Sunday, January 13, 2008

Colored Iconbar Plugin


I developed this plugin because I got tired of those monochrome icons at the top of the colorful home screen. With this plugin I have been able to replace most of the basic icons that appear on the iconbar. If you intend to install this plugin, then let me tell you that the plugin does not implement all possible notifications available in the original iconbar. The things I have implemented for now are as follows.

  • missed call(s)
  • unread message(s)
  • new voicemail
  • bluetooth status (on/off)
  • wifi status (off/on/networks available/connecting/connected)
  • signal strength
  • battery meter (green-yellow-orange-red)
  • ringer off
  • bluetooth handsfree
  • headset present (more precedence over bluetooth hansfree)
So, if you can live with these basic notifications then please try the plugin. If not then please check back later...I am in the process of adding the other notifications. Also, the plugin is intended to work only with the homescreen (for now), meaning when you open an application with a window title bar, you would still have to bear with the old icons. That will change in due time!!!

Here are the steps to adding this plugin.

1. Using ActiveSync, browse down to \Windows of your phone. Copy the file cmhome.home.xml to your Desktop. This file describes the T-Mobile Default theme. If you are trying this on other themes then you need to find the appropriate .xml file describing the theme. It would either be in \Windows or \Application Data\Home. Create a copy of this file and keep it as a backup. Right click on the file on your desktop and select Properties. Make sure the Read Only property is unchecked.

2. Open the file in Notepad. Look for the following block of code towards the end.

<plugin clsid="{837FC251-FE69-43ad-84E0-EBCEDEBA0884}" name="iconbar" height="20">
<iconbar fgcolor="COLOR_TRAYTEXT"/>
<background bgimage="\windows\CHome_framework_status_bar_bg.png" halign="center" bgcolor="COLOR_TRAYGRADLEFT" b-border-color="COLOR_WINDOWFRAME"/>
</plugin>


Remove it and put the following block.

<plugin clsid="{B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046}" name="iconbar" height="27">
</plugin>


3. Save the file. Overwrite cmhome.home.xml in \Windows and \Application Data\Home with the file on your desktop.

4. Open CeRegistryEditor (or a registry editor of your choice). Right click on \HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID and create the new key {B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046}.

5. Right click on HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046} and create the new key InProcServer32.

6. Click on HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046}\InProcServer32
and create a new string value (REG_SZ) entry: Value = iconbarplugin.dll . Check "Set as default key's value". The name of the key would automatically appear as Default.

7. Now download this plugin file - iconbarplugin.dll and copy it over to \Windows on your phone.

8. Go to Start>Setting>Home Screen and change the "Home Screen Layout" to something other than "T-Mobile Default". Once the change takes place, go and change it back. If the phone asks for confirmation about running iconbarplugin.dll, say Yes.

9. Turn off your phone and switch it back on. The new plugin should now be active.

You should be able to figure out what the icons mean. But here are a few pointers.

Wifi:
Red: On but no network available.
Orange: Network(s) available.
Orange/Green: Connecting to a network.
Green: Connected.

Signal Strength:
5 green bar: >90%
4 green bar: >70%
3 green bar: >50%
2 green bar: >20%
1 green bar: >0%
5 grey bar: No signal!!

Battery meter:
Green: >75% remaining
Yellow: >50% remaining
Orange: >25% remaining
Red: <25%

UPDATE: Please see Iconbar plugin update for updated information on the features of the plugin. You do not have to perform the steps there if you just installed the plugin.

UPDATE: Please see Iconbar plugin update 2.

117 comments:

Unknown said...

I have a couple suggestions that would make it nicer. First can u offer a few plugins with different colors such as blue, red and green, not just the black u have. Then could you make 2 different icons for vibrate and silent nit just use the same one. And last can u make change the battery and signal meters that show up in the start menu and everywhere else to match this. thank you.

Vũ Thư Nguyên said...

Are you a professor ? Very smart gentleman, Rinku. I like your articles on your personal blog as well.

