Updated Microsoft Reader Now Available!

[chrisah]

An update Microsoft Reader (v. 2.4.1) is now available at http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.asp.

What's new?
Windows Mobile 5.0 activation support
Ability to install Reader to removable media and retain ability to activate without copying files.
Ability to install Reader to removable media without having to copy font files
Shortcuts are now created at install time assuring that the shortcut points to your install on removable media.

Anything that I need to know before I install?

On WM 5.0 you will notice that you will now have the choice about where to install the activation CAB that is downloaded during activation. Use the device location or activation will not be sucessful.

Existing ROM installations are proving difficult to work around and so it is recommended that you hold off installing until we have defined steps established early next week.

If you encounter any issues with this release please feel free to post here or reply to me offline and I will do my best to assist you. Please expect a 48-72 hour turn around.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Thanks!

[MarcFou]

Many thanks to the MS Reader team! :werenotworthy: :clap:

[chrisah]

I just wanted to post an additional note reminding folks that they should remember to take any previous Reader install attempts off their machines (both PPC install on desktop and on PPC). Follow these instructions and you should be clear to install the new version.

On the desktop go to Control Panel | add/remove programs
Find the Microsoft Reader for PPC install entry
Click on modify/uninstall
Close add/remove and control panel
Cradle device
Open ActiveSync and sync the device
Go to Tools | Add/Remove programs
Select the Reader and go to the Remove all section at the bottom
Click remove
Once the release has disappeared from the program listing close the add/remove programs dialog
Go to http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.asp
Click on the setup.exe
Choose “run” and follow the install instructions.
Attempt to activate

You can check your Reader version by opening Reader and going to Settings | About Microsoft Reader. It should be 2.4.1 (build 5323)

If you run into problems please post back here or email me offline and I will do my best to assist you.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Boinger]

I have installed the version available at the link provided. It comes up as 'Microsoft Reader Version 2.4 (Build 5070)' after install on my iMate Jasjar. Is this 2.4.1? If so, it doesn't support my WM5.0 device at activation. I receive the 'Activation Error. You have an older version of Pocket PC which does not support Activation. Activation requires Pocket PC 2002 or later' message

I went ahead and uninstalled it and re-installed the version I downloaded on 10/29 and lo and behold: 'Microsoft Reader Version 2.4 (Build 5070)'. It appears that the link at http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.asp has not been updated yet.

Can this be fixed to where version 2.4.1 is actually downloaded?

Thanks,
Boinger

[MarcFou]

2.4.1 is the download. Using it now. I installed it directly to my SD card (fonts, guide book etc.)

Perhaps you did not fully remove it from your device? Also. Activation fails for me as well. But we'll wait for the fix.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Boinger's right - I compared the downloaded file with the 2.4 installer I have. the two files are identical in size, and have the same digital signature.

[chrisah]

Boinger - Try my steps for completely removing the Reader from your system before trying to install the new version.

Obviously if your Reader is in ROM this is not possible which is why I am recommending that any users with MS Reader in their ROM not attempt to upgrade at this time until we can release official work around steps (early next week)

If after using these steps you continue to experience problems please post back here or email me offline and I will do my best to assist you.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[chrisah]

All:

The digital signature should be dated Nov. 21. The previous version of Reader was digitally signed March 24.

Can someone validate their install by saving the install to their desktop and viewing the signature?

In the new install you should also see an update version number in the license agreement (2.4.1)

I want to make sure that the right version is available all around not just on a hit or miss basis.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Perhaps you did not fully remove it from your device? Also. Activation fails for me as well. But we'll wait for the fix.

Activation failing means it's most likely 2.4 - that's what I got the first time I tried installing 2.4 on a card.

[Boinger]

Yes, I removed it from my computer and Jasjar. I tried it again as detailed above and I still have Build 5070. This is after yet another download of the file. The file version is even the same as the old one I downloaded (both are 2.11.15.0).

MarcFou, what is your build number and file version?

[Boinger]

Digital signature is Tuesday, March 22, 2005 4:22:12 PM. License agreement is version 2.4.

Where is the new version?

[chrisah]

Download location should be http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.asp

To make sure that you are getting the right version when you are prompted to run or save, chose save and once complete right mouse click on the file and check the properties.

The file itself should be dated 11/21/05 if it is dated anything other than that it is not the correct version. If it is the correct version then try the install and let me know how it goes.

Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Boinger]

I went ahead and deleted the copy on my desktop and downloaded it from the link above for the 4th time. It is digitally signed for March 22.

Please try and download from the link above to confirm.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

I got the correct file now - seems I needed to use IE to download the right one. I used Firefox the first time.

Edit: BTW the correct file size is 2.28MB, digital signature is dated Nov 22, 2005. I've run the installer - it correctly states 2.4.1 on the EULA.

[MarcFou]

Rest assured I have 2.4.1 downloaded and installed. Not activated however. When I try to activate in IE 6 WinXP SP1 the page just flashes for a split second and goes to the error page. The activating page loads and redirects me so quickly I cant even read a single word on the page.

More than likely its a security setting on my end. But here is my screenshot of 2.4.1 with the build number.

http://www.4input.com/reader2.jpg

[Boinger]

I actually managed to get the right file by using ThunderHawk on my PDA. I know ThunderHawk uses different root servers than RoadRunner (Time Warner) cable so it is possible that the root servers that service Time Warner have not been updated. This happened a few months ago for about a week.

Thanks for everyone's help. Time to test it out.

Boinger

[chrisah]

Rest assured I have 2.4.1 downloaded and installed. Not activated however. When I try to activate in IE 6 WinXP SP1 the page just flashes for a split second and goes to the error page. The activating page loads and redirects me so quickly I cant even read a single word on the page.

More than likely its a security setting on my end. But here is my screenshot of 2.4.1 with the build number.

http://www.4input.com/reader2.jpg

Marc:

Try temporarily setting your IE security to Medium-low and making sure that you have set your browser to accept downloads on the advanced page.

Let me know if this does not resolve your issue and I will do my best to assist you.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[MarcFou]

Marc:

Try temporarily setting your IE security to Medium-low and making sure that you have set your browser to accept downloads on the advanced page.

Let me know if this does not resolve your issue and I will do my best to assist you.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader TeamThanks. But its still didnt work. I am using Activesync 4.0 and ipaq hx2415 with the Windows Mobile 5 upgrade.

Windows firewall disabled. AV also disabled. Is it possible to activate directly from the ipaq using tcpip?

Thanks for your help.

[MarcFou]

Also when I try to activate my desktop I get this error page telling me...

"Currently each Passport is granted 6 Activations. That means you can only activate 6 different devices. You can reactivate the same device as many times as you want.

If you format your computer's hard drive or you add new hardware to your computer, it may appear to be a different computer to the Activation process. Therefore, it may count twice against this Activation limit."

[Boinger]

OK, tried out the correct version. Downloaded fine to the storage, version was correct. Learned that I can't install the activation on the storage card. Well, I unistalled the activation from the card, but left Reader on the storage card. I re-installed activation into main memory and it worked. 204K to main memory! Ouch!

I tested the only DRM'd book I own and it now works again. Yeah!

Time for Boinger to go to bed because I have to be at work at 6am tomorrow. Yes, even on Thanksgiving day...

Boinger out.

[chrisah]

The number of activations available error is telling you that you have used all of your available activations.

Visit http://das.microsoft.com/activate/en-us/extraDefault.asp to request an two extra activations, once they are granted you should be able to activate both your desktop and possibly your PPC. I say this as it is possible that your desktop issues are causing conflicts with your PPC device.

Let me know if you have issues with any of this process and I will see what I can do to help expedite a resolution where I can.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[MarcFou]

I submitted the form and was granted one extra activation - but it failed on my pocket pc.

I do appreciate your help. Have a happy thanks giving and remember that this is issue is not preventing me from normal application usage. So enjoy the holiday and we'll get this resolved sooner or later.

