yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] squirreleater:
I'd wait, 2.8 is better, but only a bit- not worth flashing unless you are as sad muppet like me that wants the latest rom!

I use Pim for contacts etc and Sprite for email and tones etc., install then and set a daily schedule, only keeping a couple on the SD.

I also install HD tweek and some taskbar icons, usually take an hour to have it back as it was.

KWBR:

A couple of points, Can Total commaner be uninstalled? I hate it, much rather use file explorer but TC takes over.....

Any chance of HD tweek being included? It's a 'must have' for me .

Otherwise your Roms really are the best out there- they work superbly, very fast and smooth without any bugs.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] narlytom:
hi squirreleater,

i've been reading about extendir (please correct me if i'm wrong somebody!), and it looks like it allows you to take everything out as cab files (e.g. manila, TC, everything!) and then it installs them on the first run (the way extendir works this produces big speed improvements), so if kwbr adopts extendir, it might mean the content cooked into the ROM becomes much more customisable.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kuyichi:
Can we choose the cabs we want to install on our device with this extendir rom? Or can the cooker only choose these cab files?
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] lambstone:
oh man, i can't wait to have a rom which has extendir. been refreshing the main page repeatedly.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
It is uploading. I patched the notes syncing issue so we won't get the full speed untill this will be fixed in extendir. Nice thing is we can start playing with our own cabs and get some experience with that. This is something you can do as a user. Take a look at the extendir thread for a howto.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] Imperium:
But is this extendir ROM faster then regular ROM's?
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
Test it, try it, report it :)

I did my part.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] dingil:
Hi kwbr,

Where is the link for 2.8 version without extendir?

Edit: Ok, never mind I googled it
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] lethalfriend:
Hi Kwbr,

Congrats on your new experimental rom :) . I would love to try it. Plz provide us a mirror other than rapidshare coz its not working on our work place.

thanks.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] lambstone:
I've just flashed it. When its still clean its runs really well. Quite smooth. I had always been using dutty's 3.9 XT Turbo but wow. I'm switching over now :)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] narlytom:
how much does this patch affect the speed? if it is a large amount, any chance of a non-patched version for people who don't need to use notes?

Tom

also, is the preset installer included in this for customisation?

Thanks
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] mwright:
Care to share - I can't see it :-(
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] Alkerion:
Hi,

Can we dream of a Manila V2.0 variant of your excellent rom ?

BR
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] mwright:
I guess that I must be thicker than I thought - I don't understand this at all! Or why I would want it!!

Before you shout at me I HAVE read the extendir thread but it didn't help. It makes a claim that it makes windows mobile run 12 times faster. That seems to be a very bold claim indeed.

It then talks about building extendir cabs - but (as far as I can see) does not say what they are.

Is all this aimed at chefs or "mere mortal" like the rest of us?

CHeers
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] narlytom:
haha i am trying to get my head around it too!

basically, it will make your phone faster, by 'tricking' windows into thinking files are in different folders to what they areally are - so basically windows can find them quicker.

the actual speed increase depends on exactly how many files you put in these 'trick' locations. this can depend on:

- how many files the chef automatically puts in these locations

- how many files you put in these locations

if its all over your head, don't worry, the chefs should do most of the work.

but if you can get your head around it, it should allow you to never have to install apps you dont want, and to install the rest using extendir's system (which will hopefull make acess to these apps faster)

i hope someone can clarify this, before i start spreading mis-information, but that is my understanding of it!
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] EpiphanyNL:
Most applications for windows mobile write their executables and files in the /windows directory of the WM device. This slows down the browsing of the /windows directory (ever tried browsing it?).

What extendir does is enable chefs to remove packages from the /windows directory and put them in another directory, with as less as possible files in it, so that the enumeration of the files is quicker.

To be able to still use the programs extendir makes a shortcopy to the file in the windows directory.

Hope this is a little clearer for you.

The beauty with extendir is that a chef can provide a set of applications, but the user is totally free in what to install on the ROM (well actually not all programs benefit or like being installed the extendir way), like connection setup you can remove after setting up your phone and stuff like that.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] narlytom:
thanks!

when installing cabs on an extendir enabled ROM, do we have to do it in a special way (e.g. with preset installer), or do they automatically get installed with extendir's rules?

is preset installer just for initial installs after a new flash?
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] EpiphanyNL:
I believe that the cabs you use should be made with extendir cabs, and it is best practise to install them with preset installer, which you can use to do all the installations of cabs etc.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] narlytom:
hmm i'm understanding less the more i look into it!

if i just install a normal cab file, what will happen?

how do i creat an extendir cab from a normal cab (and do i need to do this?)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] mwright:
All too complicated for me I'm afraid. Who is going to build extendir cabs of all the applications that I want to install?