Regards

Rinku said...

deyanimay9, yes those things are in my list. I will work on customization only after the whole plugin is done. As I mentioned in the post, the plugin can only do ringer-off notification now. Vibrate and Silent, both mean ringer-off. I will add vibrate-on. And finally, the icons on other windows are not controlled by a plugin. I am trying to find out who controls it...if easy to modify, I shall modify that component as well!! Thanks for your feedback

Rinku said...

Vu, Thanks for the appreciation. However, I am not a Professor. I am a student.

Good day.

Unknown said...

Thank you for all your great work and sorry if i sound demanding or if I'm bugging you but I'm just really enthusiastic about these hacks so i will just wait for your future releases and not point out the obvious. Thanks again.

Vũ Thư Nguyên said...

Dear Rinku

I have already app unlocked my Shadow ( install all third party apps OK), but Active Sync refused to let me overwrite or change file property ( read only, system etc..) any file in the windows directory.

How do I deal with this?

Thanks

Anonymous said...

Rinku,

Just wanted to thank you -again- for the great plugin. I am sure it will evolve greatly to improve the visual aesthetic of the Noe home screen even more.

You mentioned in Allshadow site that a "headset" icon is planned for the next release. Just putting it down here for the "requests" list :)

Good luck with your search on hunting down what controls the icon bar in start menu and program screens!

Cheers!

Vũ Thư Nguyên said...

Never mind, I figured it out. Use Total Commander

Anonymous said...

vu,

well i had the same problem as you listed earlier dealing with overwriting. and u later mentioned that you fixed it with total command...i really didnt know what it was so i searched it on google and dl both the cab file and the comp file from what i think is the program...problem is i still dont know how to fix it....help would be appreciated

Rinku said...

shadowfan,

To install TC, connect your phone using ActiveSync and then just open the exe. Confirm on the phone and you will then have TC on the start menu. Open it. Browse (just like File Explorer) and find the .xml file. From the Menu, see the Properties of the file and disable Read Only. I did not have to do any of these, but I hope it resolves your problem.

Mac said...

Doesn't work for me. I have had no problem with overwriting and have replaced that block at both locations and updated the regkey. After following the instructions to a 't', and not seeing a change, I also installed the cab file. That installed "successfully", but also didn't make a difference.
Not sure where to go from here. I have been successful in the past in editing/creating new menus/icons, etc.

Rinku said...

mac,

Try to install one of Freddy's themes, if you haven't so! Let's see if that changes anything.

Link: http://freddyreyes.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=30&func=fileinfo&id=158

Vũ Thư Nguyên said...

Dear Shadowfan, and others,

Before Freddy's cab , I was lucky enough to get it worked. Key thing is to edit both xml file in the windows and in the /App Data/Home directory.

I d/l Total Commander CAB file at their website, (you have to Google for it). Once you get TC going you basically:

1. Copy the new file to a temp folder on your shadow via active sync.

2. Move or copy this new file to its destination by TC in your shadow, regardless it is a system file or not TC just do it for you.

Use this tool for all other "hacked" files.

Thanks much to Rinku

Anonymous said...

I have been modding my phone for a while now and I'm not able to get this to work. I originally downloaded the CAb. When it didn't work, I noticed that the XML file in \windows and in \application\home was not changed to what Rinku had on his intructions (don't know if it was suppose to or not) so I followed the walk through and I still have nothing...WHERE THE ICONS SHOULD BE, I SEE WHITE :( it's completely white. I did update the XML in both places, windows and application data.

Any ideas?

Rinku said...

jose,

Make sure you have the following -

1) The registry entry as shown in the walkthrough.

2) The entries in the xml file (in \Windows and \Application Data\Home). Remember that cmhome.home.xml is the xml file for the T-Mobile Default theme only.

3) The dll file exists in \Windows.

4) You have rebooted the phone after verifying everything above exists.

The white screen is usually an indication that the plugin was not loaded.

Let me know!!!

Anonymous said...