[chrisah]

I submitted the form and was granted one extra activation - but it failed on my pocket pc.

I do appreciate your help. Have a happy thanks giving and remember that this is issue is not preventing me from normal application usage. So enjoy the holiday and we'll get this resolved sooner or later.

Thanks Marc! You have a great holiday and when you get a chance send me an offline message with exact behavior and device specs so that we can work toward a resolution for you. By solving one users issues it oftem solves many.

Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Mr. PPC]

Still only get version 2.4 when downloading from MS site. :(

[corrosive]

Installed and runs OK on my iPaq 3970, but now I've activated it says it's "Activated for Microsoft Reader" where on previous versions it had my Passport address.

[chrisah]

Installed and runs OK on my iPaq 3970, but now I've activated it says it's "Activated for Microsoft Reader" where on previous versions it had my Passport address.

Corrosive:

This is by design. In order to remain compatibile with Passport 3.0 we needed to make this change. Access to your content should still remain available. It is just the name imprinted on your Reader that has changed.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Mr. PPC]

Installed latest version, but I can't activate it.

Brand new device, no previous versions of reader etc. I changed my settings to MEDIUM-LOW in IE and still nothing. It activated my desktop fine, just says the following:

You have an older version of Pocket PC which does not support Activation. Activation requires Pocket PC 2002 or later.

Any ideas?

[tewmgd]

Same problem here, Activation Error with the old OS error message.

I lowered my security setting to low, I even add das.microsoft.com to my trusted sites. But what about the setting "download on advanced page", what is it ? I delete temp files and even the activeX class object ...

I buy my books on fictionwise.com, I think I'll switch to MobiPocket Reader. MS Reader is such ....

[chrisah]

Installed latest version, but I can't activate it.

Brand new device, no previous versions of reader etc. I changed my settings to MEDIUM-LOW in IE and still nothing. It activated my desktop fine, just says the following:

You have an older version of Pocket PC which does not support Activation. Activation requires Pocket PC 2002 or later.

Any ideas?

Mr. PPC and tewmgd:

Can you look to see if you have a version of Microsoft Reader installed into your ROM? Also can you tell me what devices you have?

We are currently developing work around steps for those with a ROM Reader installed and should have these released early next week. If this is not the case please look to see if you have the hidden file udhid.dll in the \windows directory. This is the file that activation looks for to qualify your operating system.

The more details I have the more quickly I can try and get you to a resolution.

Thank you,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[tewmgd]

Device : K-JAM
MS Reader was not pre-installed in ROM
udhid.dll is under Windows folder (not hidden but archive file)

[DaleReeck]

I have an i-Mate Universal and I fear the same message you are getting on your K-JAM. But I can't check yet because I keep getting "the activation server is offline - please try later" message. You've got to be kidding me. I waited two months for MS to support WM5 devices and now I get this :evil:

[Mr. PPC]

Installed latest version, but I can't activate it.

Brand new device, no previous versions of reader etc. I changed my settings to MEDIUM-LOW in IE and still nothing. It activated my desktop fine, just says the following:

You have an older version of Pocket PC which does not support Activation. Activation requires Pocket PC 2002 or later.

Any ideas?

Mr. PPC and tewmgd:

Can you look to see if you have a version of Microsoft Reader installed into your ROM? Also can you tell me what devices you have?

We are currently developing work around steps for those with a ROM Reader installed and should have these released early next week. If this is not the case please look to see if you have the hidden file udhid.dll in the \windows directory. This is the file that activation looks for to qualify your operating system.

The more details I have the more quickly I can try and get you to a resolution.

Thank you,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

K-jam as well. No Reader in the ROM.

[Mr. PPC]

I have an i-Mate Universal and I fear the same message you are getting on your K-JAM. But I can't check yet because I keep getting "the activation server is offline - please try later" message. You've got to be kidding me. I waited two months for MS to support WM5 devices and now I get this :evil:

I understand your frustration, but it was only just released. With the help of Chrisah, who we greatly appreciate helping us, I am more than happy to wait a little bit. At least I know someone at MS is actually aware of it personaly and is trying to fix it.

[chrisah]

Mr. PPC:

I recently received a reply on another newsgroup from someone with similar symptoms. They were able to get it working by following my instructions for removal from both OS and PPC, installing the new version and then activating prior to doing the required soft reset. If they soft reset prior to activating they were not able to activate.

Can you give this a try and see if this resolves your situation?

Thanks in advance,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Mr. PPC]

I only have reader installed on PPC, will uninstall via Add/Remove.

Once uninstalled, I'll reset device then re-install and try to activate before resetting again.

Won't be long...

[Mr. PPC]

Doing exactly same thing to DL file as last night, getting v2.4. :(

I'll keep trying...

[Mr. PPC]

Nope, Nada, Nyet

Tried a bunch of different ways; reboot desktop after/before, reset/don't reset PPC, combos of those.

[ChristopherTD]

I just downloaded (using IE) and got 2.4.1

It installed correctly, and either the default font setting has changed to "small" or they have slightly reduced the font size. In any case it seems to fit more on a page, which is good!

Meanwhile, my laptop refuses to open any DRM books. It activates correctly, then loses the setting, and is now (again) claiming that I have used up my activation quota. This is, of course, nonsense, as the machine was successfully activated a few weeks ago, and has had no hardware changes since then. Bizarrely the Web tool used to check that you have the latest version of Reader (for the PC) says it is up to date and activated. I can download DRM books from Fictionwise, which requires an activated copy of Reader. I just can't read them on the PC! A very flaky process indeed.

[jngold_me]

Same issue with Activation here also (on K-JAM). I followed Christine's instructions to the "T" and I am still unable to activate.

[chrisah]

I only have reader installed on PPC, will uninstall via Add/Remove.

Once uninstalled, I'll reset device then re-install and try to activate before resetting again.

Won't be long...

Mr. PPC and All:

Please note that even if you only have a PPC install that you will still have an entry in your desktop add/remove programs. This is NOT the desktop Reader. This is a separate entry that specifically says that it is the "Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC". This will cache your previous PPC install and prevent you from getting the correct updated components until it is removed.

Each of the steps that I outlined are important and should be followed to make sure that you are starting with a clean machine. Especially if you hard set your device. Just because everything is off your device it does not mean that it is off the desktop. Remember the setup is initiated on the desktop and so it helpfully tries to help you recover by caching these items for easy reinstall.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[chrisah]

I just downloaded (using IE) and got 2.4.1

It installed correctly, and either the default font setting has changed to "small" or they have slightly reduced the font size. In any case it seems to fit more on a page, which is good!

Meanwhile, my laptop refuses to open any DRM books. It activates correctly, then loses the setting, and is now (again) claiming that I have used up my activation quota. This is, of course, nonsense, as the machine was successfully activated a few weeks ago, and has had no hardware changes since then. Bizarrely the Web tool used to check that you have the latest version of Reader (for the PC) says it is up to date and activated. I can download DRM books from Fictionwise, which requires an activated copy of Reader. I just can't read them on the PC! A very flaky process indeed.

ChristopherTD:

We have been experiencing some issues with our activation servers due to the large volume of folks that are trying to upgrade/activate. I have sent mail to our activation server support team and hopefully they will have this resolved later this afternoon. I recommend trying to reactivate again at that time.

Thank you for your continued patience,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[jamesbe2759]

Many thanks to the MS Reader team! :werenotworthy: :clap:
Whoop-De-Dooooo. Too bad the link to activate is broken. Typical MS
upgrade. :pukeface:

[mehuebs]

Once I read all the way through this thread, I was able to install 2.4.1 by:

1) Removing Reader from my Pocket PC
2) Removing Reader via the Active Sync Add/Remove Programs, Remove all option
3) Removing Reader from Settings/Control Panel/Add or Remove Program
4) Downloading the software from Microsoft - be sure to do it from the page that says "Updated: November 23, 2005".
5) Following the prompts during the installation
6) Activating BEFORE the soft reset
7) Clicking "Activate" again after getting the "server busy" response

Best of luck!

