Discover the Windows Embedded Experience

Windows Embedded Compact: ATL Subprojects

2012-01-28T07:23:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

I recently had to convert a Windows Embedded Compact ATL component into a Platform Builder subproject. Before I go into further detail, let me give you a piece of advice:

Don’t do it unless you absolutely have to!

If you choose to ignore my advice, please follow these steps (Windows Embedded CE 6.0 and later):

In your OSDesign:
· Make sure you have selected the Active Template Library (ATL) catalog item (SYSGEN_ATL)

In your sources file:
· Add WINCEATL80=1
· Remove ANY explicit ATL include path form the INCLUDES macro
· For a sysgened project add $(ATL8LIBS) to the TARGETLIBS macro (if you want to link against the debug version of ATL use $(ATL8LIBD) instead)
· For non sysgened projects add $(S_ATL8LIBS) to the TARGETLIBS macro (if you want to link against the debug version of ATL use $(S_ATL8LIBSD) instead)

Have fun!

Windwows Embedded Compact: The 3rdParty folder

2012-01-27T12:06:00.008+01:00

Hi folks,

with Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Microsoft introduced the %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty folder. Unfortunately, very little information about this mysterious folder can be found. Hopefully, this post will shed a little light into this matter.

Usage:
You can use the 3rdParty folder for components that are independent of a specific BSP or OSDesign - for instance cloned components form the PUBLIC (or the PRIVAT) tree (e.g. the sample Internet Explorer IESAMPLE). Of course you may also add your own components such as a new file system.

Setup:
The %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty folder is not part of the Windows Embedded Compact installation so if you want to use it you have to create it manually. You also have to create at least the CATALOG subfolder with at least one .pbcxml file as the 3rdParty folder is automatically scanned for catalog item files: %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty\CATALOG. Now you are set up and ready to go.

Development considerations:
Ultimately, components in the %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty folder are Platform Builder subprojects. So in a first step you have to create a subproject.

If you clone a PUBLIC (or PRIVATE) component, first copy it to the %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty folder (you may use subfolders if so desired).

With your OSDesign open, choose Project | Add Existing Subprject… from the Platform Builder menu.

In the appearing dialog, from the Files of type: drop down menu choose Sources/Dirs Files (sources;dirs). Browse to your cloned component in the %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty folder and select the corresponding sources or dirs file. The wizard now creates your subproject including files such as .pbxml, .bib, .reg, .dat, .db…

Create a catalog item file for you component in the %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty\CATALOG folder.

TIP:
Be sure to include the path to your subprojects .pbxml file in the Project tag of your catalog item file: <project>$(_WINCEROOT)\3RDPARTY\(…).PBPXML</project>. Now you don’t have to explicitly add the subproject to each OSDesign via the Project | Add Existing Subprject… Platform Builder menu. Simply checking your catalog item does the trick for you.

Modify your cloned code according to your needs. Be sure to set RELEASETYPE=LOCAL in every sources file inside the %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty folder (this can also be done globally in the sources.cmn file). This specifies that the build output (.lib, .dll or .exe) will be places directely under your components obj folder.

Caution:
As mentioned, 3rdParty components are Platform Builder Subprojects. There are certain restrictions to Platform Builder subprojects, therefore not every component can be built as a subproject. Hence, you might also consider using a Smart Device project or cloning the component directly in your BSP instead of using the %_WINCEROOT%\3rdParty folder.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact: 2011 Yearly Rollups now available

2012-01-26T11:32:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

The yearly cumulative product rollups for Windows Embedded Compact have arrived; these updates include all previous updates up until and including December 2011:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Cumulative Product Update Rollup Package (through 12/31/2011)

Windows CE 5.0 Cumulative Product Update Rollup Package (through 12/31/2011)

Keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for December 2011 have arrived!

2012-01-12T11:09:00.004+01:00

Hi all,

The December updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Update December 2011:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: Accelerometer
· 111227_KB2643054 - Accelerometer MDD may not handle orientation message correctly.

Component: Core
· 111227_KB2634150 - For an image built for a specific locale, the corresponding time zone for that locale is not set correctly.

Component: Help
· This release installs updated help documents

Component: Internet Explorer
· 111216_KB2650112 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Component: Media Player
· 111226_KB2653450 - This update addresses an issue with audio, video and image files not being associated with the music, video and picture player icons.

Component: MSFlash
· 111227_KB2619270 - The copy of the partition table in the partition driver may get deleted and recreated every time a partition is added causing some issues.

Component: Networking
· 111213_KB2619327 - Socket connection is disconnected when using RST.

Component: OSShell
· 111227_KB2643047 - Memory leaks may occur when adding/deleting custom user controls or changing the visual state of the custom user control.

Component: Platman
· 111227_KB2643040 - A user is not able to 'Enable access to desktop files' while in a debugger session.

Component: TimeZone
· 111215_KB2633088 - This is a cumulative time zone update.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update December 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Fonts
· 111208_KB2571456 - This update adds suppport for running CT/AA fonts on all surfaces when driver is enabled for this capability, adds a new graphics flag GCAPS_AA_ALLSURFACES for backward compatibility, and adds SURFOBJEXT to winddi.h for CT/AA rendering.

Component: FSD
· 111213_KB2646374 - This update addresses a memory leak in Encryption Filter.
· 111215_KB2645994 - This update improves EXFATt performance when copying large number of files.
· 111231_KB2643102 - ScanVolueEx() API may not return corrupted disk information for some hard disks.

Component: Kernel
· 111215_KB2645005 - This update addresses an issue with extra context switches.

Component: MSFlash
· 111213_KB2632507 - This update addresses an exception that may occur due to the race condition in the driver.

Component: PCIbus
· 120103_KB2652217 - This update addresses an issue with the IO space not being cleared before reading the BAR's causing some type of devices to fail to load.

Component: Security
· 111216_KB2633140 - Web server times out when HTTP post method is received.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Updates December 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Internet Explorer
· 111208_KB2634890 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

MVP 2012

2012-01-02T10:49:00.005+01:00

Hi Folks,

Happy New Year 2012 everybody! I am happy to announce that I was re-awarded Microsoft MVP for Windows Embedded for the 3rd time in a row on January 1st.

Congratulations to all new and re-awarded MVPs!

Have fun!

HoHoHo… Merry Christmas…

2011-12-23T20:51:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

On behalf of our entire team I would like to wish all of you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012 - may all your hopes and wishes come true!

Without doubt, we will continue to post interesting and helpful news from the world of Windows Embedded in 2012. So stay tuned!

Meanwhile, if there are any topics that your would like to discuss further or that you think that are missing on our blog, please let us know in the comment section!

Again, Happy Holidays to all of you!

Have fun!

Command line error d8004 under Windows Embedded Compact

2011-12-20T13:24:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

Did you ever come across the following error:

cl command line error d8004 ' /I' requires an argument

this error point to the INCLUDES (‘/I’) macro in the SOURCES file.

Possible reasons are you passed an empty (undefined) variable or you specified a path which contains spaces. Please make sure that you only use Platform Builder environment variables such as _TARGETPLATROOT to specify paths in the INCLUDES macro, also never use a relative paths like ..\myDir\myInclude.h

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Online Training

2011-12-14T14:21:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

In order to further underline their commitment towards Windows Embedded, Microsoft just opened a new Windows Embedded Compact 7 online training portal with a series of Webcasts and Virtual Labs.