I followed every step and I am still not able to get it to work, a brownish bar appears at the top with no icons. What do I do?

Anonymous said...

Nevermind, I undid everything I did here and downloaded the .CAB from Freddyreyes, which didn't work either so I just redid the changing of cmhome.home.xml (with the CAB still installed) and it worked.

Rinku said...

Future Note: Freddy's cab only installs the plugin dll to \Windows and makes the registry changes. To actually use it in your theme, the xml file has to be modified on your own. Freddy would not know what theme you are currently using, so can't change it. Otherwise, you can download one of his "theme" cabs and that would do all the changes required, including the xml file.

Anonymous said...

Rinku,

I did everything again from the beginning and I realized I had all my notifications off, so on the part where the phone asks me if It can run the .dll i only heard a beep, nothing on the screen.

So I fixed that, i saw the warning, said yes and now I have sweet icons!! Thanks man

Rinku said...

Glad to know it worked! It never crossed my mind that disabling notifications could create such a problem. Now I have one more line to add to my troubleshooting script! Thanks :)

Anonymous said...

Hello, I use the Blue Theme for the shadow. And I really love this plugin, however, the current black bar on the top makes it too ugly to work for the blue theme. Any way to make a blue background for the bar?

Rinku said...

Currently there isn't a way to do that...in fact I am working on some customization abilities on the plugin. Once that's done you shall be able to change the background and the icons as well. I am sorry...will have to wait for a little while!!

Anonymous said...

This is a great plug-in. I've been trying to develop my own home screen plug-in but haven't figured out where to get started. Any chance you'd be willing to share the source code or tell me how you wrote it?

Thanks in advance
Jeff

Rinku said...

Jeff, the place to start is here - http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb278109.aspx . This website tells you the basic architecture of a home screen plugin. It even has sample code for you to help begin. I would suggest you start playing with the sample code and then go from there. Feel free to ask any question you have on your development.

diametric said...

I've tried a bunch of different fixes posted on this blog, but still can't overwrite the .xml file in \Windows. No problem with the other location. I've installed Freddy's .CAB, then tried to overwrite the .xml.

Any ideas?

Rinku said...

diametric, Do you have your phone app unlocked?

diametric said...

Rinku-

Hate to admit it, but I have no idea what phone app unlock is all about. Thought I knew what I was doing b/c I've messed with hacks on my Tmobile Wing (friend gave me both). Please give me a bit of direction if possible.

Thanks!

Rinku said...

diametric, There is no problem in not knowing. Application locking is a method to enforce application verification on the phone. It means that you cannot install any software that is not certified. Application unlocking relieves you of that. Use a tool like SDA Application Unlock to do it. However, there's more! Some files in the \windows directory are only read only files. You cannot overwrite them. What you got to do then is to use a file browser like Total Commander to view the properties of the file and then remove the read-only property. You not being able to overwrite the .xml file could be because of this. So try doing both of these - app unlock and see that the .xml is not marked as read only. Hope that helps!!

diametric said...

Rinku- Many, many thanks! Messed around with it earlier and got it to work - used app unlock, overwrote the .xml and that was that! Also, managed to change IE homepage .. easy enough.

And now...of course...I'm hungry for more tweaks.

Anyway to incorporate tasks into the neo home page? Maybe create a 'tasks' page right after appointments? Haven't seen a tutorial for this yet...

much thanks

Anonymous said...

is there any chance that by adding the icon bar or any of the themes could also change some of the other settings, such as wifi? cause after i installed the icon bar i am no longer able to access certain networks that i was recently able to use. idk maybe its just me...

Rinku said...

That should not happen because of the plugin. It does not change any setting. In fact, most of the time it just sits idle, waiting for notifications when some specific registry entry changes!!

Rinku said...

diametric, "Incorporate tasks"? Can you please give some details as to what you are looking for? If it makes up for an interesting hack, then I would surely pursue it.

diametric said...

Rinku-Currently, from the neo home screen there is no way to access 'tasks'. The only way to get there is START> TASKS. Other themes have had the ability to add your current tasks to the home page. Tasks, for me at least, are more important that appointments.