Miriam

[jngold_me]

5:10 PM EST and still not able to Activate.

This rollout is bad news.

[chrisah]

5:10 PM EST and still not able to Activate.

This rollout is bad news.

Jngold_me:

I can see how you might feel that way. Here is a complete list of instructions for removing and installing MS Reader. Please read it carefully and make sure that you have performed ALL steps. The list of installed file locations and registry settings should serve as a means of assuring that you have indeed removed the components as specified.

Here are complete removal instructions for the Microsoft Reader and DRM components.

To Remove from desktop (IMPORTANT - Even with PPC installs you still have a desktop component installed that needs to be removed)

On the desktop go to Control Panel | add/remove programs
Find the Microsoft Reader for PPC install entry
Click on modify/uninstall
Close add/remove and control panel

Make sure that there are no entries on your desktop in C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync for:

"Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC"
"Microsoft Activation"

To Remove from Device (IMPORTANT - Your new install will not be successful unless you have done a Remove all, chosing the other method will not removed the cached version of Reader setup)

Cradle device
Open ActiveSync and sync the device
Go to Tools | Add/Remove programs
Select the Reader and go to the Remove all section at the bottom
Click remove
Once the release has disappeared from the program listing close the add/remove programs dialog
Verify that the files and registry entries listed below have been removed from your device.
Go to http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.asp
Click on the setup.exe
Choose “run” and follow install instructions up to the soft reset
Do NOT soft reset
Attempt to activate
Delete the litpath.lpt file (hidden)located in your My Library folder
Attempt to open DRM content

To verify that the install has been removed these should no longer be on your device or removable media.

Files installed by the Reader:

aud_file.dll
d_aud1.dll
dmgr.dll
dmgr-dll.dll
dmgr-dll.sig
ebookfx.dll
ebookfx-dll.sig
ebriched.dll
ebriched-dll.sig
eula.txt
guidebook.lit
msls31.dll
msls31-dll.sig
msreader.exe
msreader-exe.sig
msreader-exe-manifest.sig
pid.txt
player_dll.dll
utils.dll
Microsoft Reader.unload

Files installed by Activation(assure that these files are removed from your system prior to any activation effort):

secrepid.dat
secrep.dat
secrep.dll
secrep.xml
Microsoft Activation.unload

Registry settingson PPC:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBook
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBookEBO
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\DRM
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\EBook
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\EBook

If you still encounter problems after checking EACH of these items and making sure that they have been removed before installing please feel free to email me offline and I will do my best to assist you in resolving your issue.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[jngold_me]

Once again, followed all directions to the "T" - still no go (still says I have an older version). I am very familar with Registry navigation and I made sure all entries were deleted, files were deleted, and performed a soft reset before the reinstall. I don't have the reader installed on my PC. After an XP uninstall of the Reader for the PC and removal of the software on the PPC, I rebooted my PC and soft-reset (once again) my PPC.

Please PM me your email addy.

Thanks so much for your time and patience in this matter.

[tewmgd]

Same problem here I can't activate my reader on ppc, just got the same error (old os detected)

Matthieu

[chrisah]

Note: One file that didn't make it to the list is udhid.dll.

Many folks have copied this file to the \windows directory for previous installs. Please make sure that you have removed this hidden file. If you have two of this file it seems to want to use the old one that does not have the same file priveledges that the second one does and will not allow activesync to hand off the qualifying os information to the activation component.

If you continue to have issue beyond what I have posted please PM me and I will do my best to assist you further.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Mr. PPC]

No go for me as well, using K-Jam too. I am going to try one more time.

Dave

[Mr. PPC]

Didn't work.

[jngold_me]

Same here. I have tried everything including Christine's last PM to me which was to delete the older Udhid.dll file.

This is way too much trouble to go thru. Looks like I will get myself another ebook solution.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

FWIW, I didn't bother activating at all, just uninstalled reader on both PC and PPC, then re-installed reader on my PPC to a storage card. I didn't have any problems at all opening any of my DRM books, including some I got last month.

[chrisah]

All:

There are a number of you who have tried the troubleshooting steps to a "T" and are still not being able to successfully activate. Please look in your \windows directory on your device and see if you have a file called OEMinfo.xml. If you are missing this file the activation check using udhid.dll will not work.

If you are missing this file you can either contact me offline and I will send you the file (you just have to drop it in the \windows directory and soft reset before attempting activation again) or you can contact our toll free tech support number 1-866-834-8317 and they can send you a copy of this file and assist you with installation and validation that this resolves the issue.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[tewmgd]

I got the file and it works on my K-JAM : I activated my reader on ppc and I can open my DRM protected ebooks ! Great !

Thx Christine for your help,

Matthieu

[jag]

Hello:

After following Christine's last recommendation (OEMinfo.xml in Windows, which she sent to me very fast), I finally was able to activate MS Reader, after installing on a Storage Card, using WM5 on an Ipaq hx2755.

Thank you very much, Christine.

[chrisah]

I am so glad that this is working for so many people now. Another helpful hint for those missing this file -- if you have a device that is from the same manufacturer you can also copy this file from the older device and apply it to your new device.

Just copy to the \windows directory, soft reset and try activating again.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[clibera]

Cannot install MSreaderPPC 2.4.1 on my Dell Axim X5
PPC2002

There is a ROM version on my Axim.

I had upgraded before but it does not appear to work this time.

The installation appears to go through with no apparent errors. The activation works ok. When I open MS reader and look at its version it says. 2.0....

Is there a problem with installing this version?

Thanks

[chrisah]

Cannot install MSreaderPPC 2.4.1 on my Dell Axim X5
PPC2002

There is a ROM version on my Axim.

I had upgraded before but it does not appear to work this time.

The installation appears to go through with no apparent errors. The activation works ok. When I open MS reader and look at its version it says. 2.0....

Is there a problem with installing this version?

Thanks

Clibera:

Without knowing where you installed your new version I'm guessing that it didn't overwrite the ROM shortcuts to the Reader and that you will need to create a new one. If you go to the location where you installed your new version of the Reader and tap on the msreader.exe file you should get the correct version of the Reader and will be able to verify whether or not your activation has carried over (it should).

Should you be successful with this you will only need to create a new shortcut for your updated Reader and mark it appropriately so that it doesn't get confused with the older one. If you find that things are still not working out please feel free to contact our toll free support line mentioned earlier in this thread.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[clibera]

Thanks for the reply.

But the program does not appear to have installed anywhere, I have looked everywhere to try to find the new msreader but it exists nowhere. The shortcut still points to windows/msreader.

There is no listing in the Remove Programs list.

If I try to install to a memory card it simply copies the cab file to that location. And running the cab file appears to install but there is no program anywhere.

So I am still stuck.

[ReDeVil]

i own a hp6300 series ipaq with microsoft reader pre-installed in its ROM.
from earlier posts its was stated that a fix/upgrade will be provided for users in this situation. will this be an installer that takes up more ram/rom or can i direct the installation files to my storage card? any clues?

appreciate any help provided, thanks

[aroma]

Here's a question for ya:

I've installed 2.4.1 and succesfully actived. (Shows v2.4.1 build 5323.) I can run Reader. ANd I can even open up the Help file. I've copied over some books to my PPC, both "Secure" books and freebies. Can't get them to show up in the "Library" and if I try to click on one to open, it gives an error that it cannot be oppened because it is not signed with a trusted certificate or one of it's components cannot be found.

Any suggestions?

[chrisah]

i own a hp6300 series ipaq with microsoft reader pre-installed in its ROM.
from earlier posts its was stated that a fix/upgrade will be provided for users in this situation. will this be an installer that takes up more ram/rom or can i direct the installation files to my storage card? any clues?

appreciate any help provided, thanks

ReDeViL:

Any fix will likely take the form of workaround steps. When the 2.4.1 Reader installs it should be installing to a new default location on your device. It should be installing to the \My Device\Program Files\Microsoft Reader folder. If you tap on the msreader.exe you should be getting the correct version of the Reader. Any previous activation should "just work" for the new Reader. The shortcut however, in your start menu and your programs listing can't be overwritten, you so will need to create a new shortcut in your \windows\start menu\programs directorywith a name that is meaningful to you that points to the new install.

