How do i install an ARM application onto my ppc?

[soupba]

I downloaded a bunch of games and they are all in ARM format. When i double click on the application nothing happens so, can anyone please tell me how i'm suppose to install an ARM application onto my pocket pc. I have windows CE by the way.

[Darius Wey]

Hi soupba, welcome to Pocket PC Thoughts.

I'd be assuming that when you say Windows CE, you are in fact just referring to the Pocket PC OS which is based upon Windows CE? If you could clarify this, then that would be great, since there are a couple of devices out there actually running Windows CE .NET.

You'll find that most developers release their software in two variations: in EXE or CAB format.

The EXE files are typically setup files designed to run on your PC, which then installs itself on your Pocket PC, over ActiveSync (which I'll assume you're familiar with - if you don't have it, you can find it here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/downloads/activesync37.mspx)). However, the CAB files are meant to be run on the Pocket PC, effectively allowing you to bypass the whole stage of installing files on your PC and using ActiveSync to install them. If what you have are CAB files in the ARM format, then all you need to do is open up File Explorer and tap on the relevant file. That will install the program to its default installation path. However, if you're after greater customisation, there's a free program called CabInstl which allows you to choose where you want the program to be installed. This is particularly handy if you wish to install the programs to a storage card since most programs install to the main memory, by default.

[Sven Johannsen]

What device you have is more useful. They are all WinCE, all released in the last two years are ARM.

There are three ways to get PPC software. Two as .exe, one as a .cab
The .cab you copy to your PPC and run it. It installs itself.

One kind of .exe is a Windows executable that starts an install routine to be run on your desktop. It open Active Sync program manger copies the .cab to your PPC and basically takes care of everything with a few questions to you.

The other .exe is a native PPC executable. Copy it to the PPC and run it to run the application. Put in some meaningful place, the programs directory, Built-in_Storage, or a Flash card. Make a shortcut to it in the Windows\Stat Menu\programs\games folder.

The latter two, if run on the wrong device, will just tell you so.

[soupba]

I understand the .exe and the .cab, but...

Sorry about not posting my ppc type: it is an HP ipaq 4105.

the folders that the games are under are named "ARM" the files inside all have the same icon to represent them. a maroon box with a green orb circling.

So far.
i've tried to open the file on my desktop computer (to see if it will install itself through activesync) and nothing happens.
when i copy the file onto my ipaq and try to open it it tells me that it isn't a valid pocket pc file.

[Darius Wey]

Sorry about not posting my ppc type: it is an HP ipaq 4105.

You mean an iPAQ h4150?

Do you know what the file extension of these files are? The way to check that is to open up My Computer, click Tools > Folder Options, then the View tab. From there, uncheck the box pertaining to "Hide extensions for known file types", and apply it to all folders. Now navigate to the folder where the file is in, and see what its file extension is.

[soupba]

surprisingly enough it says .exe on all the files.

i tried opening them on my desktop pc again and something seems to be "unpacking" itself but i don't know where those files are going. i can't find them anywhere.

you were right it is an h4150 sorry for the mishap

[Darius Wey]

surprisingly enough it says .exe on all the files.

I thought so. Firstly, what program is this, and secondly, do you have WinZip or WinRAR installed? The archive programs should allow you to extract the .EXE files to a folder of your choice using the right-click context menus.