The sought-after hack would let one scroll down to the APPOINTMENTS submenu on the neo home screen add two links (1) show current tasks and (2) create new task. These should be pages 3 and 4 within the APPOINTMENTS submenu. In my ideal world, they would be pages 1 and 2, and appointments would be 3 and 4. I know you have a tutorial out there about how to re-order pages. I also think I saw a post from you on another website relating to making custom launch pages (word mobile, etc.)

Could one just follow those instructions to accomplish what I'm trying to do?

Thanks again in advance for the help...

diametric said...

Rinku- Found a post on this website about how to remap the CONTACTS button to be TASKS or anything else. So, biggest challenge is: How would I add the actual tasks to the neo screen. I think. Seems like adding a launch screen is no prob (riight!)

thx

Rinku said...

diametric, You can sure add a link to the Tasks program. But, I am not sure how the exact tasks can be shown on the home screen, like the Appointments. I will look into it!!

Anonymous said...

hey. okay. so just successfully did this icon bar. now the only problem is that my signal bar is only giving me 5 grey bars. but i know i have full strength where i am right now. it said so before doing the hack. dunno if you could help me on that, but thanks for the response.

Unknown said...

I am having the same problem that Jose experienced with the white bar @ the top, except I can't figure out how to turn the notifications back on. Any help would be appreciated.

Unknown said...

Never mind figured it out. Awesome application. Thanks

Rinku said...

chinojuice, I haven't heard that happening from anyone else yet!! I would suggest you reboot the phone once and see if the signals come up. Let me know!

Troy, glad to know you figured it out on your own. Perhaps, it would help if you can leave a small comment telling what you did...might help others down the line! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

hmm. well, i've rebooted the fone couple million+ plus (exaggeration) still nothing. i've charged my fone and the battery changed to the set icon, which tells me things work. ill see throughout the day, maybe the fone needs to have a signal change instead of staying in one place all the time (haven't left my house for awhile, needed to study for huge test tonight!!)

Anonymous said...

Hi,

This icon is working on QVGA ??

Rinku said...

The iconbar has been tested to work on the T-Mobile Shadow, which has a QVGA display. So, I guess Yes!! Its working on QVGA.

Anonymous said...

okay first thing, first I use windows vista (windows mobile device center) to sync my computer to the phone, it doesn't show the windows folder on my phone. Also I installed total commander to my phone which does show all the files but it seems pretty tough to work with , I have it installed on my computer but total commander does not show my mobile phone. could I please get some help, thanks! oh by the way I downloaded the dll plugin which is on my computer, and freddy reyes cab on my phone

Anonymous said...

yup. got it working out now. needed to go to areas where the signal changes. great stuff Rinku!!

Rinku said...

To see the Windows folder you must make sure you can see hidden files on your computer. Check Tools>Folder Options>View>Show Hidden Files and Folders in My Computer.

Anonymous said...

okay i think i figured something out, know windows won't let me make the changes, it says i don't have permission

Rinku said...

Do you have your phone app-unlocked? Further, do you have the read only permissions removed from the xml files?

Unknown said...

I need help doing this. when everything is finished i only get a solid white bar going across the top of the screen.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

It's not working on a landscape screen.. :(

Rinku said...

Alex, assuming that you did not have any problems making the changes as specified in the steps, did you get a message box asking for confirmation to run the dll?


Andro,

The plugin is currently meant to work with a portrait view only. I shall add landscape support in the near future.

Unknown said...

No the message box didn't pop up.

Rinku said...

Alex, The message should pop up. It asks if you want to run the dll or not...without it the plugin is not going to be loaded. I would suggest you change over to a different theme and then back and see if the message comes up.

Unknown said...

i think the problem is that i don't know how to install the .cab file. the instruction says to "run it" from the file explorer and when i do, it says "There is no application associated with "3b8d0651Rinku_Iconbar". Run the application first and then open this file inside the application."