For more information please read Olivier Bloch’s post.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for November 2011 have arrived!

2011-12-14T14:03:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

The November updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Updates November 2011:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: Apps
· 111129_KB2643036 - This update adds SYSGEN_V1_POLICY to SYSGEN_AS_AIRSYNC, SYSGEN_AS_MAIL, and SYSGEN_AS_PIM.

Component: Build
· 111129_KB2635811 - Users are unable to build the devcore module due to missing sid.h.

Component: DirectX
· 111129_KB2645455 - This update modifies the M3U parser to skip lines in the M3U file that reference themselves.

Component: Drivers
· 111115_KB2642968 - GetScanLine API may not return correct code when the line is being drawn currently in vertical blanking interval.

Component: Filesys
· 111119_KB2608480 - This update addresses various DEBUGCHK issues.

Component: FSDMGR
· 111130_KB2633077 - The mount store operation is updated to avoid holding on the lock while the mount is being attempted on any store. Under certain circumstances a removable device may not receive STORE_MOUNT_GUID notification. DismountStore and DismountPartition may cause the deadlock.

Component: IDE
· 111129_KB2634122 - This update addresses an issue with NLS function not working correctly with DEFAULT_LOCALE flag = ja-JP locale.

Component: Kernel
· 111119_KB2635787 - CeSetThreadPriority and SetThreadPriority requests may get rejected due to improper policy checking.

Component: SD CTK Tests
· 111130_KB2643055 - This update addresses some failures that may occur as the extended CSD info could not be obtained.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update November 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: DirectX
· 111117_KB2635841 - An error may occur when playing an invalid MP3.
· 111103_KB2627259 - When a user plays AVI Type 2 file using RenderFile API, it may return E_OUTOFMEMORY.

Component: Drivers
· 111111_KB2635840 - An error may occur when the USB storage is attached and immediately detached.

Component: COREOS
· 111102_KB2627799 - When a CopyFile routine fails on a disk with Encryption Filter installed, GetLastError may not return the correct error code.

Component: FSD
· 111130_KB2643101 - When moving a file on the corrupted hard disk, MoveFile() API may return 'Success' when the file is not moved.

Component: FSDMGR
· 111117_KB2627261 - This update addresses possible deadlock issue and Store Lock error.

Component: Internet Explorer
· 111130_KB2600024 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Component: TCP/IP
· 111130_KB2637314 - An error may occur when GPRS modem establishes a connection and attempts to create its IP interface.

Component: TimeSVC
· 111130_KB2600145 - This is a cumulative time zone update.

Component: Tools
· 111116_KB2623684 - An error in readlog.exe may occur when .map files contain symbol descriptions with a line size more than 1024 characters.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for October 2011 have arrived!

2011-12-09T15:58:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

The October updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Updates October 2011:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: BLUETOOTH
· 111031_KB2633756 - This update changes IdlePhys Registry Entry value to 9 to allow to pass the Bluetooth L2CAP test.

Component: DHCP
· 111025_KB2627558 - If a DHCP conflict is detected within a Windows Embedded Compact 7 device with 2 adapters, the device may not send a DHCP Decline to re-start the DHCP assignment.

Component: MSFLASH
· 111025_KB2600014 - This update addresses errors that may lead to build breaks.

Component: NETIO
· 111025_KB2606506 - If the LAN is disconnected, the Address Type of IP address is shown as 'static' incorrectly.
· 111026_KB2626907 - GetPerAdapterInfo may return incorrect DNS servers list.
· 111027_KB2590581 - Certain USB bus transaction errors may cause a USB device to stop functioning.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update October 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: FSDMGR
· 111014_KB2622679 - Under certain circumstances a removable device may not receive STORE_MOUNT_GUID notification.

Component: MSHTML
· 111007_KB2586533 - HTML ListBox control may not accept input focus.

Component: Storage
· 111014_KB2624769 - This update addresses occasional buffer overruns.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

How to port a Windows Embedded CE 6.0 BSP to Compact 7

2011-12-09T13:34:00.004+01:00

Hi folks,

If you are interested to know more about how to port your Windows Embedded CE 6.0 BSP to Compact 7, you definitely need to join fellow MVP Doug Boling’s Webcast:

Date:
December 13th, 2011

Time:
9:00 a.m. (Pacific)

Registration:
here

Topics covered:

Basic BSP porting

Build system changes

Kernel memory map changes

Adding multicore support

Driver / application impacts

See you there!

Have fun!

ESE Kongress

2011-12-05T09:59:00.002+01:00

Hallo zusammen,

heute ist der erste Tag des Embedded Software Engineering Kongress in Sindelfingen. Ich werde heute Abend anreisen und bis Mittwoch dort sein. Hoffentlich sehen wir uns dort. Hier ist das Programm des ESE Kongress zu finden.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact: Speeding up the build

2011-12-02T13:07:00.005+01:00

Hi folks,

you probably all had the painful experience of waiting about 30 minutes while your Platform Builder performs a builddemo –q. Obviously you don’t have to perform a complete build each time but sometimes it is simply necessary.

One way to speed up the build is to utilize the multiprocessor build. But if you do, be careful to use synchronization macros (such as SYNCHONIZE_DRAIN) where needed and only where needed as theses macros will completely stall the build process until synchronization is completed.

Enabling multiprocessor build is very simple: form the Platform Builder Tools menu choose Options… The options for Multiprocessor Build can be found directly under Platform Builder for CE:

Have fun!

SPS / IPC / DRIVES 2011

2011-11-23T18:01:00.005+01:00

Hello and welcome to SPS 2011 in Nürnberg. It’s not too late to visit us at the Microsoft booth. The SPS 2011 will continue until Thursday 24th November 2011. So make sure you stop by in hall 7A booth 150.

If you are around tomorrow, Thursday, November 24th at 2pm, make sure you visit my half an hour talk on Windows Embedded Compact 7 driver development at the VDMA Forum in hall 4A booth 541!

In the meantime here are some impressions from this year’s SPS – enjoy!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Roadmap 2011 announced!

2011-11-15T10:55:00.003+01:00

Hi folks,

I promised you some very interesting news in my Windows Embedded Channel & Partner Summit 2011 post and I can finally share them with you:

Yesterday Microsoft presented a long overdue Windows Embedded roadmap (find the official press release here).

The roadmap focuses on next generation embedded devices known as Intelligent Systems that extend cloud services and enterprise software to specialized devices. Basically an Intelligent System consist of
1. Thin client devices collecting data in the field
2. Connected to any number of servers running intelligent back-end application(s) analyzing and computing the collected data. Upon completion of data analysis instructing the thin client(s) what to do in this specific situation
3. Thru continuous collection of data by the thin client(s) (over years) the Intelligent System gets better and better results

This scenario shows that data and insights become the fundamental benefits.

Microsoft promises a One Platform approach to best support Intelligent Systems:

Windows Embedded Standard v. Next:
- Based on Windows 8 technologies
- Componentize able version of Windows 8
- Supports x86, x64 and ARM SoC
- Natural User Interface (NUI): touch, gesture, speech, …
- Community Technology Preview (CTP): first quarter 2012
- RTM: 3 quarters after Windows 8

Windows Embedded Enterprise v. Next:
- Based on Windows 8 technolgies
- Supports x86, x64 only
- NUI
- RTM: 1 quarter after Windows 8

Windows Embedded Compact v. Next:
- Still based on CE core: real-time, small footprint
- Smart Device support for native application development support in Visual Studio 2010 and Visual Studio v. Next
- Unfortunately no mentions of future of managed application support as well as future of .NET Compact Framework
- File system improvements to handle generated and collected data
- Kernel improvements
- RTM: 2nd half 2012

Windows Embedded Handheld, Windows Embedded Automotive, Windows Embedded POSReady v. Next:
- Microsoft is investing in the future of these products

With this roadmap, Microsoft does show their long-term commitment in the embedded market so go ahead and start you Windows Embedded project with a quiet conscience!

