[HD2 Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM Development] NYLimited:
OK, let me see what I can do here real quick before I fall asleep. :) Before I start it should be noted that there are many ways to do all these things. Some like one way, others another way. I find new things mentioned by others all the time so everything that follows here can still be improved!

First,

download UC_NET

(the entire release) and unzip it. I know Dutty's ROMs include it but you will find good sample files in there on using it. Don't forget to create number folders, like "1 and "5" and so on - the folders will be processed in numeric sequence and some things you want to do before other things. For example, there is no point restoring registry entries for an application if the installation of that app will over write them.

Grab a copy of

the OEMizer

. It will make the creation of XML files much easier. Personally, I like to use text files - I find it easy and fast to maintain them but different people like different things. Keep in mind that the .XML files generated by this program can simply be put into one of the folders for UC_NET to process. No changes needed. Don't forget that you can get a lot more info on email provisioning and explanations of each line in the xml file at

Microsoft's web site

.

Another program I use and like a lot is

CeRegEditor

which is a PC program. It connects to your mobile via ActiveSync or device center and you can examine the registry using your PC. You can also export registry keys with it directly on to the PC in .REG format. So, if you search for the word "backlight" you will quickly find that your registry contains your various backlight settings in the key "[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\BackLight]" which you can extract to a .reg file. It will look like this:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\BackLight]
"ACBrightness"=dword:00000009
"ACTimeout"=dword:0000003C
"Brightness"=dword:00000003
"BatteryTimeout"=dword:0000001E
"BatteryTimeoutUnchecked"=dword:0000001E
"ACTimeoutUnchecked"=dword:0000003C
"OnOff"=dword:00000001
"OnOffAC"=dword:00000001
"LightDetectOn"=dword:00000000
"BatLockSuspendTimeout"=dword:0000000F
"MAXBrightnessScale"=dword:0000000A
"MINBrightnessScale"=dword:00000001
"DimBKLinUnlockScreen"=dword:00000000
"AutoDeviceLockTimeout"=dword:00000005
"AutoDeviceLockEnable"=dword:00000000
"AutoSensor"=dword:00000001
"QKeyLedTimeout"=dword:0000000A
"BatteryTimeoutTemp"=dword:00000000
"ACTimeoutTemp"=dword:00000000
"ACBacklightOnTap"=dword:00000001
"BacklightOnTap"=dword:00000001
"BrightOnAC"=dword:00000000
"BrightOnBatt"=dword:00000000

You can place this .reg file (I call mine "backlight.reg" for some strange reason) into a UC_NET folder with other .reg files and it will be nicely restored after a flash. Add to the above file a few more lines taken from the registry for a complete set:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\Timeouts]
"BattSuspendTimeout"=dword:0000003C
"ACSuspendTimeout"=dword:0000012C
"ACSuspendTimeoutSave"=dword:0000012C
"BattSuspendTimeoutSave"=dword:0000003C

I also save reg files for various apps. For example, I use one called AvianWaves which places a line on top of my screen to indicate battery charge. After UC_NET installs the cab file for it it also restores the associated registry settings so I don't have to configure it:

REGEDIT4

;AVIAN WAVES

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Avian Waves\BattLineSvc]
"TimerIntervalSeconds"=dword:00000000
"TaskbarClass"="HHTaskBar"
"ShowRightLine"=dword:00000000
"ShowLeftLine"=dword:00000001
"ShowBottomLine"=dword:00000000
"RightOffset"=dword:00000000
"LowPercent"=dword:0000001E
"LeftOffset"=dword:00000000
"Height"=dword:00000005
"CriticalPercent"=dword:0000000F
"ColorRightLine"=dword:00000000
"ColorLeftLine"=dword:00000000
"ColorForegroundSolidNormal"=dword:0000B400
"ColorForegroundSolidLow"=dword:0000FFFF
"ColorForegroundSolidCritical"=dword:000000C8
"ColorForegroundSolidCharging"=dword:00C08C8C
"ColorBottomLine"=dword:00000000
"ColorBackgroundSolidNormal"=dword:00004B00
"ColorBackgroundSolidLow"=dword:00004B4B
"ColorBackgroundSolidCritical"=dword:0000004B
"ColorBackgroundSolidCharging"=dword:004B3737

There is a LOT you can automate so you can concentrate on new ROMs rather than installing stuff.

One last thing you might want to check into is

a small app called KHEB

. This runs on your mobile and creates "snapshots" of your device - registry and files. You can create one immediately afteryou flash the ROM. Create a second after you install one of your apps. Have it create a "difference" between the two snapshots and you will see exactly what registry keys were created and what files were placed where. Pretty cool though it can be a bit overwhelming at first. :)

I think you might have enough to play with for one day. There is a tool to do everything (except restoring email signatures:() if you look long enough!

Have fun!