Rinku said...

Alex, it seems no application is associated with the .cab extension on your phone. Have you been able to run any .cab file in the past? If yes, then I would suggest that you rename the file to something smaller - say "iconbar.cab" - and then try to run it.

RHickmanJr said...

Luv the post and have already done many of the hacks on my Shadow. Piggybacking on the post from diametric it would be nice to see on the Neo "home" page current calander entrys or upcoming appointments....similiar to what's on the T-Mobile Basic Brown Layout. Optimally replace the stock photo that appears when the phone boots. Any chance?

Unknown said...

I am not sure. Usually any software I download for my phone I do it off the wi-fi on my phone.

Anonymous said...

I did what you said rinku and the plugin did not work off the bat. I tried changing my theme thinking that the icon would show lol....I forgot that you said it would only work if you paste the corresponding reg key for each xml so I did it for the gray theme and is my phone so sexy now!!!!!!! Thanks alot man!!!

Rinku said...

Alex, did the renaming option work?

RHickmanJr, I have those in my list...but am not getting enough time to give in.

Flip0406, glad to know you figured it out on your own.

Unknown said...

no the renaming option didn't work.

Rinku said...

Alex, I am sorry that nothing is working for you. Leave a comment on Freddy's website asking for help with the cab file. I would say try to install the plugin without the cab, following the steps in the tutorial. Atleast you will be moving forward then!!!

diametric said...

Rinku== BTW, are you in Colorado?

Unknown said...

I am now able to run .cab files but when I try to install it, it says, "Access denied. The program cannot start because it is not digitally signed with a trusted certificate."

Rinku said...

diametric, Yes, I am in Colorado!

Alex, Freddy would be the best person to tell you what to do if using the cab file - app unlocking usually removes that message. Otherwise, as I have already said, try the manual procedure.

RHickmanJr said...

Rinku... a suggestion when you find time. There is a text field at the top of Neo where T-Mobile and the time is displayed when scrolling through the plug-ins. Perhaps an opportunity to use that field to display current appointments when on the 'home page'.

Rinku said...

RHickmanJr,

Thanks for the suggestion. You want might to check the thread "Neo Dockstation" at allshadow.com.

CreativeRoyalty said...

Can someone help me? I dont have a Windows folder in my Shadow's files.

Rinku said...

Check Tools>Folder Options>View>Show Hidden Files and Folders in My Computer.

Anonymous said...

... very big size for small plugin !! Remove standard dialog !!

Rinku said...

Yes erroe! I am not happy with the size either. I shall try your suggestion helps.

Unknown said...

Rinku, you're a genuis! I love what you've done and i'm using it on my new Moto Q.

i was hoping you could add a thing or two that's desperately missing.

1. Could you add icons for 3G (right now you only have EDGE and GPRS)
2. Can you add an icon for SMS and eMails
3. Can you add an icon for speakerphone

it would be an amazing complete set if you can add these.

thanks a ton

Anonymous said...

first off, thank you rinku for sharing all that you have done. i love the color scheme...but, of course, ran into problems (mainly my doing).

note: i am trying to change the t-mobile basic brown:
1) changed the proper .xml file per your directions on allshadow
2) copied them into both windows and application folders
3) edited the registry-- screwed up this and put in wrong value (oops!) and put .dll file in windows folder
4) switched home screen layout and rebooted (didn't realize my mistake.)
5) icon bar disappeared
6) realized my mistake (d'oh!)
7) active sync now doesn't recognize my phone when plugged in
8) via total commander, fixed registry entry.
9) changed home screen layout and rebooted. never was prompted to say "okay" to running icon bar
10) icon bar still absent (only on t-mobile basic brown) and active sync doesn't recognize my phone

besides a hard reboot, any ideas?

thanks in advance!

Anonymous said...

Rinku I am having a little trouble with Getting my Home screen back from my MYFAVES I have already gone through CeReg. But everytime I reboot my phone it updates my MYFAVES and I lose my homescreen again if you can help that would be great.