Have fun!

SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2011 in Nürnberg/Germany November 22nd to 24th 2011 – Save the Date

2011-11-03T15:36:00.005+01:00

Hi folks,

EB will have a Partner Pod on the Windows Embedded booth in hall 7A, booth 150 on the SPS/IPC/DRIVES taking place form November 22nd to 24th in Nürnberg. Register here for your free ticket!

There will be 6 free Windows Embedded Hands-On Labs, two of which I will co-host with Adrian Zalevski from Arrow:

Tuesday, November 22nd, 10:00-12:00: Next generation User Experience (UX) with Silverlight for Windows Embedded under Windows Embedded Compact 7 (register here).

Tuesday, November 22nd, 14:00-16:00: Next generation User Experience (UX) with Silverlight for Windows Embedded under Windows Embedded Compact 7 (register here).

Other Hands-On Laps are:

Wednesday, November 23rd, 10:00-12:00: Roadmap and news from Microsoft’s latest operating systems with product presentation (register here).

Wednesday, November 23rd, 14:00-16:00: Introduction to Windows Embedded Standard 7 SP1 (register here).

Thursday, November 24th, 10:00-12:00: Introduction to Windows Embedded Compact 7 (register here).

Thursday, November 24th, 14:00-16:00: Roadmap and news from Microsoft’s latest operating systems with product presentation (register here).

You can also register for the free Hands-On Labs on site at the Windows Embedded booth. Just be there 5 min prior to the Hands-On Lab and we will guide you to your session. If you are late, don’t worry, we will lead you to the session every 5 minutes until 10 minutes after the session has started.

You can also attend my talk:

Thursday, November 24th, 14:00-14:20, booth 4A – 541: Windows Embedded Compact 7 – Device Driver Development Best Practices.

I am looking forward to meet you at SPS/IPC/DRIVES!

Have fun!

“Windows Embedded Compact 7 Advantages“ by Sam Phung

2011-10-28T19:51:00.003+02:00

Hi folks,

Fellow MVP Sam Phung wrote an interesting article:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Advantages

The complete Engineers' Guide to Windows Embedded 2012 also included the following articels:

· The Push to Intelligent Systems
· Windows Embedded Offers Options at All Levels
· Windows Embedded Compact 7 Advantages
· Windows 8 Accelerates Touch User Interface Adoption
· What Windows 8 Means for the Future of Digital Signage
· Windows Reimagined
· Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango)

Check it out!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Partner Excellence and Distributor of the Year Awards 2011

2011-10-28T09:41:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

…and the winners are:

Windows Embedded Partner Excellence Awards 2011:

Americas:
IntervalZero, Phytec, Adeneo Embedded

APAC:
Yaskawa Information Systems, Beijing Strong Union Technology, Beijing Farsight Technology & Information, Synnex Technology International, MDS Technology

EMEA:
MPC Data, IntervalZero, Beckhoff, Adeneo Embedded, Alten PTS, Wechsler Consulting, BEPS Engineering

Windows Embedded Distributor of the Year Awards 2011:

Americas:
Bsquare

APAC:
Tokyo Electron Devices Ltd., Advantech Company Limited, MDS Technology Company Limited

EMEA:
Eastronics

Congratulations to all the winners; keep up the good work!

Have fun!

Microsoft Community Open Day 2011

2011-10-27T17:03:00.003+02:00

Hallo zusammen,

der Microsoft Community Open Day 2011 war ein voller Erfolg! Es waren über 120 Teilnehmer und Microsoft Mitarbeiter vor Ort. Der Fokus lag natürlich wieder beim Networken sowohl untereinander als auch mit Microsoft. Zum ersten Mal in der Geschichte des Community Open Day’s war dieses Jahr mit Dr. Zahedani ein Mitglied der Geschäftsführung von Microsoft Deutschland anwesend!

Einblicke in die neuesten Technologien wie Windows Phone 7.5, Cloud Computing oder Windows Live wurden gekoppelt mit dem regen Austausch untereinander und mit Microsoft!

Vielen Dank für diese Möglichkeit!

Have fun!

Microsoft Community Open Day München 2011 – preview

2011-10-20T16:20:00.001+02:00

Hallo zusammen,

Morgen und übermorgen (21.10.-22.10.2011) werde ich in München auf dem Microsoft Community Open Day sein. Microsoft lädt, wie jedes Jahr, alle MVPs und CLIPler aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum ein.

Ich freue mich schon auf interessante Gespräche mit allen Anwesenden! Natürlich werden Informationen über die neuesten Technologien auch nicht zu kurz kommen.

In diesem Sinne: Ich bin dann mal weg…

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for September 2011 have arrived!

2011-10-18T23:12:00.000+02:00

Hi all,

The September updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update September 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: CRT
· 110929_KB2580309 - This update addresses an error that may occur in in a multi-threaded environment.

Component: Debug Support
· 110914_KB2575796 - This update addresses an issue with start of dw.exe.

Component: FILESYS
· 110907_KB2600035 - This update configures FILE_FLAG_WRITE_THROUGH flag for the underlying file handle for cachefilt.

Component: FSDMGR
· 110907_KB2557486 - The mount store operation is updated to avoid holding on the lock while the mount is being attempted on any store.

Component: Kernel
· 110921_KB2587668 - This update addresses an error in PgPoolTrimThread.
· 110930_KB2603744 - This update addresses possible issue with virtual memory allocated with VirtualAlloc when PAGE_NOCACHE is specified.

Component: UDFS/CDFS
· 110907_KB2588508 - The CD drive storage manager uses a fixed time of 2 seconds to poll for a newly inserted disc, This leads to a delay up to 2 seconds until an inserted disc is detected. This update allows polling time to be configurable via the registry. A new registry key "CDROMPollFrequency" is added under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\StorageManager\Profiles\CDProfile\CDRom in the registry file common.reg with the default value of 0x3ED(1s).

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Updates September 2011:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: SChannel
· 110930_KB2600013 - Internet Explorer may not be able to connect to Windows CE 5.0 web server.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Amendment: Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for February 2011

2011-10-18T22:25:00.002+02:00

Hi all,

I just realized that I forgot to post the Windows Embedded Compact February 2011 QFEs that have been released in Mach; so without further ado:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update February 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: ASN1
· 110207_KB2477769 - This update resolves some issues with ASN1 module.

Component: CETK
· 110225_KB2444533 - This release installs updated CETK test files.
· 110224_KB2495864 - This update addresses an error that may occur when radiometricsdll is launched.

Component: DirectX
· 110214_KB2495868 - Memory leak may occur when using ceplayer.exe to play AVI and WMV files through playlist with repeat playback option.

Component: Filesys
· 110211_KB2495580 - This update addresses a possible deadlock.

Component: Flash Lite
· 110222_KB982918 - This update addresses an issue with flash not rendering under certain circumstances.

