"New" X50 running WM 6.1 - Customization?

[Soulsurfing]

Greetings,

I picked up a sweet X50: absolutely mint. Looked like it had never even been connected to a computer, software was still sealed, completely fresh format at start up. I have owned an X5 since 2003 and have clocked many miles and hundreds of hours. I used Pocket PC 2002 Theme Generator Application V2 (Microsoft) to customize it. I have looked high and low to find a simple one for WM 6.1, which is what I installed on my X50 because I am running Windows 7 Ultimate on my primary computer. I also ran a screen saver on my X5 - thanks to the same program.

Any suggestions on a theme generator or instructions on how to customize my desktop theme? I placed a picture on it, but the font really needs to be a different color.

Thanks so much for any help!
Stephanie

[Pedah]

Sorry to be a downer, the x50 shipped with Windows Mobile 2003 SE. You have an axim with a cooked rom on it. You are lucky if it is in good condition. Most people will do a hard reset before they sell a device, to wipe all of their personal data. I see no reason that the theme building software would not work with the x50 now though. See if it's been updated

[Soulsurfing]

Why do you say it is "cooked?" Here are the stats (from the "About" screen): Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Version 4.21.1088. When I went to install it to my PC, which is running Windows 7 Ultimate, it said I needed to upgrade to WM 6.1, which I did. I actually spoke with the owner because the unit appeared "pristine." Not a speck of dust anywhere on the unit or the accessories. Everything was virtually new: cords were still wrapped, software was sealed (not "resealed"), it had all of the original packing materials, including the boxes. When I opened it, it looked just like my X5 did when I purchased it new. The seller told me he never took the time to learn how to use it and thus it sat on a shelf for years (since 2005).

The Theme building software I referred to was created by Microsoft and was a free utility available for download back in 2003 (there is not a newer version - I looked). Unfortunately, it is not compatible with my PC. It runs on my older XP PC, but I still use that for my X5, which uses an older version of ActiveSync. And therein lies my problem.

So...any suggestions for a theme builder that works with my set-up would be greatly appreciated. I will see if I can run the old Theme Builder in compatibility mode, but it just seemed like finding a new program would just be easier.

Thanks.

[Pedah]

Originally Posted by Soulsurfing

Why do you say it is "cooked?" Here are the stats (from the "About" screen): Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Version 4.21.1088. When I went to install it to my PC, which is running Windows 7 Ultimate, it said I needed to upgrade to WM 6.1, which I did. I actually spoke with the owner because the unit appeared "pristine." Not a speck of dust anywhere on the unit or the accessories. Everything was virtually new: cords were still wrapped, software was sealed (not "resealed"), it had all of the original packing materials, including the boxes. When I opened it, it looked just like my X5 did when I purchased it new. The seller told me he never took the time to learn how to use it and thus it sat on a shelf for years (since 2005).

Herein the problem lies, what did the update to wm 6.1 involve, because you say yourself, that you have the latest version of wm 2003 se. Hence my confusion, this is a new issue, pertinent to Windows 7. The new version with it's Windows Mobile Device Centre, may or may not support your old skinning software, but your best bet is to go to where you originally found the software and see if it has been updated. If your x50v is running Windows Mobile 6.1, the interface will be vry unfamiliar, the initial splash screen at startup will be green instead of blue, lot's of little things. I think you have found a bug in 7.

[Soulsurfing]

It appears you are right about the bug. I have 2 different ways to access my AX on my PC: ActiveSync and Windows Mobile Device Center which is like the "green interface" you describe for the AX.

My continued search turned up a method for installing the .tsk files created by the theme generator which worked great. However, the "theme switcher" portion was still incompatible with my AX OS. I was able to install it, but when it "switched" themes, the loading animation would run even after the theme "switched," so I disabled it. Further research yielded a newer version of the "theme switcher" portion which I have yet to install, but I will let you know how (if) it works once I've had a chance to play with it.

Again, thanks for your feedback and suggestions.

Have a joyous New Year!
Stephanie

[Pedah]

Stephanie, an interesting project you've embarked on. One thought, can't you just put the .tsk files on the axim and change them through the today screen settings?

May your year be awesome! Be Blessed

[Soulsurfing]

I can indeed do that, but the "Theme Switcher" actually works like a screen saver and automatically rotates through one's themes on a set interval. Also, there is the option to simply tap the "switcher" to display the next theme. I used this option to show my photography to friends. I am known for my dogged determination, so wish me luck.

Have a lovely day,
Stephanie

[Pedah]

Lol

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