If you encounter any issues or you need further assistance please feel free to call our toll free support number for additional support - 1-866-834-8317.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Scalpel]

I have an Imate JasJar current Rom version.

I can install Microsoft Reader, AND was eventually able to get the activation page to recognise my JasJar (following the above instructions). The activation files were installed on my SD storage card, NOT the internal memory, as was the reader.

I have the OEMinfo file.

BUT - despite supposedly being activated, the reader on the JasJar still thinks it is not activated, even after a reset.

Any ideas - Another great microsoft product - not!

I will try uninstalling everything and installing the activation cab onto the internal memory, rather than my storage memory - this is not a great solution as it just wastes the essential operating memory on the machine.


And microsoft wonders why people pirate E-Books.

DRM sucks big time

[Scalpel]

I have an Imate JasJar current Rom version.

I can install Microsoft Reader, AND was eventually able to get the activation page to recognise my JasJar (following the above instructions). The activation files were installed on my SD storage card, NOT the internal memory, as was the reader.

I have the OEMinfo file.

BUT - despite supposedly being activated, the reader on the JasJar still thinks it is not activated, even after a reset.

Any ideas - Another great microsoft product - not!

I will try uninstalling everything and installing the activation cab onto the internal memory, rather than my storage memory - this is not a great solution as it just wastes the essential operating memory on the machine.


And microsoft wonders why people pirate E-Books.

DRM sucks big time


Finally after uninstalling both the activation, the PPC installation, and the PC installer, then reinstalling everything again, this time with the activation installer on the internal memory ................. it worked.


Cant Microsoft release a version that doesn't require a masters degree in computer science to install?? This is completely ridiculous. The average punter is going to just give up.

The Toll Free number is not so attractive for us in Australia either.

J.

[MarcFou]

If you have the option\choice the activation files need to be installed to the device. Installing the activation files to a storage card wont activate MS Reader.

[Cethlenn]

I have to say that I'm having the same problem as clibera:

Cannot install MSreaderPPC 2.4.1 on my Dell Axim X5
PPC2002

There is a ROM version on my Axim.

I had upgraded before but it does not appear to work this time.

The installation appears to go through with no apparent errors. The activation works ok. When I open MS reader and look at its version it says. 2.0....

I have done everything, including a new flash of the ROM on my Axim. Version 2.4.1 pretends to install, but the only thing it does, is put the installation .exe file onto the Pocket PC, but does not actually install the reader itself. This is a nightmare. I had a battery failure or I would never have discovered this problem. I have a few hundred dollars worth of secure e-books from Fictionwise that I can no longer read on my Axim.

Where can I get the 2.3 version?

[clibera]

Thank you Cethleen!

(I still have not solved my problem)

I thought I was doing something idiotic that someone would point out.

I too would like to go back to the previous version of MSREAder to be able to read by secure ebooks

clibera

[chrisah]

I have to say that I'm having the same problem as clibera:

Cannot install MSreaderPPC 2.4.1 on my Dell Axim X5
PPC2002

There is a ROM version on my Axim.

I had upgraded before but it does not appear to work this time.

The installation appears to go through with no apparent errors. The activation works ok. When I open MS reader and look at its version it says. 2.0....

I have done everything, including a new flash of the ROM on my Axim. Version 2.4.1 pretends to install, but the only thing it does, is put the installation .exe file onto the Pocket PC, but does not actually install the reader itself. This is a nightmare. I had a battery failure or I would never have discovered this problem. I have a few hundred dollars worth of secure e-books from Fictionwise that I can no longer read on my Axim.

Where can I get the 2.3 version?

Cethlenn:

If you go to your \my Device\program files\Microsoft Reader directory and tap on the MSreader.exe file do you get the correct reader? If so you need to create a new shortcut in your \wiindows\start menu\programs directory that points to this new executable. You will need to name the new shortcut something meaningful so that you can distinguish the two.

The problem is that you can't overwrite something in ROM which the shortcut is. By creating a new shortcut you are just pointing to the correct version. The install itself should be ok because we install to a different location now. We used to install directly to the \windows directory which is where your ROM version of the Reader is.

If you have any further issues or this does not resolve the problem please contact me offline and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Cethlenn]

Hi,

The problem is, the new msreader.exe file doesn't exist anywhere, the only one that exists is the original.

I don't mind creating a new shortcut, but I can't even get the program on there. The only file that ends up on my pocket pc is the "Microsoft Reader.CAB" file.

I have to say that it's not that I don't like MSReader, I've loved the program ever since I started using it, and until the battery failure I've had no problems whatsoever, but the 2.4.1 version is simply not installing onto my handheld.

Cethlenn

[MarcFou]

What other people have done in your situation is (1) uninstall reader from Desktop. (2) Uninstall from PPC. (3) Manualy delete all the reader files from the device.

Here is a list of the files that need to be removed...

Aud_File.dll
bkdings.ttf
D_Aud1.dll
DASShp.dll
Dmgr.dll
Dmgr-dll.sig
ebook.htm
ebookfx.dll
ebookfx-dll.sig
ebriched.dll
ebriched-dll.sig
ebshop.htm
frutbd.ttf
frutiger.ttf
frutit.ttf
guidebook.lit
msls31.dll
msls31-dll.sig
msrcesetup.dll
msreader.exe
msreader-exe.sig
msreader-exe-manifest.sig
Player_dll.dll
pts.dat
udhid.dll
Utils.dll

After deleting those files do a soft reset. Install MS Reader via ActiveSync.

[Ann]

I bought an ebook – Microsoft reader version – from Amazon about 11 months ago. Since then, I purchased a new PPC. Last night, I upgraded to the the new reader version on PPC and desktop and then activated them both – that part went well (after several tried of getting the newest version). I now cannot open my book !! – the book is there, in my library, but will not open - message says I do not have access - I need to re-activate my program. I decided to do a fresh download of the book and then reinstall it. Amazon told me that I only have 60 days from the date of purchase to download and they will NOT allow me to download again even after I explained my situation – new PPC.

I give up! This should not be so HARD. I purchased the book, I am entitled to have it, I am not trying to cheat anyone. I will not buy another Microsoft reader book again, nor will I buy from Amazon again! I will uninstall the reader program tonight. This is ridiculous!!! I will stick with ebooks.com. Too bad, I buy a lot of books and they have lost a good customer!

[Cethlenn]

Because those files are part of the ROM, I cannot remove them.

I've done the following things:

1. Made sure my PC was clean
2. Hard Reset the handheld
3. Updated the ROM on the handheld

I'm using a Dell Axim v5 on Windows CE 2002

The only file that ever actually gets installed is the .cab file.

Ceth

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Have you tried clicking directly on the *.cab file?

[Cethlenn]

Yup :)

It says "installing.. blah blah" then nothing

It's mostly just weird. I'd be happy if I could just get the previous release, normally I keep a backup on my hard drive, but I deleted it apparently.

Of course, I use the e-reader every day so it's been rather frustrating.

Ceth

[clibera]

I agree with Cethlenn. That is exactly what is happening. There is no other place that the new MSReader installs to (I have looked thru every directory to try to find it)

[clibera]

I have also tried clicking directly on the .cab file with no difference in result. It pretends to install but does not.

[MarcFou]

I bought an ebook – Microsoft reader version – from Amazon about 11 months ago. Since then, I purchased a new PPC. Last night, I upgraded to the the new reader version on PPC and desktop and then activated them both – that part went well (after several tried of getting the newest version). I now cannot open my book !!

I cant promise this will work, but its worth a try. On your pocket pc, open the My Documents folder. Go to the Annotations folder and delete the files. Soft reset and try opening your book.

You wont lose your existing books.