Component: FSD
· 110209_KB2492043 - An exception may occur when unplugging and external storage device while playing a file from it.

Component: Internet Explorer
· 110221_KB2450800 - Screen is not properly redrawn in Internet Explorer if a floating window is shown inside a window and scrollbars are moved.

Component: NK
· 110211_KB982563 - This update implements L2 cacheable page table support for ARM processor.

Component: Pictor
· 110224_KB2465661 - This update adds registry entries to support custom resolution entries for Pictor screen.

Component: RDP
· 110210_KB2175812 - When connecting from a Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 device to Windows 2003 server or later, the state of the CAPS LOCK/NUM LOCK keys may not be correctly updated from the RDP client device to the terminal server.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Updates February 2011:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: ASN1
· 110207_KB2477768 - This update resolves some issues with ASN1 module.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Windows Phone 7.5 – Mango problems / bugs

2011-10-18T17:00:00.004+02:00

Hi folks,

Even though they only affect a very small percentage (under 1%) of users, there are several bugs in connection with Windows Phone (WP) 7.5 – both with updated phones as well as new WP 7.5 devices:

Zune on WP7 freezes between songs

The soft keyboard disappears while typing – Microsoft is aware of this problem.

You can find a list of user reported WP7.5 bugs here on wmpoweruser.com. Hope your Mango is working well and without any incidents!

Don’t let this keep you from updating to Mango; your benefit it much greater!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact 7: new updates available

2011-10-18T15:39:00.000+02:00

Hi folks,

Micorsoft just released two more updates for Windows Embedded Compact 7:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Update 3:
This release contains an update for the Compact Test Kit that includes the CTK Automation Tool Solution (CATS), a new tool that enables automation of test scenario execution on Windows Embedded Compact 7 devices. The CETK update also includes the Stress Tool, a new tool for automating stress tests. Silverlight for Windows Embedded sample code for the Compact 7 Media Player has been updated. Previously provided only in binary format, the Media Player sample User Interface is now included in source code and a dependency on the compositor in the sample code has been removed, which is expected to improve performance across most hardware configurations. This update also includes cumulative bug fixes for the Windows Embedded Compact 7 operating system, Platform Builder tools and the Compact Test Kit.

Windows Embedded Compact 7 ATL Update for Visual Studio 2008 SP1:
This update enables users to build smart devices project with ATL functionality for Windows Embedded Compact 7 SDK.

I highlighted all previous updates available for Windows Embedded Compact 7 in an older post.

Remember: It’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Channel & Partner Summit 2011

2011-10-14T15:26:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

I am back from sunny and warm Lisbon, Portugal where the 2011 Windows Embedded Channel & Partner Summit took place. The summit was very interesting with some very valuable information; unfortunately I cannot disclose them with you as of now. However, I can promise you some very interesting news around the end of October – so stay tuned!! (Update: find the Windows Embedded roadmap 2011 here)

Apart from the information given, the summit is always a very valuable resource to network with Microsoft, Distributers and other Windows Embedded Partners. On the roundtable discussions Microsoft was very eager to hear our feedback on various topics - I always love those sessions!

Thanks you so much Microsoft for this valuable experience!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Channel and Partner Summit – Preview

2011-10-09T18:29:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

I am off to the EMEA Windows Embedded Channel and Partner Summit. The event takes place in Lisbon, Portugal from Monday October 10th to Wednesday October 12th.

I am really looking forward to this event, not only because of the valuable information, but of course also because of the opportunity to network with Microsoft, Distributers and other Windows Embedded Partners!

I will keep you updated!

Have fun!

Embedded Software Engineering Kongress: Bis 31.10.2011 anmelden und sparen!

2011-10-07T12:06:00.002+02:00

Hallo zusammen,

Der Embedded Software Engineering (ESE) Kongress findet diese Jahr vom 5. bis 9. Dezember in Sindelfingen statt. Wegen des großen Erfolges und der daraus resultieren Raumknappheit im letzten Jahr wird der ESE Kongress 2011 um 2 Tage auf nun 5 Tage verlängert!

Das Programm ist jetzt online verfügbar. Am ersten und am letzten Tag wird es Kompaktseminare geben während es am 2., 3. und 4. Tag interessante Vorträge zu hören gibt. Des Weiteren können Sie in den Pausen wieder über 40 Aussteller treffen!

Bis zum 31.10.2011 gibt es wieder einen Frühbucherrabat – also am besten gleich anmelden und sparen!

Have fun!

.NET Micro Framework (NETMF) version 4.2 RTM

2011-10-06T15:49:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

version 4.2 of the .NET Micro Framework just RTMed! You can download the SDK as well as the Porting Kit (PK) here on Codeplex.

Check out the .NET Micro Framework Blog for additional information including new features of version 4.2.

Have fun!

Windows Phone 7.5 Mango now available

2011-09-28T13:26:00.005+02:00

Hi folks,

Last night Microsoft released the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango update (7720). The update brings over 500 new features to your Windows Phone 7 including LinkedIn and Twitter integration, Facebook- and MSN-chat, improved IE9 browser, contact grouping,… further information about the new features of Windows Phone 7.5 can be found here.

Nearly all providers worldwide have started to deploy the Windows Phone 7.5 update (see complete list). The only exception in Germany being the Deutsche Telekom for the Samsung Omnia 7 device. However, there is a workaround for Samsung Omnia 7 devices from Deutsche Telekom:

1. Connect your Omnia 7 to Zune
2. Click Phone->Settings->Update (Jetzt aktualisieren) in Zune
3. Immediately disconnect your PC from the internet (e.g. disconnect LAN cable/WLAN, disconnect router, etc,..) This has to be done BEFORE the notification that no update is available is displayed!
4. A notification is displayed that there is indeed an update available to version 7720
5. Reconnect your PC to the internet to download and install this update.

I will update my HTC HD7 tonight!

Have fun!

Error: Failed reading e32 structure in module…

2011-09-27T14:47:00.001+02:00

Hi folks,

when working with Windows Embedded Compact you should be used to non-descriptive error messages like the following:

Error: Failed reading e32 structure in module <module_name>
Fatal error hit, exiting…
makeimg: FATAL ERROR: Command returned non-zero exit code 1 (dec).
makeimg: FATAL ERROR: Command returned non-zero exit code 1 (dec).

We immediately know this error occurred in the make image phase of the build process, so there must be something wrong with one of our configuration files.

The solution is rather simple:
We placed a file (namely <module_name>) that is NOT an *.exe or a *.dll in the MODULES section of a *.bib file.

We therefore simply need to move that <module_name>file to the FILES section of the *.bib and re-run make image.

Et voilà another mystic error message deciphered!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact 7: Updates available

2011-09-26T15:07:00.001+02:00

Hi folks,

there are some updates available for Windows Embedded Compact 7:

Visual Studio 2008 update for Windows Embedded Compact 7:
When debugging Windows Embedded Compact 7 applications using the Visual Studio 2008 for Smart Devices debugger, a user might not be able to use the single step function. This update addresses this issue.

Windows Embedded Compact 7 – RDP RemoteFX Update:
RemoteFX enables high performance with hardware assist to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 7.1 clients connected to VDI hosts within a Thin Client environment.

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Update July 2011:
Fixes made in this update:

Component: HTTP
110731_KB2568877 - This update addresses possible delay when opening an ASP page from a webserver.