And anyway - I would dispute the statement made earlier in the thread that "most applications install their executables in the \windows directory". Most of the ones I install put the executables under \Program Files.

Can we please have the 2.8.1 WITHOUT extendir link back? - pretty please!
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] dingil:
links for 2.8 non extendir

http://rapidshare.com/files/261886233/Kwbr_Topix_2.8.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/mtxltw2zzyy/Kwbr_Topix_2.8.zip
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
Why do you want 2.8? Extendir is completely transparant. If you don't feel like building cabs you can just use the rom as it is. It is the same as version 2.8, only slightly faster, one bugfix included and GoogleMaps removed so you can install that to sd.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] mwright:
Thank for those!

However - it was my mistake - I am looking for 2.8.1 WITHOUT extendir. Pretty sure that was posted?
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] mwright:
Yes - but as far as I can tell extendir is still being tested!

Your 2.7 has been good for me without any "experimental" software. I was looking forwards to having new google map and new opera without taking up yet more memory.

I might wait a bit and see if 2.8.1-extendir is stable and then try it.

Thanks for your good work!
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
No issues so far. Only thing that needed to be fixed with extendir was syncing mobile notes and this is working just fine with the rom :)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ugumba:
SASHIMI can do all the post-flash work for you!

If you don't mind investing a bit of time into SASHIMI, you'll find that you'll hardly need to do any manual work at all after a flash and/or hard reset.

It can install cabs automatically, it even provides a method of scripting (feeding keypresses into) those annoying cabs that insist on asking questions after installation. It installs regs, provisioning XMLs and plain files and folders (typically with your apps' settings, registration keys, system and network configuration), and can run any Mortscripts you care to develop.

You can set up backups of files, folders or registry keys, which you can run manually before you flash or script to run regularly. PPCPimBackup is essential for preserving SMSes and call logs. Scripting the restore is not trivial, but possible.

I've started installing some larger apps and games only *once* - to my Storage Card - I then do a bit of detective work (SKTracker is a recommended tool) to determine what registry changes and system files need to be restored after a flash. When it works (it usually does), it saves huge amounts of time after a flash.

You need to invest time into locating the settings you want to preserve, and determining the best way to restore them. You need to learn Mortscript, but believe me, if you've done any programming at all, you'll find it a very simple, clear language, focused on getting the job done.

When I flash a new ROM (Topix, of course, though I've heard rumors of wannabes), SASHIMI takes over after the regular autoconfig, does its business for about 15 minutes, and the *only* things I need to do manually is to establish Bluetooth and Activesync pairings. The latter I never actually use, since I use Exchange, and the "anonymous" ActiveSync connection is all I need otherwise.

One of these days I need to start a thread on the techniques I use - I feel it would actually boost interest in HTC devices, xda-dev and WM if flashing didn't mean repeating a hell of a lot of work for so many people.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] gadjet:
Just flashed..:)

Thanks for the Extended Dir ROM kwbr.

I have been watching the topic http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=530710 with interest, and I was waiting for a ROM to be created using it. Would it be possible for you to help me how to recreate a TomTom cab file I have, to convert it into a extdir cab please?

Progress:

1-I have downloaded the cab creator.

2-I unpacked the TomTom cab file (see attached file list),

3- I pointed the cab creator at the folder where I extracted the TomTom cab to, and the settings/path screen has populated (see 2nd attached).

4-Is this right? can I create the cab with these settings?

Many thanks to my signature ROM maker..:)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] narlytom:
i would also like some advice on making extendir cabs please!
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] andes83:
Thank you very much for your expalanation I'll definetly try your method and save a lot of time i used Sktools or something for the backup and every time I got bugs after the flashing so thanks for your time really I'll try it right away.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
A regular version, without extendir, will also be online tonight :)

To start with use attached tool to extract the files and registry from the cab :) This will make things a lot easier.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] gadjet:
Phew...!

Hi again kwbr.

Used the cab you attached to extract files from tomtom see below list, but now when I open up ext cab creator not all the files are shown?

How do I create the ext-dir cab now?

Thanks again bud..:)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] gadjet:
Maybe worked?

Hi again kwbr.

1-Used the cab you attached to extract my tomtom original cab.

2-Opened up "Extendir Cabs.exe" and pointed this time to program files\navigator folder only.

(The 2 files captured were tomtom navigator.exe and data.chk file, see attached)

3-Created cab (Navigator.cab)

4-Installed to device..it worked?!

I found tomtom navigator.exe in \extendir\WinDir\Navigator\Navigator001, created shortcut in programs files now.

