amaze me
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] alexxx7373:
M2dC is fantastic!!!!!

Thanks thanks thanks
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] twolf:
To help you with your tests, here are 2 of my skins already in 2 types of previews:

- Pink Her has a 75x100 preview.

- Black Vista has a 240x320 preview.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] dionispal:
Sorry to ask, to give the answer might be easier for you than to type this question for me:).

I have Manila2D installed, and want also to play with skins using m2dc. Some skins that I like come with grey bars. And so do original Manila theme. How can I change the colour of the upper and lower bars? Playing with registry? Or can it be done using the customiser?

Thanks!
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mchapman007:
This can be done by changing your .tsk theme...
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Shep:
Error message

Installed to device - but when I select directory where themes are I get an errors that says it cannot find hh* files OR setting.xml.

Any help is greatly appreciated...

Shep
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
currently you must select each theme file individually, maybe in the future I iall allow entire directory selection, but for now it is done per file
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
Oct-07-2008

v0.11.133

- fixed bug where the m2dc theme backup did not restore via the restore button

- added preview functionality

-- if a theme file (m2dc or zip) has a file named "preview.jpg" or "preview.jpeg"

then the file will be saved to the "\M2DC\Themes" filder and the file will be

displayed in the lower right hand corner of the theme screen, this file will be

scaled to fit, the recommended size of the preview is 75x100
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mchapman007:
I wonder if i should load all my m2dct skins with a preview to stay up with the times...

Great work on this...
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
the preview file is completely optional, just a nice bit of flash for people to use.

I am working on getting m2dc to find tsk file that ar ein a zip or m2dct archive and apply those tsk files as the default theme... right now I am having problems programmatically setting the tsk file as hte active theme though, I asked about it over on stackoverflow so hopefully one of those guys over there can help me with that.

Thanks for the skins :)
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] imfloflo:
Great job mpenguin14, really good work more and more funtionnality :)
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] kbshowtyme:
Is there a way to remove the analog clock and move the digital numbers to the center of my screen because my analog stays centered and the digits seems to be stacks on top of each other
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mrpiggae:
You can do this with the XML file. Take a look in here:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=427531

Helped me loads when I couldn't figure out how to move the alarm button.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] PROBEX:
I have a question for you if the theme I package contains a .xml file that is from a pre update #15 build of touchflow will the theme manager change or reconfigure where and how these files are deployed on the newer builds or must it be packaged into a formate with the newer .xml file inside? I hope this question makes sence...

example...

I'm running version #14 that keeps all theme files inside the windows folder [also the .m2dct contains a .xml file from this build].

and buddywhoever... is running version #18 that holds the files in the manillagfx folder and the windows folder with a different .xml file

What will happen???

will they install on both or will install fail on buddywhoevers version?

I really just need to know if my themes must be packaged in 2 formats for all the different versions of touchflow release's for them to work for everyone or if your software can see the differance and make the required changes?

I know I sound to lazy to test myself but I'm running a installed version #14 of touchflow and its working perfect I hate to mess with it and end up mad for changing I tried versions 16 and 17 with lots of problems for myself so figured if it ain't broke...
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] KeRmiT80:
i read about the start menu fix, but i really prefer the original large menu, not the blue one that cames with the latest m2d...

is there any chance to disable it ? (if i set enable 0 in the registry after a while m2d turns off completly)

or change the background of m2d lager start menu?
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] pdgpereira:
Very nice, indeed! I just had a flashback of Emu's HHC and googled it to see what happened to it. Here are some pics:

http://www.pocketemu.com/page.php?2

Imagin that on M2D.

I have a question: If your Program could install a clock or weather theme under a .cab file, wouldn't it be easy to uninstall it and getting your themes original clock or weather? Or would it be easier for people to just manually install them outside the program?
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] debarron:
I had wondered this at one point and tested it out...M2DC puts the images where the current XML file loads the images from. So if the version of M2D you are running has all images in \Windows, M2DC will put all images in \Windows, no matter where the XML in the theme has them at. I'm using update 18 of M2D and testing with a XML that has all them located in \Windows and it still put the appropriate images in \Windows\ManillaGFX.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] debarron:
@mpenguin14