Rinku said...

ActiveSync not recognizing the phone should not be related to the changes you are doing. Did you try removing your device from ActiveSync and then retrying it? You must get the prompt before making sure the iconbar is loaded. Are you saying that the iconbar is running when tried in other themes, but not the T-Mobile Basic Brown?

Rinku said...

shadowuser,

Lose you homescreen? Can you explain what that means? If its a problem you are facing while using my myFaves program, then I would appreciate if you could please post your comments/problems in here - http://shadowregistryhacks.blogspot.com/2008/01/myfaves-revisted.html .

Anonymous said...

rinku,

thank you for responding. i did a hard reboot. and then reinstalled the icon bar. everything is working perfectly. thanks for making the phone way nicer looking!

Anonymous said...

Hi Rinku,

Great work on the plugin. I just wanted to let you know the CLSID that you are using is the same as the MSDN (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb278109.aspx) Sample Plugin SpPlugin (B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046)

It is recommended that you should use a different GUID for your custom plugin. Otherwise it could interfere with some one testing the MSDN plugin.

Rinku said...

Thanks a lot for letting me know about it. I have been really stupid on missing that part! I shall change it. Thanks again!!

Unknown said...

Rinku when are you planning on releasing the source code?

Rinku said...

hunny,

I am currently bogged down by work at school...some deadlines to meet. I don't have a plan but I shall try to do it as soon as I get done with my work. I also have to do some documentation on it before giving it out.

Anonymous said...

hey everyone,

for some reasons i cannot overwrite the cmhome.home.xml to /windows..

i did uncheck the read-only box on my PC and used TC to change the properties of the file on my shadow.. used app unlock..

what am i doing wrong here??

thanks!

Rinku said...

Have you app unlocked the phone? More importantly, are you using Vista?

Anonymous said...

yes, i m using Vista. i app unlocked the phone. and one more thing, i unchecked the read-only box. but when i went back to the properties again, the box is checked again.. why?

thanks, Rinku!

Rinku said...

It has been reported earlier by others that they are not able to overwrite the files using Vista...something about Vista security features. I do not know of a resolution yet. What I can suggest is instead of trying to overwrite the file, do this -

1. Open the xml file in notepad. Look for the title tag and change the text from "T-Mobile Default" to something else, perhaps "T-Mobile Default with Iconbar".

2. Save the file with a different name, not cmhome.home.xml - perhaps cmhomeiconbar.home.xml.

3. Now copy this file to \Application Data\Home\

4. Go to Start>Settings>Home screen. You should now be able to see a new theme called "T-Mobile Default with Iconbar" in the Home Screen Layout option. Select it.

Hope that works!!

Anonymous said...

ok, i have successfully created a "new" theme "tmobile default with iconbar" on the home screen manu.. but i only got a white bar just like someone else had mentioned earlier.

i think i didn't add the value key correctly when i was doing the registry.. its my first time playing with the registry.. i added the key under /clsid.. the long chain of numbers and letters that also appears in the xml file... and then add another key InProcServer32 under that chain of numbers/letters.. then a new string value.. on the value name i put iconbarplugin.dll .. now i see (default) with iconbarplugin.dll on the right and under (default) is iconbarplugin.dll and nothing on right.. copy the dll file to \windows on phone.. restart my phone..

...white bar...

did i make any mistake in between?

Cardinot said...

hello Rinku!

Very very thanks for your pluging is very a good idea. I also would like to change icon bar, I looking a lot on the web and find no solution, except when i find your blogger page.

Well, I have a LG KS20 which runs a Windows mobile 6.0 version. Is your plugin will be compliant with this device?

You said that, the plugin will work with all aplication and windows mobile menu. So what about this updated, is it available?

Could you send me a tutorial to make my own plugin same as to change icons bar? What do you use as tools?

Kind regards

P.C

Rinku said...