It works so I will test it out and report back, thanks again for your time bud.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] eighty1:
Anyone else having issues adding facebook contacts? I have seen this before in other roms when you edit contact with facebook nothing happens.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ehsanij:
I am using non-regular 2.8.1 one it works for me
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ehsanij:
thanks you very much kwbr for removing google maps, so far everything seem perfect.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] mwright:
Sorry to be a pain - but can your clarify something for me?

If I use the extendir version - but just install "regular" cabs, do I get any of the touted speed advantages or do those only come from using the extendir cabs?
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ugumba:
As far as I've understood it, there's an overall benefit provided by the chef's optimization of the \Windows folder, using the Extendir techniques. The benefits are probably greatest with packages which would otherwise be cooked into the ROM, but since virtually all packages have some system dependencies (WM DLLs and .NET assemblies) one should at least be able to measure an improvement. The file system caching technique is also different from WM's, which should affect everything.

I wouldn't worry about turning all cabs into Extendir cabs, unless you're really concerned about the performance of certain apps. Most userland apps populate \Program Files, not \Windows, so I expect less benefit for these.

Look at Extendir as a tool that simplifies the chef's work, potentially making the actual flashing process much quicker, at the cost of post-flash customization time (depending on how far the chef goes). However, the customization will also provide more modular and flexible customizing of features which were previously "chiseled in stone" (i.e. flashed in ROM). To most users, Extendir simply improves performance and battery life, appearing transparent.

Ultimately, the user can also make active use of Extendir to customize their ROMs, similarly to SASHIMI (see sig) with the added benefit of performance improvements. Be aware that this route may make you depend on flashing Extendir ROMs. Time will show if this is a good thing!
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
Couldn't have said it any better ugumba. I am currently playing with extendir. Normal cabs are installed in the default locations, mostly outside \Windows and as I understand will take no benefit. You have to create or modify cabs with "Extendir cabs" from an OEM package to let it install in \Extendir and run it from this filesystem.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] grayme:
I've tried WWE Version 2.8.1 Extendir compliant rom but it won't sync with Activesync on XP at all.

It could be me, but just in case I am not alone....

Now trying the regular version. :)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
I noticed that this morning also. I removed the Windows PC setup from activesync on my blackstone device and removed (uninstall and delete \Windows\Activesync directory) from my pc and reinstalled activesync on my pc. Problems are gone now for me.

Keep you informed but it looks like this solved the problem.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] narlytom:
no problems for me with activesync and xp running 2.8.1
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
Maybe it still has something to do with mobile notes which I use :) But all seem to work fine now after reinstalling activesync.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ShaDrac:
Creating Cabs

Hi,

Every file or application that is installed after flashing benefits from Extendir.

With our current file systems there is only the problem:

The more files in a folder, the slower the performance.

This is where the \Extendir\Windir\etc. folders help (Extendir Cabs can help with creating these) since a lot of programs install them self in the \Windows folder (+4000 files)

Thus if your existing cabs don't install them self in the \Windows folder, you don't have to convert them with Extendir Cabs, they're already OK. :)

Enjoy! :)

ShaDrac
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
Ok :) I still hope for an extendir version with blacklist. This will solve most of the activesync problems I guess.

And we will fully benefit the speed of Extendir.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ShaDrac:
It will be added when Extendir gets its configuration file. :)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
This is great! Keep us informed :D
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] GryphonLeon:
-never mind-
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] andes83:
Wow I see things are working out great for our HD community just tried the 2.8.1 version it's great as always Opera is lightning fast and performance is great . Waiting for the new version with the miracles you cook here :)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] KukurikU:
1.i flashed yr extendir compliant ROM.

2.i made all the preparations as instructed in ShaDrac thread (thank you ShaDrac)- see pics attached.

3.after the program successfully installed all my cabs/apps (some i installed in the SD) the windir was empty:confused:

what happened?
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] grayme:
Alas the regular version also has this problem for me though I haven't done all you have above. :o
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
I also flashed back to the regular version. Had to do a hard reset first to get things working properly and I also had to populate my Mobile Favorites directory. Activesync is working again fast as ever. So here are the steps I performed:

1. Remove activesync from pc

2. Remove \Program files\Activesync

3. Flash regular rom

4. On boot I removed the battery

5. Keep volume high en low pressed and press power button

6. Perform a hard reset

7. Reinstall Activesync on pc

Done
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] KukurikU:
where is the problem? at connecting the device or the sync itself?

didn't try to sync but after installing both the "regular" version and the extendir complaint one when i connected my HD to the PC the sync was ready to go.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] kwbr:
Yes but both me and grayme are on xp using activesync 4.5. Maybe that's the problem. For some reason syncing stops after a while with extendir included in the rom. Shadrac will give us a fix in time :)
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] ShaDrac:
Hi KukurikU,

Those cabs we're they created with Extendir Cabs, or are those original cabs?