Remember: It’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

„Test TCP“ for Windows Embedded Compact

2011-09-26T12:03:00.001+02:00

Hi folks,

Fellow MVP Henrik Viklund ported the TCP and UDP performance test tool “Test TCP” for Windows Embedded Compact 7.

It is based on the latest PC version (PCATTCP v.2.0.1.01.14) and is available on CodePlex.

Thanks a lot Henrik, keep up the good work!

Have fun!

„Windows Phone für Symbian-Entwickler“ - kostenlose TechTalk Reihe

2011-09-26T11:53:00.001+02:00

Hallo zusammen,

vom 04. bis zum 10. Oktober findet in Karlsruhe, Hamburg, Berlin, München sowie Köln die kostenlose TechTalk Reihe „Windows Phone (WP) für Symbian-Entwickler“ statt. MSDN Deutschland informiert hier gemeinsam mit Nokia über die Anwendungsentwicklung unter Windows Phone.

Also gleich anmelden!

Have fun!

Windows 8 Developer Preview

2011-09-20T15:04:00.003+02:00

Hi folks,

last week Microsoft launched the Windows 8 Developer Preview at the BUILD Conference in Anaheim, CA.

The first thing that you will notice is the new so called “Metro Style” UI with its “Live Tiles”. This UI should look somewhat familiar to you if you use a Windows Phone 7. Windows 8 still provides the “old” desktop as well.

As an embedded developer I am particularly interested in Windows 8’s ARM SoC (System-On-Chip) support. So far Windows 8 runs on ARM based SoCs from NVIDIA, Qualcomm as well as Texas Instruments. As of now those SoCs supporting Windows 8 consist of a CPU and a GPU only. So far the only ARM based devices that Windows 8 was shown on are Tablet PCs. I am really eager to see how (and if) Windows 8 will be brought into the embedded world…

Windows 8 also comes with a new framework to develop “Metro Style Apps”, called Windows Runtime (WinRT). The classical application development frameworks like Win32, .NET Framework, Silverlight and HTML5 are still available.

Unlike any of the classical application development frameworks, the new WinRT allows you to develop your “Metro Style App” in any language you prefer, based on the same framework (namly WinRT), allowing a better interaction between “Metro Style Apps”.

So go ahead: download and play around with the Windows 8 Developer preview!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for August 2011 have arrived!

2011-09-16T09:36:00.001+02:00

Hi all,

The August updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update August 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Drivers
· 110816_KB2562821 - PCI Bus Enumerator may not properly adjust resources of existing PCI devices when a new PCI device is added to the system.
Component: Filesys
· 110816_KB2587327 - This update addresses an error that may occur during startup when file system advertises a new interface.
Component: FSD
· 110803_KB2575787 - This update addresses an issue with Cachefilt.
Component: RNDIS
· 110803_KB2579278 - This update enables RNDIS to recognize Interface Class (0xE0 0x01 0x03) as defined by USB.org.
Component: SChannel
· 110822_KB2592395 - Internet Explorer may not be able to connect to Windows Embedded CE 6.0 web server. The handshake may not be handled correctly for some messages.
Component: WININET
· 110819_KB2588509 - This update addresses an issue when retrieving Cookies that have "Path" parameter specified.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Default\Default\What?

2011-09-12T09:07:00.002+02:00

Loading USB and HID drivers depends on Registry keys.
The USB driver tries to find the best fitting driver for an attached device.
Typical Registry keys are
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Drivers\USB\LoadClients\Default\Default\3\Hid_Class]
"DLL"="USBHID.DLL"
and
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Drivers\HID\LoadClients\Default\Default\1_2\Mouse]
"DLL"="MOUHID.DLL"

But what exactly is coded with "Default\Default\3"?
You may guess, it is somehow related to the vendor and the type of the device.

The easy part is to google/bing (can Bing be used as a verb?) the USB Class Codes at USB.org
http://www.usb.org/developers/defined_class
In this example "3" stands for the Interface "HID (Human Interface Device)"
and "1_2" stands for HID Mouse,
see http://www.usb.org/developers/devclass_docs/HID1_11.pdf

The Microsoft online help hides the syntax anywhere in the middle of this article:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee484468.aspx
In my own words it stats:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Drivers\USB\LoadClients\\\\]
where
Group1_ID = Default|DeviceVendorID[_DeviceProductID[_DeviceReleaseNumber]]
Group2_ID = Default|DeviceClassCode[_DeviceSubclassCode[_DeviceProtocolCode]]
Group3_ID = Default|InterfaceClassCode[_InterfaceSubclassCode[_InterfaceProtocolCode]]

The following two pieces of the puzzle are missing:
* The syntax is similar for HID devices.
* All numbers are DECIMAL! This includes VendorIDs and DeviceIDs!

Example:
VendorID: 0x045e=1118 Microsoft Corp.
DeviceID: 0x0040=64 Wheel Mouse Optical

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Drivers\HID\LoadClients\1118_64\Default\1_2\WheelMouse]
"DLL"="WheelMouse.DLL"

Contrary to this example you should write a general-purpose and Vendor-INdependent driver.

Tschüß Holger

CNN interviews Steve Ballmer about the Imagine Cup 2011

2011-09-02T09:26:00.004+02:00

Hi Folks,

on July 8th, CNN interviewed Steve Ballmer about the Imagine Cup 2011 finals taking place in New York at the time. The video (appoximately 5 minutes) features, among others, the Harmonicare team from Tsinghua University, China, that went on to take 2nd place in the Embedded Development category:

Congratulations again to all Imagine Cup 2011 finalists!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for July 2011 have arrived!

2011-08-25T09:26:00.002+02:00

Hi all,

The July updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update July 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Filesys
· 110729_KB2576034 - This update addresses some issues with Flush on Close" behavior which may cause the device to boot slowly.
Component: Flash
· 110725_KB2572797 - This update addresses a Flash corruption issue.
Component: Internet Explorer
· 110726_KB2557481 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.
· 110727_KB2573134 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.
Component: SCHANNEL
· 110711_KB2549497 - This update addresses an issue in Schannel.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Update July 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Internet Explorer
· 110725_KB2557479 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.
· 110727_KB2573136 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.
Component: SCHANNEL
· 110711_KB2549496 - This update addresses an issue in Schannel.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Installing Windows Embedded CE 6.0 QFEs under Windows 7

2011-08-12T15:32:00.013+02:00

Hi foks,

I have recently installed Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 on a Windows 7 32-bit machine. In his Blog, fellow MVP Valter Minute described how to install Windows Embedded CE 6.0 on Windows 7 64-bit system.

Installing Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 was no problem at all (other than the usual lengthy process). However, I could not install the QFEs (or any *.msi file for that matter). I always got this error message:

Desperately surfing the net I came across a post stating I need to re-register vbscript.dll and jscript.dll. After doing so I was still faced with the same error message when trying to install a *.msi file.

Valter’s 64-bit post provided me with the solution (thanks Valter!):
I wrote a batch file re-registering the above mentioned script dlls and installing the QFE *.msi files. I ran that batch file as administrator et voilà, it worked.

Not only did I have to re-register the above mentioned script dlls as administrator, I also needed to install the *.msi files as administrator which I only could accomplish from within the batch file.

Here are the batch commands to re-register the script dlls under Windows 7 32-bit (find the 64-bit commands in Valter’s post):

reg delete "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{B54F3741-5B07-11CF-A4B0-00AA004A55E8}" /f
regsvr32 c:\windows\system32\vbscript.dll
regsvr32 c:\windows\system32\jscript.dll

Have fun!