For your desktop computer repeat the same procedure as above.

[MarcFou]

Because those files are part of the ROM, I cannot remove them.I dont know much about Dell's, but do you mean to say that Dell actually included MS Reader in the ROM image?

If thats really the case then you'll need to wait for Dell to release a ROM update that includes the new version of MS Reader.

I had a thought though. Do you have a memory card (CF or SD) that you can install MS Reader to? The new version supports storage card installs.

[Cethlenn]

Hi Marc,

Yup, Dell included MS Reader as part of the Windows system that's preinstalled. However, until this version of the reader (2.4.1) I've been able to install the new versions no problem. It's only since 2.4.1 that there's been a problem.

This is why I'd prefer to get a copy of 2.3, which I know works (that'll teach me not to keep backups of files like that)

I've tried installing in the default location, internal storage location, SD card and CF card, no matter where I chose, the same problem happens.

There's no way Dell will issue a new ROM that includes MS Reader I'm afraid, they'd rather tell me to buy a new handheld and mine is still working beautifully except for this new problem.

Ceth

[clibera]

Even though Msreader is in the Dell Rom I have always been able to upgrade MSreader, I had 2.3 prior to attempting to install this latest version.

[Cethlenn]

Normally Microsoft leaves previous versions of software up in the archive so that you can download it if you have problems, I think Reader is the only program I've seen where they didn't do that.

:(

[Nurhisham Hussein]

AFAIK, from WM2003SE onwards, MS Reader is not included in any ROM.

[Cethlenn]

That makes sense, they probably realized it was a problem, plus, it semi-restricts people who prefer different programs.

Sadly, I'm on 2002.

Ceth

[MarcFou]

I found a copy of MS Reader version 2.2.2 on an old backup cd I have. Let me know if you want it.

[Cethlenn]

I would love it!

Not sure of the best way to get it, let me know if you have a suggestion.

Ceth

[Cethlenn]

As frustrating as it may be, looks like it's not just us Axim users having the problem. I saw some posts on Google Groups from a Viewsonic and an IPaq user.

Ceth

[MarcFou]

I would love it!

Not sure of the best way to get it, let me know if you have a suggestion.

Ceth

Download it here: http://www.4input.com/MS%20Reader%20v2.2.2.exe

Let me know if you have any problems with it. The file size is 2.20 MB's

[Cethlenn]

You're an Angel!

:D

I've got the file, sent you a PM with my FTP server, you can ignore that!

Thanks again!

[clibera]

MarcFou

Thank you very much. :)
I just downloaded the file, installed it, activated MSReader and now all my secure books open. There were no issues.

I don't think I will upgrade for a while (maybe never on my PPC2002)

Microsoft, looks like there is a serious deficiency in 2.4.1!

[MarcFou]

I'm so happy that you were able to get the problem solved. :wink:

[chrisah]

To all who are trying to upgrade a ROM install:

Please remember that because the shortcuts are part of ROM you will NOT be able to overwrite them with the new installer (this was the same before this release). You have always had to create new shortcuts to the new Reader. This has not changed. Before giving up the ghost and saying "This doesn't work" Please go to the location where the 2.4.1 Reader is installed and tap on the msreader.exe file. If that Reader doesn't work then there is an issue. If however it does work, then all you should need to do is create a new shortcut to the new exe (default installs will install to \my device\program files\microsoft reader ) and name it with a name that identifies it as the new Reader.

If you find that this does not work please email me offline so that I can gather more information to seek a resolution to this issue.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[clibera]

Christine,

This does NOT work.

The point myself and others have made is that there is no place where the new MSreader 2.4.1 installs. It simply fails to install anything (except the .CAB file)

Note that when I re-installed the earlier 2.2.2 I did not have to recreate shortcuts or do anything else to get the new installation to work. It installed seamlessly the way it was supposed to.

Hope this clarifies this issue. If 2.4.1 can be fixed I will try to install it again, however I am not giving up my (kindly donated) 2.2.2!

[chrisah]

Christine,

This does NOT work.

The point myself and others have made is that there is no place where the new MSreader 2.4.1 installs. It simply fails to install anything (except the .CAB file)

Note that when I re-installed the earlier 2.2.2 I did not have to recreate shortcuts or do anything else to get the new installation to work. It installed seamlessly the way it was supposed to.

Hope this clarifies this issue. If 2.4.1 can be fixed I will try to install it again, however I am not giving up my (kindly donated) 2.2.2!

Clibera:

Clarification received and understood. This now gives me a different direction to take my repro's so I appreciate the info. I will keep the group posted as I find out more information regarding this issue.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[chrisah]

All:

Some of you have posted that when you tap on a .lit file that it does not open the Reader but instead you get a message telling you that it can't find the program or that the program is not signed. After some research we have discovered a small syntactical error in the registry and have a resolution to this:

Open Notepad on your desktop.
Copy and paste the following into the notepad window:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBook\Shell\Open\Command]
@="\"\Program Files\\Microsoft Reader\\MSReader.exe\" \"%1\""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBook\Shell\Open\Command]
@="\"\Program Files\\Microsoft Reader\\MSReader.exe\" \"%1\""

Save the file with a .reg extension (e.g. something like ReaderOpen.reg)
Move or copy this file onto your device
Tap on the file on your device.
This should install the fix

If you should encounter further issues or you require further assistance (e.g. don't feel comfortable creating files for this purpose) please feel free to contact me offline.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Christine, what would be the syntax for Registry Editor 4? I've got Tascal Regedit, and it doesn't except the Editor 5 format.

[chrisah]

Christine, what would be the syntax for Registry Editor 4? I've got Tascal Regedit, and it doesn't except the Editor 5 format.

Ah, you caught me! Since I posted this I have been corrected regarding my syntax. I believe that the syntax for 4 was "Regedit4" at least that is what my 4.0 reg files are tagged with.

My revised suggestion (as it requires folks to be less tech savvy), would be to get an app like Resco Explorer and let them do the file association for you without the hassle of having to mess with the registry.

Many apologies for the confusion.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

DISCLAIMER: Any mention of 3rd party software in this post is not a recommendation by Microsoft but rather a reference of software that is familiar to the writer of this post.

[juni]

Quick question: I activated it and it worked fine.

The "About" says: Activated for Microsoft Reader

Not "Activated for <my email address>" any more. Is this ok?

[Nurhisham Hussein]

So does mine juni - it's fine.

[bzymom]

:(
I just got a new hp Ipaq hx2700 series running PPC2003 and windows CE 5.0. It does not come with Reader pre-installed. I downloaded the latest .exe file from the link on the MS Reader site, uninstalled all the old PPC reader files from my hard drive and did a clean reinstall. The program itself installs fine but activation is impossible!!!!

Every time I try to activate I get the message that I must have PPC2002 or higher version installed to activate.

Please Please Please somebody tell me that there is a fix for this now. I can't live without my ebooks!

Thanks, Cheryl

PS thanks to the boys at Pocketpcmag.com forums for the link to this forum. I am hopeful there will be some help available here.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

:(
I just got a new hp Ipaq hx2700 series running PPC2003 and windows CE 5.0.

Which is it? You can't have both onboard. The 27xx series comes with either WM2003SE or WM5.0. In case it's the latter, read through this whole thread, I believe there's a link to a file that would solve your particular problem.

[chrisah]

:(
I just got a new hp Ipaq hx2700 series running PPC2003 and windows CE 5.0. It does not come with Reader pre-installed. I downloaded the latest .exe file from the link on the MS Reader site, uninstalled all the old PPC reader files from my hard drive and did a clean reinstall. The program itself installs fine but activation is impossible!!!!

Every time I try to activate I get the message that I must have PPC2002 or higher version installed to activate.

Please Please Please somebody tell me that there is a fix for this now. I can't live without my ebooks!

Thanks, Cheryl

PS thanks to the boys at Pocketpcmag.com forums for the link to this forum. I am hopeful there will be some help available here.

