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Packaging for Delivery

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New applications and updates, such as new DLL files, are packaged as .cab files for delivery to Smartphone and Pocket PC.

The .inf file used for .cab file creation provides many options for customizing the installation of files, including the names and locations of registry keys and whether the user is offered a choice of installation location.

Optionally, application packagers also can package a .cab file for distribution through Microsoft ActiveSync®.

  • Smartphone uses CABWizSP to create .cab files.

  • Pocket PC uses CABWiz to create .cab files.

  • Smartphone and Pocket PC use the makecab utility to create .cpf provisioning files.

    Note   Applications compiled and linked against the Smartphone and the Pocket PC 2003 SDKs are not backward compatible with Smartphone and Pocket PC 2002 devices.

The following list details additional options for .cab files:

  • Using Smartphone specific options in .inf files. For more information, see .inf File Options.
  • Using .cab files to upgrade a component of a previously distributed application. For more information, see Upgrading Applications.
  • Using .cab files to package ring tones and sound files for download to a mobile device. For more information, see Packaging Ring Tones and Sound Files in .cab Files.
  • Creating .cab files for distribution with ActiveSync®. For more information, see Packaging for Microsoft ActiveSync.
  • Including custom XML in Smartphone .cab files with preXML and postXML. For more information, see /prexml and /postxml.

See Also

Application Management for Windows Mobile Devices | .cab Files | .inf Files | Creating a .cpf File | Creating a .cab File (PPC Only)

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