UPDATE:
Jérôme highlighted an even easier way to install *.msi files under Windows 7 in the comment section:

You can also just go to msi file properties > compatibility tab >
check "run this program in compatibility mode for" and choose "Previous version
of Windows" (not sure of the exact english labels since I have a french version
of Windows).

That just works :)

Thank you so much Jérôme!

Imagine Cup 2011: and the winners are…

2011-07-27T10:49:00.007+02:00

Congratulations to the winners of Microsoft’s Imagine Cup 2011, the world’s premier student competition with the theme: “Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems”! This year's final took place in New York City. 358,000 Students from around the world competed in 11 categories including Embedded Development. Each winning team was awarded $25,000.

…and the winners in the Embedded Development category are:

3rd place:
Endeavour_Design from Gh. Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania with a self-learning device aiming to reduce the mortality on the road by autarky avoiding obstacles in an unknown environment.

2nd place:
Harmonicare from Tsinghua University, China with a lung training system for people with respirator problems or breath diseases. This system converts the air flow into music by playing a harmonica and thus making lung training fun.

1st place:
NTHUCS from National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan with a dynamic emergency exit sign system. This system detects smoke and fire in a building and changes the emergency exit signs accordingly. In addition, the system also uses lasers to guide people in heavy smoke.

Congratulations again! You can find a complete list of this year's winners here.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for June 2011 have arrived!

2011-07-27T08:47:00.003+02:00

Hi all,

The June updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update June 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Audio
•110629_KB2565014 - This update addresses some audio issues.

Component: Bluetooth
•110622_KB2556378 - This update addresses some Bluetooth issues.

Component: FILESYS
•110620_KB2567452 - CreateFile may fail if an encryption filter is installed

Component: Internet Explorer
•110628_KB2561098 - Under certain circumstances some files may get deleted.
•110620_KB2529145 - This update addresses an error message issue with .NET

WebBrowser control.
•110616_KB2516345 - This update addresses an issue in Internet Explorer.
•110603_KB2492873 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.

Component: Profiler
•110617_KB2565011 - An error may occur in kernel profiler when profiling symbols are not in the image.

Component: RDP
•110630_KB2564314 - This update addresses an issue with copying large files to an external storage.
•110610_KB2563896 - This update allows the text box for user name to auto-scroll and lets users to enter more than 256 characters.
•110602_KB2546729 - This update addresses RDP connection issue.

Component: RNDIS
•110630_KB2565015 - The RNDIS code may not check for the ActiveSync class on the USB descriptor.

Component: SMBFile
•110617_KB2566204 - Under certain circumstances SMB server may return a message "File not Found".
•110608_KB2543310 - This update addresses an issue with copying files from Windows 7 or Windows Vista to the device.

Component: SOAP
•110629_KB2563721 - SOAP operation encoding style check may return E_OUTOFMEMORY.

Component: USB
•110627_KB2566210 - Under certain circumstances MediaChangeThread may run indefinitely.

Component: WININET
•110628_KB2559141 - This update addresses an issue with WININET not putting the SOAP payload in the POST.
•110615_KB2529117 - Under certain circumstances an exception may occur.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Update June 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Internet Explorer
•110603_KB2492870 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.
•110615_KB2444620 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.
•110616_KB2516348 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

embeddedSPARK2011: And the winner is….

2011-07-21T11:02:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

I am very excited to announce the winner of this years embeddedSPARK challenge:

3rd place:
Marco Boidora, Software Engineer at BEPS Engineering in Italy and last year’s Grand Champion with his digital embedded blackboard project Post-It.

2nd place:
Gianni Rosa Gallina, Software engineer at BEPS Engineering in Italy with his pantry management system KitchenPal that syncs over the phone and the cloud.

And this year’s grand champion is…
Sebastian Londoño, Researcher at the Universidad ICESI in Cali, Colombia with his flying drone, aimed to reduce the number of deaths and injuries when natural disasters occur: ArS8ver.

All of this year’s projects are great; thank you all for participating and congratulations to the winners! Hope to see you all next year. I am happy to be a judge again next year.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for May 2011 have arrived!

2011-06-20T11:42:00.005+02:00

Hi all,

The May updates for Windows Embedded CE are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update May 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: DirectX
•110505_KB2540538 - This update addresses an issue in DirectDraw.

Component: FILESYS
•110520_KB2540556 - This update addresses Excessive Cache Flush during WriteFile in ObjectStore that may causes some performance Issues.

Component: FSDMGR
•110527_KB2546437 - Mount partiton may fail when the auto-mount option is disabled.
•110517_KB2544266 - This update addresses a memory leak.

Component: Internet Explorer
•110525_KB2532883 - This update adds VK_BROWSER_* keys support.

Component: IPSEC
•110517_KB2540863 - This update adds a filter to drop invalid packets.

Component: .NET CF 3.5
•110525_KB2556155 - This update addresses the following issues:
•ObjectDisposedException occurs when HttpReadStream is getting finalized
•Addresses some performance issues in EE_ResolveFields()

Component: OSTools
•110506_KB2523565 - This update addresses an error in cenlscml.exe that may occur during makeimage phase.

Component: Schannel
•110510_KB2552298 - This update addresses an issue in Schannel.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Update May 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Schannel
•110510_KB2494539 - This update addresses an issue in Schannel.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact 7 book

2011-05-26T11:17:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

the book Professional Windows Embedded Compact 7 written by fellow MVPs Samuel Phung, David Jones and Thierry Joubert is nearly finished.

Go ahead and pre-order it now on Amazon!

Have fun!

MVP Program: Why Microsoft is 3X Better than Apple for Customer Support

2011-05-25T11:46:00.008+02:00

Hi folks,

This is a bit off-topic but nevertheless interesting: In the article Why Microsoft is 3X Better than Apple for Customer Support the MVP Program is pointed out as one of the keys to Microsoft’s success:

Microsoft has over 4100 MVP’s that are certified to provide support to its
customers. According to Toby Richards, Microsoft’s General Manager of
Communities and Online Support, these MVP’s are thirty times more active than
the average user. In fact, Microsoft considers them a “tremendous asset that
provide support in multiple languages across 98 countries.”

Have fun!

Windows Phone 7: Mango Video

2011-05-25T10:58:00.003+02:00

Hallo zusammen,

hier noch ein Video von Frank Prengel über das WPH7 Mango Update:

Have fun!

Embedded Software Engineering Kongress: Beiratessitzung

2011-05-25T10:51:00.002+02:00

Hallo zusammen,

da ich auch dieses Jahr wieder im Beirat des ESE Kongresses sitze, war ich am letzten Freitag in München um der Beiratssitzung beizuwohnen.

Der ESE Kongress findet vom 5. bis 9. Dezember 2011 in Sindelfingen statt. Wegen des großen Erfolges und der daraus resultieren Raumknappheit im letzten Jahr wird der ESE Kongress 2011 um 2 Tage auf 5 Tage verlängert.

Am ersten und am letzten Tag wird es Kompaktseminare geben während es am 2., 3. und 4. Tag interessante Vorträge zu hören gibt.

Die Bewerbungsfrist für Referenten wurde bis zum 29.05.2011 verlängert um die gute Qualität der Vorträge zu bewahren! Reichen Sie also jetzt noch Ihre Ideen für Vorträge sowie Kompaktseminare ein!

Have fun!