You do have the CLSID under HKR? "and under (default) is iconbarplugin.dll and nothing on right" - you should see this key:

Name: Default
TYpe: REG_SZ
Value: iconbarplugin.dll

Further, there is one more thing missing. you should be able to see a screen asking for permission to run the plugin. Many have reported earlier that they miss that screen and the white bar shows up. Wait for that screen when restarting the phone.

If you want to avoid the hassles of regedits then try this - http://freddyreyes.com/forums/index.php?topic=287.0 . Freddy made a cab installer for it.

Rinku said...

Cardinot,

Other users have reported successfully running the plugin on other WM6 and WM6.1 devices. So, I would say, give it a try.

Making the icons work on Window title bars have not worked out yet. And I am becoming skeptical about it. Documentations I read on MSDN about it are not encouraging.

If you want to develop your own plugins you can take a look at MSDN for the architecture details of a plugin. I cannot give you a tutorial or something coz there is none specific like that. Its just like any other program. I used Visual Studio C++ to write it. Once you understand the architecture, you can do it as well.

Anonymous said...

i downloaded the cab file.. thx!

Cardinot said...

thanks for your repply.

Do you have a link from MSDN where they speak about changing icon from others Windows programm? Why is so difficult?

I would like to update my LG KS20 with Windows mobile 6.1, where can i make these modifications?

Where did you take icons bar prototyp?

Rinku said...

They talk about extensible title bar here - http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms890694.aspx . I do not think its difficult, but just do not know of a way to approach it. If you are doing some ROM cooking then perhaps there is a way.

As for the iconbar, I use registry notifications. I started from scratch on this and I am not aware of a prototype. However, MSDN provides basic templates to writing a home screen plugin. Visit http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb278109.aspx .

Cardinot said...

Ok, thanks very well!!!

Is it possible to update my LG KS20 windows mobile 6.0 to Windows mobile 6.1.
I would like to use transparent theme in this section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2051640
Do you know how to do updating?

Thanks a lot!

I try to update all iconbar with your method for all sub-menu and menu Windows mobile applications.

I don't undestand, how do you make so beautiful coloured icons? Tools you used?

Regards

Rinku said...

If your LGKS20 cam with WM6.0 then you will need to do a ROM flash to get WM6.1 on it. Honestly, I haven't explored that area yet.

It will be great if you find a way to update windows title bar icons.

I think I misunderstood you when you asked about tools. I created the icons using PaintShop Pro...wouldn't say I created them, just got them from the Shadow (and from other Windows Vista icon sources) and resized them!! Is that what you wanted to know?

Cardinot said...

Thanks again!

Your .CAB file is composed only XML files and icons customised files?
can i have your source files for example please?

Regards!

Patrick

Cardinot said...

I am looking documentation about extended title icon bar, anything on MSDN???
Where can I find documention?

Patrick

Cardinot said...

Hello Rinku!

After some searchs on Web, its seems that I find the solution to customised all icons from taskbar, for all applications, so look at:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa453686.aspx

What do you think about?

Patrick

Rinku said...

Patrick,

To my understanding, that function can be used if you want to add/modify/remove your own custom icons. I am not certain if you can overwrite OEM icons with it. Let me know if you think otherwise.

Cardinot said...

Rinku!

I don't think this, because they don't speak about custome isons in the description.
But there is not information about how to used "Extensible Title Bar Icons", where to find it???
So look at : http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1471601&SiteID=1

Cardinot said...

What do you think about this:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa932693.aspx

???

Seth Brower said...

Hey there Rinku, or anyone else who has resolved this issue.

First off thanks for a great hack that really improves the look of the Shadow overall.

I am running into the issue of the notification of dll use, ie not getting the popup. It was mentioned that notifications may be the issue, but for the life of me I can't recall where to change the settings to make sure I get the correct message to adjust, so I am stuck with the solid white top.

On top of that I made a goof in my install, back and forth attempts, and deleted the {837F... key, so I am at a place where I can't back up as easily.

If anyone can point me to the right place to make the notification pop up, or tell me what the original key & values were, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Seth B.

Seth Brower said...

You can disregard my last post.