Cheryl:

Look on your device in the \windows directory and see if you have the file OEMinfo.xml. If this file is missing please send email to [email protected] with the make and model of your device and I will send you the file.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[windmilltilting]

The DRM is kicking my butt. I can't finish "Cell". I read a rant recently about boycotting Reader. I am beginning to feel like the guy had a point. The OEM fix cured me for about a week, but it stayed buggy the whole time. (kept having to reset) Now it wants me to update the software. I reactivate, and it installs with the "designed for a previous version of windows" caution. Reader pretty much sucks for me. I think it is a wm5 problem. I never had these difficulties with ppc2003. I emailed readergirl@comcast. Maybe she can help. MS support is a merciless beast. I've never gotten anywhere with them when I've had a real problem. They are good for the occasional download/license fix, but when it comes to actually fixing thier product... good luck.

[eyckenstein]

Christine?
I seem to have the same problem regarding that although I run Mobile 5.0 the activation thinks my OS is too old, and indeed do not have OEMInfo.xml.

But when I send you an email it bounces. Could you send it in another way?

The device is Acer n300.

tia,

Eyckenstein

[rocky_raher]

All:

Some of you have posted that when you tap on a .lit file that it does not open the Reader but instead you get a message telling you that it can't find the program or that the program is not signed. After some research we have discovered a small syntactical error in the registry and have a resolution to this:



Christine,
I have a Samsung SPH-i700 running WM2003. I upgraded to 2.4.1 without trouble, but I recently noticed that shortcuts to .lit files don't work. I get a messagebox with a title equal to the file name ("alice30.lit") and text "Cannot find 'alice30' (or one of its components). Make sure the path and filename are correct and all the required libraries are available." Likewise if I click on a .lit file from File Explorer. I thought that reinstalling Reader might help. I uninstalled Reader from desktop and PPC, and reinstalled. Settings verify that I have 2.4.1, build 5323. The splash screen does say "Activated for [email protected]." I still cannot use shortcuts. I tried your fix, saving the text file as ReaderFix.reg in My Documents. Clicking on it gives me a messagebox titled "ReaderFix.reg" with text "There is no application associated with "ReaderFix". Run the application first, then open this file from within the application."
Other than not using shortcuts, Reader works quite well. I like to put shortcuts to my favorite books in the Start Menu, so the inability to do so is annoying. Any suggestions?
--Rocky

[chrisah]

All:

Some of you have posted that when you tap on a .lit file that it does not open the Reader but instead you get a message telling you that it can't find the program or that the program is not signed. After some research we have discovered a small syntactical error in the registry and have a resolution to this:



Christine,
I have a Samsung SPH-i700 running WM2003. I upgraded to 2.4.1 without trouble, but I recently noticed that shortcuts to .lit files don't work. I get a messagebox with a title equal to the file name ("alice30.lit") and text "Cannot find 'alice30' (or one of its components). Make sure the path and filename are correct and all the required libraries are available." Likewise if I click on a .lit file from File Explorer. I thought that reinstalling Reader might help. I uninstalled Reader from desktop and PPC, and reinstalled. Settings verify that I have 2.4.1, build 5323. The splash screen does say "Activated for [email protected]." I still cannot use shortcuts. I tried your fix, saving the text file as ReaderFix.reg in My Documents. Clicking on it gives me a messagebox titled "ReaderFix.reg" with text "There is no application associated with "ReaderFix". Run the application first, then open this file from within the application."
Other than not using shortcuts, Reader works quite well. I like to put shortcuts to my favorite books in the Start Menu, so the inability to do so is annoying. Any suggestions?
--Rocky

Rocky:

You are likely not being able to run the .reg files because you don't have a registry editor installed. You can find one either here - http://www.windowsmarketplace.com or one of the other excellent download locations for PPC applications. I am repeating the instructions below as there is new information regarding this fix.

Instructions:

You have two options -

1. Install an application like Resco Explorer and when you tap on the file the registry will be repaired for you by answering a series of questions.
2. You can edit the PPC registry via a 3rd party registry tool and edit these entries -

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBook\shell\Open\Command\
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBookEBO\shell\Open\Command\

Inside the string value you will need to add double quotes around the path to msreader.exe (example: "c:\mypath\msreader" %1). Please note that the quotes do not go around the %1. Do not use single quotes (example: 'mypath\msreader.exe') as this will not work.

Take care though, some folks have tried the Resco solution first and if that doesn't work the second solution is broken because the .lit and .ebo registry entries that map to the above keys don't exist anymore their application renames them. These keys must map to each other in order for it to be sucessful.

So the

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ebo

keys must map to the corresponding key below

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBook\shell\Open\Command\
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\eBookEBO\shell\Open\Command\

If this does not resolve your issue please send email to [email protected] and I will do my best to assist you in resolving this issue.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[juni]

Christine: When will there be a WM5 smartphone QVGA version of the reader?

[chrisah]

Christine: When will there be a WM5 smartphone QVGA version of the reader?

Juni:

The Microsoft Reader Team knows that these features are important to our customers. To this end we have added these features to our list of items to consider for upcoming versions but as of this date there are no immediate plans for this type of release.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Jorgen]

Christine, why does it take so long to produce MS Reader for all smartphones? Surely the operating system hides all differences between *all* PPCs?

My guess: the DRM has to bypass the OS and interact directly with the hardware?

Jorgen

[chrisah]

Christine, why does it take so long to produce MS Reader for all smartphones? Surely the operating system hides all differences between *all* PPCs?

My guess: the DRM has to bypass the OS and interact directly with the hardware?

Jorgen

Jorgen:

The primary reason is that the navigation model is different for Smartphones than for Standard or Phone edition devices. On Smartphone edition devices you only have the left and right keys to navigate/select with. It would require significant changes to support this in the current MS Reader and we want to assure that should we take this on, that we do so in the best way possible.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Jorgen]

Thanks - now it suddenly makes sense!

Jorgen

[ChristopherTD]

Christine

While you are monitoring this forum, could I put in a request for more extensive support for VGA displays in MS Reader. I recently upgraded to a VGA device primarily because I wanted the extra space for my two main applications, email/web and ebooks.

Sadly, MS Reader doesn't allow any additional text on the page, even with the force VGA awareness tweak that works in other applications. Without the tweak the screen is pixel-doubled and actually shows less on screen than QVGA! With the tweak it merely returns to QVGA levels. Looking at the same book on VGA and QVGA devices the line length (at the smallest font setting) is identical. The VGA version has 2 extra lines on screen.

By contrast eReader allows you to set the font size down to ridiculously small sizes, and equally ludicrously large ones. Somewhere in between is of course a very nice setting that is perfectly readable and which displays significantly more text than QVGA. It isn't perfect - inline images are pixellated, but the additional text more than compensates.

If MS Reader was able to detect VGA, and allow a few extra size settings (big and small) then it would be a huge step forward for VGA users. Being able to use something other than Frutiger Linotype would also be wonderful - the new Candara font from Vista looks lovely in eReader books!

Regards
Christopher

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Hear, hear, my sentiments exactly.

[chrisah]

Christine

While you are monitoring this forum, could I put in a request for more extensive support for VGA displays in MS Reader. I recently upgraded to a VGA device primarily because I wanted the extra space for my two main applications, email/web and ebooks.

Sadly, MS Reader doesn't allow any additional text on the page, even with the force VGA awareness tweak that works in other applications. Without the tweak the screen is pixel-doubled and actually shows less on screen than QVGA! With the tweak it merely returns to QVGA levels. Looking at the same book on VGA and QVGA devices the line length (at the smallest font setting) is identical. The VGA version has 2 extra lines on screen.

By contrast eReader allows you to set the font size down to ridiculously small sizes, and equally ludicrously large ones. Somewhere in between is of course a very nice setting that is perfectly readable and which displays significantly more text than QVGA. It isn't perfect - inline images are pixellated, but the additional text more than compensates.

