Creating and modifying packages

You can create a new package or modify an existing package. There are three types of Pocket PC packages, and a different method for creating each.

Table 1-1 describes the three types of Pocket PC packages.

Table 1-1 Types of Pocket PC packages
Package type
Description
File-based install
The package installs the files that you choose to include in it. When the package is executed on the managed Pocket PC, the files are copied to the appropriate locations, appropriate shortcuts are created, and registry values are set.
You can also use this method to create a Configuration package. A Configuration package may contain no files, but executing it modifies the registry settings on the managed Pocket PC.
CAB-based install
The package uses an existing Pocket PC CAB-based install file provided by a software vendor. The CAB file is included in the package.
When the package is executed on the managed Pocket PC, it runs the install file to install the application.
CAB unpacked to a file-based install
The package uses an existing Pocket PC CAB-based install file provided by a software vendor. The CAB file is unpacked and its component files are included in the package.
When the package is executed on the managed Pocket PC, the files are copied to the appropriate locations.

Note: CAB files are Pocket PC installation files that are provided by application vendors. For information on locating and identifying the files that you need to create a Pocket PC package, see Locating and identifying CAB files.

When you deploy a package that uses a CAB file to a Pocket PC, the installed application appears in the System/Remove Programs utility on the Pocket PC device. This lets the user of the device remove the application from the Pocket PC without administrator action. If you want to prevent the user from being able to remove an application in this way, you should use a file-based install package.

When you modify a package, you need to be aware of the following:

  • If you change the package ID, you are creating a new package.
  • You cannot replace a package that is already assigned to a managed Pocket PC.

Before you add the modified package to the Package Depot, you need to remove the original package from all Pocket PCs on which it is installed. When you have done this, you can add the modified package to the database and reassign the package to Pocket PCs.



To start creating or modifying a package


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