Windows Phone 7 Update: Mango

2011-05-25T10:23:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

the next major Windows Phone 7 update (code name: Mango) will be released in fall 2011. It will be available as a free update for all existing WPH7 devices. New devices will have Mango installed. Mango will bring you over 500 improvements the most important of which can be grouped in 3 categories:

Communication:

Grouping of contacts

Various instant messaging channels like facebook chat, Windows Live Messenger, etc.

Web:

Desktop compatible IE 9

HTML5

Hardware acceleration

Improved Bing search

Apps:

Improved Start Menu

Fast App switching: multitasking of running apps

Background execution eg. audio/video streaming

Further information about Mango can be found here. The Beta SDK is available here.

Have fun!

embeddedSPARK 2011 finalists announced

2011-05-18T12:16:00.003+02:00

Hi folks,

Congratulations to all participants of this year’s embeddedSPARK contest, you really did an amazing job!

As a judge I must say, it was really tough to choose from all the great project ideas, but unfortunately there can only be 3 finalists:

ArS8ver from viejosata

KitchenPal from gianni.rg

Post-IT from marco.bodoira

Check out the embeddedSPARK forum for further information!

Best of luck to you in the finals!

Have fun!

So you miss AppVerifier for Windows Embedded Compact 7

2011-05-16T14:35:00.001+02:00

Hi folks,

as you know AppVerifier was replaced by Resource Leak Detector (RLD) in Windows Embedded Compact 7. Unfortunately RLD does not cover all the scenarios you could use AppVerifier for.

So today is your lucky day: you can find an updated version of AppVerifier for Windows Embedded Compact 7 that allows the creation of custom shims and does NOT require a KITL connection on MSDN Code Gallery.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for April 2011 have arrived!

2011-05-11T10:43:00.004+02:00

Hi all,

The April updates for Windows Embedded CE are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update April 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Internet Explorer
•110405_KB2481555 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Component: Kernel
•110428_KB2529142 - User mode drivers loaded via LoadDriver are not loaded as non-pageable.
•110426_KB2520539 - This update addresses a race condition between UnmapViewOfFile and MapViewOfFile for the named-file mapping object.
•110404_KB2521622 - This update addresses an issue in kernel VM implementation specific to ARM processor.

Component: LBCTL
•110428_KB2533422 - This update addresses and issue with JScript onClick event not working properly.

Component: Script
•110428_KB2527087 - VBScript may not handle InputBox and MsgBox correctly.

Component: UDFS/CDFS
•110420_KB2531374 - CD may not play if some file names have Unicode characters.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Update April 2011:

Component: Internet Explorer
•110405_KB2481558 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact 7: Silverlight for Windows Embedded Tutorial Part 2

2011-05-02T11:27:00.008+02:00

Hi folks,

in my first tutorial I showed you how to create a Silverlight for Windows Embedded (SWE) application for Windows Embedded Compact 7 using Expression Blend 3, PlatformBuilder and the Windows Embedded Silverlight Tools (WEST) to create a PlatformBuilder subproject.

Today I want to show you how you can use WEST to create a SWE application stand-alone from Visual Studio 2008 (VS2008) WITHOUT PlatformBuilder.

For this tutorial you need to have VS2008 SP1 installed on your machine.

1. Download and install WEST.

NOTE: For this tutorial we will use the WEST sample project that can be found under C:\Program Files\Windows Embedded Silverlight Tools\WindowsEmbeddedSilverlightClock. Of course you can simply reuse the SWE project we created for the first tutorial.

2. Export/install a Windows Embedded Compact 7 SDK that supports SWE.

3. Open VS2008, go to File New Project… Select Visual C++ Smart Device as the project type and use the WEST template Silverlight for Windows Embedded Application. Choose an appropriate project name and location.

Click the OK button.

4. Click the Next button in the appearing Silverlight for Windows Embedded Project Wizard.

5. Select your Platform SDK with SWE support that we installed in step 2. Click Next.

6. Select the above mentioned Expression Blend project.

7. Click Next to generate the C++ code for our SWE project.

NOTE: If the path to the Expression Blend project contains spaces the validation will return errors. Since we are not creating a PlatformBuilder subproject, these errors will not concern us.

8. We can now build and deploy our SWE application.

Congratulation and have fun!

You think you know everything about SOURCES files (Part 2)

2011-04-29T11:47:00.001+02:00

I hope this will be the last of it ;-)

These lines are very common in SOURCES files:
SOURCES=\
a.cpp \
b.cpp

but sometimes people write this:
SOURCES=a.cpp b.cpp

This is perfectly correct for the build process.

But the platform builder IDE claims a very unexpected restriction:
Never separate the list of files with a TAB; always use SPACES!
Otherwise Visual Studio will crash without any helpful message.
It will crash when you enable the corresponding Catalog Item.
You will unsuccessfully search in the XML files for your bug.

Tschüß Holger

You think you know everything about SOURCES files

2011-04-14T15:48:00.002+02:00

... but sometimes there are strange mysteries to fix.
This lines are very common in SOURCES files:
INCLUDES= \
$(INCLUDES); \
MyIncPath; \

But sometimes you have to change the order of include pathes
in order to find a header file in MyIncPath first:
INCLUDES= \
MyIncPath; \
$(INCLUDES); \

That's the compiler message and it isn't helpful as always:
BUILD: [01:0000000029:ERRORE] cl : Command line error D8004 : '/I' requires an argument

Even Build.log doesn't clear the clouds:
BUILD: [01:0000000027:INFO ] cl -nologo ...
-Ix86\ -I. -IMyIncPath
-IC:\WINCE600\public\common\oak\inc
-IC:\WINCE600\public\common\ddk\inc
-IC:\WINCE600\public\common\sdk\inc
-I -I.\Resource\0409 ... C:\WINCE600\platform\MyBSP\Src\Drivers\MyDriver\.\MyFile.cpp
Yes, there is an extra "-I" parameter, but why?

The answer is simple:
INCLUDES= \
MyIncPath; \
$(INCLUDES)
Do you see the difference?

Tschüß Holger

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for March 2011 have arrived!

2011-04-13T09:13:00.003+02:00

Hi all,

The March updates for Windows Embedded CE are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update March 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: COMM
•110325_KB2514361 - GetHostByAddr function may return incorrect WINS server name.

Component: Core GWES
•110310_KB2507166 - MS Mincho font is not available without the AC3FontCompression technology.
•110310_KB2506662 - This update addresses some font issues with ClearType option enabled.

Component: CoreOS
•110310_KB2498860 - A hang may occur upon detaching USB devices.

Component: Drivers
•110331_KB2519657 - This update addresses an issue with FAL inserting free sectors twice into its internal "free sector list".

Component: FSD
•110318_KB2516401 - Windows Embedded CE 6.0 may not be able to read the CD if it contains invalid volume descriptors for UDFS file system.

Component: FSDMGR
•110329_KB2516902 - This update addresses memory leak.

Component: Internet Explorer
•110314_KB2492878 - This update addresses an issue in Internet Explorer.
•110315_KB2514454 - Internet Explorer may not display a multi-byte character correctly.
•110303_KB2475284 - This update addresses an issue with File_Print menu not working correctly.

Component: Kernel
•110321_KB2514264 - This update addressess a possible deadlock issue.

Component: MSFlash
•110310_KB2504074 - The Transaction Log recovery process in the FlashMDD may not handle bad log blocks correctly. This may result in premature failure of the recovery process.