If MS Reader was able to detect VGA, and allow a few extra size settings (big and small) then it would be a huge step forward for VGA users. Being able to use something other than Frutiger Linotype would also be wonderful - the new Candara font from Vista looks lovely in eReader books!

Regards
Christopher

Christopher:

You are not the first customer to request this type of support. This has been noted in our database and will certainly be considered for future releases .

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[ChristopherTD]

Christine

Thanks for making a note of my comments. It is always encouraging when you know that the team is aware of peoples requests and that there is a chance they will become part of a release!

Regards
Christopher

[bnycastro]

Having trouble activating MS Reader 2.4.1 on WM5.0, picked apart my registry and \Windows directories for the reg keys and files. Still no luck :| I hope in future versions of MS Reader activation is already built in. I mean if MS and EBook distributor's require it anyway why not give the application activated already?

[chrisah]

Having trouble activating MS Reader 2.4.1 on WM5.0, picked apart my registry and \Windows directories for the reg keys and files. Still no luck :| I hope in future versions of MS Reader activation is already built in. I mean if MS and EBook distributor's require it anyway why not give the application activated already?

bnycastro:

Please verify that the file OEMInfo.xml exists in the \widows directory of your device. If it is not there please email [email protected] for a copy of the file that most closely matches your device. This file is needed for activation to be sucessful and some devices do not have it installed by default.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[bnycastro]

Christine

Thanks for the file and all the help! Reader is now activated. :)

[pilot87178d]

Chris, et. al. -
Am running Reader 2.4.1, Build 5323 on an HP IPAQ with Windows Mobile 5.0 platform. Did the activation thing, and can happily read all manner of eBooks on the PC the IPAQ links to. However, in spite of re-installs and multiple activation tries, the Reader on the IPAQ still says Reader needs to be activated. Ugh!!!

Microsoft Help yields answers already tried....can you point me in the right direction? I have an 11 hour plane ride coming up this weekend, and would love to be able to read the 3 eBooks already on my SD card (each of which says I must re-activate in order to read).

Thx!
Marc

[sweb3028]

I don't suppose there is a way to activate it without an internet connection, is there? Had to reload my PPC when I first got to the desert, and they won't allow me to connect it to these machines to activate.

-- Steve

[bnycastro]

there is you just need to copy some files over to \Windowsof your PPC , I have them if you are interested PM me your email address and I will send them over.

[Jorgen]

I have them if you are interested

If he uses your registration files, my guess is that he can only read your books.

[bnycastro]

Actually after applying these files I get:

Activated for Microsoft Reader

I am unsure if Steven will be able to read his purchased books [I only have free books] I have told him to do a backup before applying the files.

[ctmagnus]

fwiw, I'm running Reader un-activated with no issues. You just need to know where to get your books. ;)

I'm currently working on The DaVinci Code and will hopefully start on Crytonomicon soon. Both of these came from Amazon.com a few years back.

[SteveHoward999]

Sadly, MS Reader doesn't allow any additional text on the page, even with the force VGA awareness tweak that works in other applications. Without the tweak the screen is pixel-doubled and actually shows less on screen than QVGA! With the tweak it merely returns to QVGA levels. Looking at the same book on VGA and QVGA devices the line length (at the smallest font setting) is identical. The VGA version has 2 extra lines on screen.

By contrast eReader allows you to set the font size down to ridiculously small sizes, and equally ludicrously large ones.

I use SE_VGA to force 'true' VGA and I can set the text tiny on my E830. What I cannot do is get a range of text sizes from tiny through medium to large. Even though there are about 5 or 6 size settings available, only 2 or 3 actually change the text size.

So if you have not already tried SE_VGA, go ahead and try it now.

[ChristopherTD]

I have tried SE_VGA but I found that while it made a couple of intransigent applications display more data, many others didn't work quite right.

On balance I preferred "normal" VGA and tweaking those that could be tweaked.

[SteveHoward999]

On balance I preferred "normal" VGA and tweaking those that could be tweaked.

That just goes to show we are all different. I have tried the normal setting several times. I even forced myself to stick with it for a whole week one time. I can't live with it. Too many of the programs I use fail to work well (give me more stuff on screen) in normal mode. Plus I hate how PocketIE works in normal mode ...

[ChristopherTD]

If i get a spare hour I might see if I can tweak SE_VGA into working nicely for me. Things like Pocket Breeze seem to get horribly muddled, and the close buttons get a wee bit small to hit accurately.

MS Reader does work much better though!

[SteveHoward999]

If i get a spare hour I might see if I can tweak SE_VGA into working nicely for me. Things like Pocket Breeze seem to get horribly muddled, and the close buttons get a wee bit small to hit accurately.

MS Reader does work much better though!

Yeah I'm with you on the Close button, but I really find the whole machine so much more usable with the true VGA setting so I can live with the occasional double-tap.

[Steve Jordan]

Does anyone else in here have a problem with MS Reader abruptly shutting down (and switching off the PPC), long before battery life is gone or energy saver/screen saver modes activate? I've recently had the problem when reading an e-book, I can only read for about 10 minutes, and the PPC shuts off. If I restart it, I will get perhaps a minute before another shutoff. But each time I check, there is plenty of a battery charge shown.

I'm running a Toshiba E330 and WM2003, and the latest MS Reader. Note, I've also seen this when running Windows Media Player. And I've always had an issue with ActiveSync mysteriously disconnecting whenever it feels like it (makes backups very annoying!). But other apps do not have this problem.

[ChristopherTD]

Steve

I tried, I really did. I activated TrueVGA and I configured most of the apps, and decided I could live with the ones that didn't really display correctly. Alas, I found a few too many (in particular the Radio Times). So I started to unwind. Then I thought, why don't I just restore the SPB backup I took before.

This didn't work out too well - and the device was very unstable afterwards. So I took the good old hard reset route and this time chose not to accept the Orange customisations (saving a goodly amount of RAM on the RAM Starved JasJar).

So I now have a nice nimble fresh machine, but still in the twilight of not really VGA ...

I think I will stay there for the moment and await a new version of MS Reader!

[chrisah]

Does anyone else in here have a problem with MS Reader abruptly shutting down (and switching off the PPC), long before battery life is gone or energy saver/screen saver modes activate? I've recently had the problem when reading an e-book, I can only read for about 10 minutes, and the PPC shuts off. If I restart it, I will get perhaps a minute before another shutoff. But each time I check, there is plenty of a battery charge shown.

I'm running a Toshiba E330 and WM2003, and the latest MS Reader. Note, I've also seen this when running Windows Media Player. And I've always had an issue with ActiveSync mysteriously disconnecting whenever it feels like it (makes backups very annoying!). But other apps do not have this problem.

Steve:

If you are running WM2003 and not 5.0 you might try going back to the previous version of the Reader, version 2.4 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2507a77a-5485-47d8-a560-3f182fbcdf8f&DisplayLang=en)
The 2.4.1 version benefits are really only for WM 5.0 users and so you may have better luck with the older version.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[Jorgen]

you may have better luck

Ah, that is what we keep forgetting: we need luck as well. :D

Having taught operating systems design and software engineering for a decade, I will give MS a piece of free advice: go back to square one and redesign MS Reader. I love the look of the MS Reader screen, but you have to admit that the reader is slow, the user interface is so-so, there are too many problems with updates etc. Heavens, MS's software engineers are developing for their own operating system!

I have my (mostly homemade) ebooks in two main formats: MS Reader (looks very good) and iSilo (fast, efficient, perfect userinterface, good software to make ebooks).

Jorgen

[nathansharp]

First thanks everyone for all the differnt thing to try. After trying everything I finally found the link to the older version. I downloaded that, went to what appeared to look like the same acitvation and it worked just fine. Not sure exactly what's up with the new version but none of the various fixes worked including getting that OEM xml file from HP.