I wanted to give you props on this app. It's awesome and keeps getting better and better with each release. I had a question on the AppToDate XML...when I run AppToDate it says "Version Check Failed" and when I tried to access the XML on GoogleCode that the XML in the installdir of M2DC points to (http://manilla2dcustomizer.googlecode.com/files/M2DC.xml) it does not exist. Just want to make sure I'm not missing something. I don't mind updating by just d/l'ing the CAB and installing it that way but I've never used AppToDate before and was trying it out. Thanks again for this awesome app!
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] PROBEX:
Thank you for your quick reply debarron so there are no advers effects of it being packaged with a older.xml file and it still makes the custom changes to the new .xml file... I'm very impressed... I would still like someone to test one of my themes on a update 18 build to be sure... anyone feeling brave??? I'm just amazed it can do that as I made many .xml changes in location of items on the main page as well as the weather area to accomadate Beyond Invisibles weather graphics.

Maybe the thread bossman mpenguin14 would want to try it out?
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] debarron:
I'll test it...I'm not scared. :-) Send it my way.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] PROBEX:
check your PM
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] y_bother:
hey really great work :)

just a simple problem..

i installed the new version .11 (the preview) on a cooked rom with m2dc already in.

but there is no preview for the two of the themes.. is this what you mean if a theme file (m2dc or zip) has a file named "preview.jpg" or "preview.jpeg"

sorry if its a dump question :P
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] herg62123:
damn it....i just downloaded v0.10.130 ealier today. i haven't even used it yet and a new one is out.....lol

keep up the good work mpenguin
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Sian:
I think this tool is fantastic.. May I suggest that the developer throw in a FAQs or clearer instructions for newbie, or people like me who did not follow the development of M2D step by step.

I believe there has been quite a bit of change in the file storing since the first version. Would this customiser still work for older version of M2D where the theme file may be stored directly in the /Window folder? Some of us may not be too sure how to make use of this tool for older M2D (like me who's still using version 1.. hee..)

Thanks in advance.

Sian
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] blazingwolf:
Yes, it works.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] showaco:
Loving the new preview, very user friendly:D Awesome work mpenguin!

Just added preview to my new theme.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
@PROBEX, I am up for testing any all themes from skinners, it doesn't have to be a zip or an m2dc, I see that you released a cab version in the skins thread, I will downlod that and deconstruct ii

Version 0.6 of M2DC tried to actually move the theme images to the M2DC directory, and that was an epic fail. Now whenever a user applies a them, M2DC will first put together a list of the 400+ files than Manila 2D uses (all of the files referenced in the xml and any other HH_ file ind the "\Windows" folder). After that list has been put together M2DC starts to unzip the files. M2DC uses a zip library that lets it see the filename of the file before it actually unzips any specific file. M2DC will only unzip files that appear in the list that it made, and each specific file will be unzipped dirdctly to the same place thatthe file existed before so it doesn't matter what version of M2D you are running, or if you have tweaked your XML file yourself to store most of the images in a custom directory. There are 2 exceptions to this right now, HTCHomeSettings.xml and preview.jpeg, those files are extracted too.

M2DC reads the HTCHomeSettings.xml, but it only uses the values for the xml nodes that are children of the "WidgetProperty" node, so "HomeWidget, TabWidget, MusicWidget, etc...). BUT it will only copy over the values for the items in the xml that have "RECT" or "POS" in their name. This way M2DC can copy the settings for the size and location of images from the new theme without overwriting any preferences like tab order, tab states, image paths, or launcher settings.

I hope this answers your questions, if you have any other questions, suggestions, or comments fell free post them here
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
that looks very nice showaco, I am going to have to get on over to the skins thread and download that now :)

hmm I have not tried apptodate since I first added it 2 weeks ago, ang tere have been roughly have a dozen updates since then (lol), I will test and get back to you on this

yeah HHC was and is the only reaon I ever used HTC Home, without it I would probably have a stock sprint today screen ::shudder::

Thanks, that means alot coming from you herg, I hope M2DC works out for you
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] PROBEX:
I do have a variable I'm interested in.... in my Alienware transformation package I have a image that I set as the home screen image that is different then the .tsk file and the hhbkground image [this way it shows and in my opion enhances the look of the theme] Is there or could there be a option for this like a check box that can see a image file such as... alternate homescreen background

example -

this author suggests the use of the supplied image

to activate check this checkbox...

and this author suggests the use of this .tsk file

to activate check this checkbox...

