Tips and Tricks

BASIC TIPS

How to install third-party software on your Pocket PC

Most third-party applications have to be installed from your desktop PC to your mobile device before you can use them. You can't simply download a file and copy it to your Pocket PC. You usually follow this sequence:

1. Find the program you are interested in and download it from the vendors Web site to your desktop PC.
2. Connect your Pocket PC to your desktop PC via the sync cable and establish an ActiveSync connection. (If ActiveSync is installed on your PC, it should automatically establish a connection when you put your Pocket PC in the sync cradle or connect the sync cable.)
3. Then, on the desktop PC, use Explorer to find the application you just downloaded, and click on it to start the installation process.
4. Follow the online instructions to complete the installation.

Some third-party applications are offered as CAB files. These don't require a desktop PC for installation. If you run into one of these, follow these steps:

1. Download it directly to your Pocket PC or copy it to your Pocket PC from your desktop PC.
2. Use the Pocket PCs File Explorer to find the CAB file.
3. Tap on it with your stylus. This causes the CAB file to execute and install the program. When its finished the installation process, the CAB file will disappear.

In a very few cases, usually involving freeware, the vendor will offer programs without an automatic installer. The program will have a .exe file extension and if you try to run it on your desktop PC, you'll get an error message. In that case, copy the .exe file directly to your Pocket PC. (Copy it to your Windows/Start Menu/Programs folder, or put a shortcut to it in that folder.)

(Based on a post on Pocket PC magazine forums, by Caleb Schmerge)

Installing Today screen themes

Themes are files (with a .tsk file extension) that change the appearance of the Pocket PCs Today screen. You can create your own theme files with desktop PC applications like ThemeMaker (http://www.thememaker.biz) and Theme Generator (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/downloads/themegenerator.mspx). Themes files are also available from a number of Web sites (see the Media subsection of Pocket PC magazines Best Sites Web page: http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_top/bestsites.asp).

Once you've created or downloaded a theme, place it (the .tsk file) in the Pocket PCs \My Documents or \Windows folders. You can also place them in the My Documents folder of a storage card to conserve internal storage space. Then follow these steps:

1. To select a theme on your Pocket PC, pop up the Start menu, go to the Settings folder, and tap on the Today icon.
2. The Today Appearance screen will appear, with the available themes listed in the window (Fig. 1).
3. Select a theme in the list and tap on OK.