[susie4964]

Don't suppose anyone is still reading this thread, but maybe there's the odd person like me who wants to install Reader and is getting stuck! Reader 2.4.1 will work on an iPAQ, but if you find it doesn't, the first thing to try (before uninstalling and reinstalling) is to find the OEMinfo.xml file in Windows on your device (not the PC). If you don't have it, you can download a patch from HP's website at http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...=135&mode=5. You should then be able to activate Reader on your device - and I can't tell you what a relief it was to see that little blue bar moving along!

[Prosik]

Hello all,

I have a Dell Axim X51V that I just the other day did a hardware reset on and am attempting to install and reactivate microsoft reader but for some reason it fails to activate. The security cab copies and "installs" but when I run reader it says at the bottom that this copy of microsoft reader has not been activated.

Any ideas?

I have tried removing from pda and computer and reinstalling several times. If I don't activate reader then reader "fails" to read books while I am in the middle of reading. I have to force quit or soft reset and reload reader etc.

Prosik

[Lynx217]

This was a very troublematic pda set for Toshiba. Best Buy ended up replacing my 335 with a 355 which was better but slower. You may need to step back even further on MS Reader to get one that works. 2.4 may be too new.

[aicon]

I just downloaded (using IE) and got 2.4.1

It installed correctly, and either the default font setting has changed to "small" or they have slightly reduced the font size. In any case it seems to fit more on a page, which is good!

Meanwhile, my laptop refuses to open any DRM books. ... the Web tool used to check that you have the latest version of Reader (for the PC) says it is up to date and activated. I can download DRM books from Fictionwise, which requires an activated copy of Reader. I just can't read them on the PC! A very flaky process indeed.

This is the same problem I am getting. I have the new Reader; Desktop, laptop and PPC are activated but I can't open any DRM ebooks (I also buy them from Fictionwise).

Any help/advice you can offer, Christine? I'd really appreciate it. The Fictionwise team have been very responsive but so far none of their suggestions have worked.

Regards,

Aide

[chrisah]

I just downloaded (using IE) and got 2.4.1

It installed correctly, and either the default font setting has changed to "small" or they have slightly reduced the font size. In any case it seems to fit more on a page, which is good!

Meanwhile, my laptop refuses to open any DRM books. ... the Web tool used to check that you have the latest version of Reader (for the PC) says it is up to date and activated. I can download DRM books from Fictionwise, which requires an activated copy of Reader. I just can't read them on the PC! A very flaky process indeed.

This is the same problem I am getting. I have the new Reader; Desktop, laptop and PPC are activated but I can't open any DRM ebooks (I also buy them from Fictionwise).

Any help/advice you can offer, Christine? I'd really appreciate it. The Fictionwise team have been very responsive but so far none of their suggestions have worked.

Regards,

Aide

Aide,

I know that this seems like a silly question but are your laptop and your PPC using the same passport personas to activate? Were they both working before? If so can you tell me what if anything changed? Also, can you tell me what the error message is?

The more information I have the better I will be able to figure out what is happening with your configuration.

Sincerely,
Christine - Microsoft Reader Team

[aicon]

Hello Christine,

Thanks for your response. I've provide full details below so this is a very long post. First, to answer your questions;

1. Yes, they all use the same Passport persona (I've had to request extra activations at least twice as my devices have changed/increased over time)

2. Yes, all 3 devices I mentioned (desktop, laptop & PPC) worked properly in the past and I could read secure and 'un-secure' ebooks on all of them.

3. There have been no hardware changes to the machines; there have been some software installations and removals but not anything that is core to the OS on them. The devices all function properly in other respects.

Below is a history of the problem and steps taken to try to resolve it. It's mostly text from my correspondence with Fictionwise:

I recently bought 3 secure ebooks at Fictionwise (The Tawny Man trilogy by Robin Hobb) and even though I had read the first 3 books in the series (The Farseer trilogy), which were also secure, I found I could not open these. When I checked secure ebooks that had previously opened I found I could not open them anymore.

Multi-format and other unsecured ebooks still open as usual.

Device: SPV m3100 Windows Mobile 5.0 (Phone Edition)

Software: Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC version 2.4.1 (Build 5323)

Error Message: 'Security software for this ebook has been updated. You must re-activate your device to read this title.'

Steps taken:
1. Re-activation - the Microsoft Reader Activation page says that the device has the most recent software and is properly activated.

2. Re-install software - I un-installed and re-installed Microsoft Reader and re-activated again. The problem still remains.

I then re-installed and re-activated Reader on my desktop and was still having trouble with the books. They open fine on my PC but will not open on the Pocket PC (PPC). When I try to open any one of them in Microsoft Reader on the PPC the 'working' icon (like the hourglass on a desktop) comes up and the PPC freezes until I soft reset.

I received detailed instructions included below for uninstalling Reader from both desktop and PPC from Microsoft (through Fictionwise) and followed them:

Clean the PC of both Reader and Activations:

Go to "C:\program files\Common Files\microsoft shared\drm" and delete all the files there. NOTE: This will remove your activation from your PC.

Go to Start | Control Panel | Add/Remove programs Select Microsoft Reader and uninstall Select Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC and uninstall Go to "My Documents\My Library"
Delete the hidden file litpath.lpt
Delete all annotations (if this makes you uncomfortable archive them off to an alternative location - not your device or SD card) Cradle your device and Sync Open Activesync Go to Tools | Add/Remove Programs Select Microsoft Reader In the section marked "Remove from both locations" click on "Remove"
Select Microsoft Activation
In the section marked "Remove from both locations" click on "Remove"

Cleaning your Device of both Reader and Activations:

On your device verify that the directory \program files\Microsoft Reader\ does not exist at the location last installed On your device verify that the files secrep.dat, secrep.xml, secrep.dll and secrepid.dat do not exist in the \windows directory of your device On your device verify that the file microsoft activation.unload is not present in the \windows directory On your device verify that the file microsoft reader.unload is not present in the \windows directory On your device verify that the directory microsoft reader is not located at My Device\Windows\AppMgr On your device verify that the directory microsoft activation is not located at My Device\Windows\AppMgr On your device delete any hidden files named litpath.lpt (there can be more than one if you have books in more than one locations Repeat for your SD card On your device delete any annotations files Repeat for your SD card

We are now ready to begin reinstallation:

Go to http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/default.asp and select either Desktop or Tablet PC version (whichever is appropriate for your environment) DO NOT ACTIVATE DURING INSTALL Go to http://das.microsoft.com/activate/en-us/default.asp
At this site you will be prompted to login to your passport account After login you will see a page that has 2 buttons "Activate my Pocket PC" and "Activate my PC" Choose "Activate my PC"
Complete activation. DO NOT activate your Pocket PC at this time - Doing so will require that you start over.
Download a clean copy of one of your purchased titles and open

If this is successful:

Go to http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.asp and install Microsoft Reader to your Pocket PC DO NOT SOFT RESET during installation despite prompt Go to http://das.microsoft.com/activate/en-us/default.asp and activate your device using the "Activate my Pocket PC" button seen earlier on this same screen.

If activation is successful please soft reset your device to commit changes and log the appropriate DLL's.

Copy only one purchased lit file from your PC to your device and open If this is sucessful -- Congratulations! You may now copy the remainder of your files to your device. Taking care to only copy the .lit files. Do no reuse your annotations or litpath.lpt and this may cause a repeat in symptoms.

I followed the instructions above completely (and even did a hard reset on my PPC); now I can open the ebooks on my desktop but the PPC has gone back to the original error:

'Security software for this ebook has been updated. You must re-activate your device to read this title.'

Thanks for your help,

Aide

[Steve Jordan]

This was a very troublematic pda set for Toshiba. Best Buy ended up replacing my 335 with a 355 which was better but slower. You may need to step back even further on MS Reader to get one that works. 2.4 may be too new.

Eventually, I had to solve my issues with MS Reader on my Toshiba e330 with two steps:

First, I had to reset the screen brightness in battery mode from 5 to 4... set at 5, the battery would run down inside of 10 minutes;

Then, I run every LIT book I purchase through software that removes the DRM. Then they run fine.

[rain]

Thanks ~.Good job.


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