If they we're created with Extendir Cabs and you selected the install location in a \Extendir\WinDir\ProgramName, then they should appear in the WinDir folder.

If those cabs are original cabs, they should work and already benefit from Extendir. :)

But you won't see them in the WinDir folder.

Enjoy!

ShaDrac
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] grayme:
They connect, but the sync only sets the time, it doesn't every complete any transfer of contacts, etc., the activesync icon just spins...

It's the same on both the regular and extendir versions.

I can live without syncing for a while, other things on at the mo.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] KukurikU:
they are "original". so, not seeing them in windir does not mean that something is wrong or that they are not going to benefit form extendir. begin to understand....:o:rolleyes:

next step should be a benchmark with and one without extendir. anyway, this beats the hell out of sashimi.:D finally, something to bring some relief to a flash junkie...
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] KukurikU:
installed all apps and successfully synced everything "notes" included. :D

so, what's the problem???
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] grayme:
I seem to have it working!

I uninstalled activesync and then went through the PC's registry deleting anything that was to do with activesync (apart from the single entry for My MobileR). I stopped My MobileR and ZoneAlarm too, one or more of these has enabled it to complete a sync.

It's worked in the past with all these things so I don't know what changed. I have lost the option to sync onenotes, but I've never used them anyway so don't mind.

Sashimi now doing its thing.

Thanks, it seems this was probably more down to something my end than anything ROM based.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] Blessed HD:
I'm soOoOo happy with the amazing work you're doing on your ROMs, & welling to flash to the Extendir ROM soon (I forgot the ROM at work :rolleyes:)

I understand the whole concept of Extendir, but I have only ONE simple question to ask before I actually try it (might be a stupid one, but I just wanna get this thing straight :D):

The only cab I install in main memory is the Language support. ALL other cabs are installed in the memory card.

Q-Would the cabs installed on memory card affect the performance, or is it just the ones installed in main memory that would do that?
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] tsipistri:
about the problem with active sync

have you tried to disable

in settings/connections/usb to pc uncheck enable faster data synchronization
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] KukurikU:
don't worry m8. i asked the same question and the answer is here:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=4247050&postcount=2959

so, it doesn't matter where u install yr programs. they might appear in yr SD/programs but they also install in windows so, they'll benefit from the extendir. i am afraid i wasn't to clear but that's the best i can:D
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] Blessed HD:
Thanks KukurikU for the prompt reply (quite a name you have there :D)

ummmm

what I understood from ShaDrac is that it is possible to benefit from Extendir even if we used the original cabs, but for best performance, it's best to use Extendir cabs..

I suppose since installing cabs on SD generates only links, regs & few small files in windows, then this should not affect the Extendir performance at all. Especially when it's possible to run already installed apps on SD directly without having to re-install after a hard reset or even sending links to windows... (please confirm)

If this is the case, then the application of Extendir would be pretty much easier for common users that are not that into techno stuff like myself.. :D

The only thing we would be concerned about is the language support files that MUST be installed on the main memory & might affect the Extendir performance :rolleyes:
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] KukurikU:
lol! kukuriku is the sound a made by a rooster:p say it loud a few times ...

i understood that it doesn't matter...:o

all i can confirm is the second part. i am using this method. after a hard reset or flash i only copy the shortcuts of the programs i already have in the SD (no need to reinstall) and i'm done. i made once a copy of all the shortcuts and i am keeping them in a dir on the SD so there is no need for recreating them again and again. if u need to recreate some of the shortcuts u can use commander (file explorer in kwbr's ROMs or the latest SKTools).

yes, it is. look at my post (http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=4246649&postcount=2954) this is a very easy, simple and from the second time "automatic" operation. if u want to install a prog in the SD than you'll have to double click the little square and you'll get a gray "thick" meaning the prog will stop and wait for yr decision (install on device or SD).

i don't see why this should be a problem. i am also "suffering" from almost the same language problem ;) and i am installing my hebrew support on the device. the only thing i have to do manually is to copy the wince file overwriting the original one in order to get the hebrew locals.
[Touch HD Windows Mobile ROM Development] Dizzle:
Regular v Extendir...

I've tried both the 2.8.1 Extendir and 2.8.1 Regular and in my opinion the regular seems faster. Can't say I understand how Extendir works but can only go by how the phone works in my hands. Also the Extendir version boots at 34% memory usage whilst Regular boots at 30-31%. Regular seems smoother, just my observations....