After a bit more tinkering, I got it to work. Not quite sure what I did, but I am not complaining.

Anonymous said...

i dont know what to do on this part pleezzzz help me...im freaking out plllzzzzzz




4. Open CeRegistryEditor (or a registry editor of your choice). Right click on \HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID and create the new key {B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046}.

5. Right click on HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046} and create the new key InProcServer32.

6. Click on HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B06A8DAB-E148-40d5-BE8F-3C494ABF3046}\InProcServer32
and create a new string value (REG_SZ) entry: Value = iconbarplugin.dll . Check "Set as default key's value". The name of the key would automatically appear as Default.

7. Now download this plugin file - iconbarplugin.dll and copy it over to \Windows on your phone.

Anonymous said...

First off, thank you for a cool plug-in. I'm wondering if anyone has attempted to replace the standard top bar in the rest of Windows Mobile 6/6.1 with Rinku's plug-in. I don't think it's possible, but I would just love to replace the standard, default white icons.

Anonymous said...

Heyy Rinku i dont know if u might be able to answer this but if you could it would be really great.

i just recently recieved the T-Mobile shadow phone and after about 3 weeks of usage the entire phone screen just went completley white and thats it. It turns on and off and i can still call but nothing appears to be on the screen but just white.

Do you know what may be the problem? thanks[:

Rinku said...

April 4:

If you are not familiar with a registry editor then I suggest you head over to Freddy Reyes' website and search for the cab installer for the plugin. The installer will do all those for you.

April 18:
Chris,
I researched a lot for that. But nothing that gives me hope :(

April 19:
If its only the on-call screen that's white then probably the background images has been overwritten somehow. You need to replace them. You can download the original Neo theme from Freddy Reyes' website and that would fix it. If its more than that, then I am sorry. I certainly have no clue what could be the reason...a hard reset would solve the problem..perhaps!!

Anonymous said...

I installed the cab file from freddy reyes site, but i still dont have the colored icons up top. I'm lost. I also tried downloading the iconbarplugin.dll. I turn the phone off then on still nothing. I'm a beginner, what do i do next? Thanks.

Rinku said...

Jason,

Did you make the modifications to the theme XML file as well? The cab installer will not do those for you.

Anonymous said...

hey where do i find the CeRigistryEditor?

Unknown said...

Hi Rinku

Have you considered creating parameters in the plugin which can be called from inside the ~.home.xml (think about the standard wm6 unread messages)

That way, the iconbar icons can be selectively used for systems which have smaller screens (eg. 176 x 220).

Even better, the icon bar will not need to be at the top of the screen, but the plugin can be called multiple times all over the homescreen.

Anonymous said...

any chance this can be made to fit a landscape phone 320x240 i believe? i have the samsung blackjack II and cannot seem to get this to stretch all the way over the top of the screen.

thanks in advance.

Anonymous said...

Hello:

I love your icon set, but unfortunately I am on Sprint (Q9c) and cannot use the full potential of the data connection icons.

Is it possible to release a version that uses the small "E" icon (or a new Ev icon) for the presence and use of the high-speed EV-DO network?

Thanks very much!

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I forgot to finish. Also, possibly a generic SD card icon for the presence of memory cards in the phone?

Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Rinku -- After updating my Shadow to WM 6.1 (SOO much better than 6.0 for MANY reasons), I couldnt resist your icon bar. Installed it in a breeze, no problems at all.

But, is there a way to have the icon bar also show up through ALL the menu's? The Start Menu, and all others within? Ive searched a few oth XML files, but, cant find where the code sits...

Thx in Advance

Anonymous said...

Any plans to finish adding more icons to the bar?

Anonymous said...

Any plans to finish adding more icons to the bar?

Anonymous said...

Sorry about the double post?

Anonymous said...

Hey, I have a little problem with this iconbar, I installed it and everything but for some reason I can't see any icons I only see a white bar at the top of my screen. Any help would be great. Post something or email me at khang.nhd@gmail.com

-Khang

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