O and a custom bootscreen option that could be included would be cool...
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
for anyone who is interested in apptodate support, there was a definite bug, sorry I had not noticed it earlier... the problem has been fixed and will be a part of the next release of M2DC (this fix is not important enough to me to make a new release)

If you have a need for apptodate support please download the attached file, M2DC.xml and put it in you M2DC installation directory (mine is "\Program Files\M2DC"), overwrite the previous M2DC.xml.

Once you have this new version of M2DC.xml apptodate should be working with no problems... I will test the full functionality again when I make my next release
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] imfloflo:
Great job, i hope a PC soft like this program ( http://lagoellespv.canalblog.com/albums/screenshots_click_skin2005_version_1_0_0_0/index.html ) can be create it 'll simplify the new designer.

adding option to personnalize each tab

is somebody success to add a new tab/widget ??or i only can use the existing tab and modify the operator if i want to add my tab?
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] SaBo:
Probably because TF2D is part of the ROM and XML file is read only within \windows directory

Sascha
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] imfloflo:
I have udK rom and i can change the tab witout any problem.

Just uncheck touchflo, copy and overwrite the existing xml, after that recheck the touchflo and all is good.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Yod-b:
Perfect... I just customized last night my M2D via the settings xml file... Good :P
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Ameet:
Awesome work bro.. Gonna watch this thread for updates ;)
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
Hello everyone, thanks for all the feedback.

I will be gathering together all of the suggestions and posting them in the 2nd post on this thread, I will try to keep the first post reserved for releases and project information, and the 2nd post reserved for todo lists, and feature requests

If any of you are interested in source code I just released it for all to see :)

http://code.google.com/p/manilla2dcustomizer/

I will be going through this thread in more details throughout the day. As I said in the orginal post, I am an MFC programmer by day so an actual program updates will most likely take place at night (20:00-23:45 CDT [UTC -5])
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Maxxd01:
For me It's now working, I installed the cab, unchecked some tabs, done soft reset, but nothing changed :( After I do "ok" in the program, i go back and all the tabs I unchecked are checked again...:confused:

I think the problem is because

but what does that mean?

I'm using this rom: (the manilla 2D version of course)

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=423094
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Elim:
Hi.

I have the same rome like you and no problems. Have you install the program (the Customizer) an the device :confused:

When you install the program, after some seconds a dialog apear and ask where you will install, on the device or one of your storage cards. Here select the device. :)
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Elim:
Yaeh, it is great to have this little tool :cool: But you see, we have many wishes ;)
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
THe problem is probablly one that alot of people were running into, the HTCHomeSettings.xml file in your "\Windows" foilder was probably set to read only. I just released a new version in the first post that takes care of this bug

WHen I say that the paths are hard coded I mean I am copyign file directly to "Windows\HTCHomeSettings.xml" and "\Program Files\M2DC". I know in the desktop verison of XP professional those folders could have different names depending on the language of the OS, I think some countries use "C:\Programmes"... anyways, I need t rea dup on the issue in windows mobile and revisit it

Tanks for the feedback, if you can please try the new version and let me know how it goes
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] rkwhyte2:
New Version

This new version works like a champ for me. I had the issue with my xml file being read only and before I could go in and change the attribute you had released a new version. Keep up the good work.

Kirby
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] ..::DAVE::..:
still don't works on cooked roms! [latest ervius]
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] Noonski:
Good Work.

And pretty fast:cool:

Maybe if cooks would take the attribute of the xml file into consideration so it would be writable from scratch.

Either through a small cab install in Autorun or The HTC ChangeFileAtribute app, Or A mortscript.

That would cure the issue.

Just my two cents, at least i know that's something i would apply.
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] :
It doesn't work on my Artemis :(
[Windows Mobile Apps and Games] mpenguin14:
Thanks for the icon twolf, it looks great! I have added it to my development builds and it looks really good. A new version of this program using this icon will be out tonight

On another note, I am thinking ahead to the theme management support, Since you are running the thread with all of the different themes what is your thought on the easiest way to manage themes? I know some programs have you download a zip file, extract the zip file, and manually copy the contents to the "\Program Files" or "\Windows" folder, I think the porcess could be easier. What would you think of having an "Install Theme" option in the M2DC software that would take the location of a folder, or zip file, and copy the contents of the theme to a new folder in the M2DC installation directory? I could probably even make my own file type (*.m2dc), it would just be a *.zip file renamed to *.m2dc, but I can probably register the file format so that when you go to open it in your file manager it opens the M2DC program and installs the theme.

Ok, enough rambling from me for right now, thanks for the icon