Component: Pictor
•110311_KB2475955 - This update allows OEMs to enable/disable the resolution change.

Component: SOURCE
•110331_KBSOURCE - This release installs updated source files.

Component: TCP/IP
•110315_KB2509871 - This update addresses an issue with accessing file share when using ethernet card that uses hardware checksums.

Component: TimeSVC
•110302_KB2491392 - SetSystemTime may set the system time incorrectly.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Update March 2011:

Component: Internet Explorer
•110314_KB2492876 - This update addresses Internet Explorer issue.

Component: Sources
•110331_KBSOURCE - This update releases updated source files.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Whitepapers

2011-04-11T15:56:00.002+02:00

Hi folks,

looking for some Windows Embedded Compact 7 documentation? Then today is your lucky day!

Here you can find a whole lot of white papers ranging from porting guides and Silverlight for Windows Embedded development guides up to a Windows Embedded CTK User guide, etc…

Have fun!

Elektronik Spezial: Windows Embedded Compact 7

2011-04-11T15:47:00.003+02:00

Hallo zusammen,

in der aktuellen Ausgabe der Elektronik ist ein Spezial zum Start von Windows Embedded Compact 7 enthalten.

In der gedruckten Ausgabe findet sich ein Artikel von mir und meinem Kollegen Jan Babst mit dem Titel „HMI Entwicklung: Bedienen mit Zustandsautomaten“

Viel Spaß beim Lesen!

Windows Embedded Standard 7 SP1 launched

2011-04-06T16:13:00.003+02:00

Hi folks,

Microsoft just launched SP1 for Windows Embedded Standard 7 which brings you 3 new technologies:

Remote Desktop Protocol 7.1 (RDP 7.1)

SD Boot

SKU Compliance Package

You can find out more about WES7 SP1 here as well as how to access SP1 here.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded Compact 7 MCP certification available

2011-04-06T15:41:00.005+02:00

Hi folks,

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Embedded Compact 7 exam has been launched!

Exam 70-181 is multiple-choice with answer choices being either 100% correct or 100% incorrect.

In order to pass the exam the minimally qualified candidate should have worked with Windows Embedded CE for at least 2 years and with the latest version Windows Embedded Compact 7 for at least 6 month.

Interested? Don’t hesitate to register at a test location near you!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for February 2011 have arrived!

2011-03-17T11:50:00.001+01:00

hi all,

latest updates for Windows Embedded CE are available for download. Some issues have been resolved, no time to loose and get them now! More information for each update is provided in the Readme document available after the individual update(s) has been installed.

Windows Embedded CE 5.0 Monthly Update February 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: ASN1

110207_KB2477768 - This update resolves some issues with ASN1 module.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update February 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: ASN1

110207_KB2477769 - This update resolves some issues with ASN1 module.

Component: CETK

110225_KB2444533 - This release installs updated CETK test files.
110224_KB2495864 - This update addresses an error that may occur when radiometricsdll is launched.

Component: DirectX

110214_KB2495868 - Memory leak may occur when using ceplayer.exe to play AVI and WMV files through playlist with repeat playback option.

Component: Filesys

110211_KB2495580 - This update addresses a possible deadlock.

Component: Flash Lite

110222_KB982918 - This update addresses an issue with flash not rendering under certain circumstances.

Component: FSD

110209_KB2492043 - An exception may occur when unplugging and external storage device while playing a file from it.

Component: Internet Explorer

110221_KB2450800 - Screen is not properly redrawn in Internet Explorer if a floating window is shown inside a window and scrollbars are moved.

Component: NK

110211_KB982563 - This update implements L2 cacheable page table support for ARM processor.

Component: Pictor

110224_KB2465661 - This update adds registry entries to support custom resolution entries for Pictor screen.

Component: RDP

110210_KB2175812 - When connecting from a Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 device to Windows 2003 server or later, the state of the CAPS LOCK/NUM LOCK keys may not be correctly updated from the RDP client device to the terminal server.

Keep your OS up to date!

Windows Embedded Compact 7 – Train The Trainer

2011-03-04T02:24:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

Even though the 2011 MVP Summit is over, I am still in Bellevue participating in the Windows Embedded Compact 7 Train The Trainer Session today and tomorrow.

This will bring me up to date on the latest Windows Embedded technology and enable me to deliver the content out to you guys!

Great that I am able to combine these two valuable events in one trip!

Have fun!

MVP Summit 2011: Day 3

2011-03-03T15:29:00.005+01:00

Hi folks,

The last day of this years global MVP Summit was the most productive as all the sessions were deep dive sessions with the Windows Embedded Product Group.

But the best part about theses sessions were that they were give and take; the Microsoft Product team was eager to hear our feedback as well as pain points, but they also shed some light about some future visions.

The last event of the 2011 MVP Summit was the attendee party: Microsoft rented Safeco Field – the Seattle baseball stadium. There were a lot of activities such as running the bases, homerun practice, pitching training, 2 live bands, 2 former Seattle Mariners All-Star-Players…

Thank you so much Microsoft for this years MVP Summit; it was a blast and really valuable!

Have fun!

MVP Summit 2011: Day 2

2011-03-02T14:49:00.004+01:00

Hi folks,

Day 2 of the 2011 global MVP Summit here in Bellevue and Redmond started out with Steve Ballmers Keynote which was really interesting.

We spent the afternoon with the Product Group. Theses sessions were particularly interesting as we got an inside of the latest developments in the Windows Embedded Product Group. These sessions also focused on our - the MVPs - feedback which is also great.

The Product Group event which took place in the evening was a great way to interact even more with the Microsoft guys as well as the fellow MVPs!

Today the sessions where we interact with the Product Group will continue but they will be split up in Windows Embedded Compact as well as Windows Embedded Standard sessions. I can’t wait.

Have fun!

EB @ Embedded World 2011

2011-03-02T12:59:00.007+01:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's talk at the Exhibitor's Forum (Embedded World 2011) you can now get the slides of the talk about Silverlight for Windows Embedded (SWE). Thank you very much again for being interested. Your valueable feedback given and discussions held after the presentation have shown that Silverlight is really on focus of the community.

Feel free to drop me a few lines via email if I can be helpful to you clarifying things. You are welcome!

You still have the chance to find us at our Microsoft partner booth in hall 11 until tomorrow evening. Subjects that can be discussed and presented there include

TerreStar Windows Mobile 6.5

Satellite Phone and
Cellular Smartphone

EB Guide Studio

Graphics Target Framework
Speech Target Framework
HMI development
EB GUIDE XAML plugin

as well as our offerings on Windows Embedded Services and Consulting and Training Services.

-- Oliver Merkel

Windows Embedded Compact 7 release

2011-03-01T15:51:00.006+01:00

Hi folks,

Microsoft just released Windows Embedded Compact 7, the successor of Windows Embedded CE today! The official launch in Europe was on the Embedded World. So you see I didn’t exaggerate when I told you in yesterdays post that you would not be disappointed if you visit the Microsoft booth. You still have 2 days to visit the Microsoft booth at the Embedded World to get the latest news on Windows Embedded Compact 7, so hurry up!

New features of Windows Embedded Compact 7 include:

SMP (Symmetric Multi Processing)
ARM v5, ARM v6 and ARM v7 support
Updated and improved Silverlight for Windows Embedded (SWE) now based on Silverlight 3; including the WEST (Windows Embedded Silverlight Tools) to automatically convert your Silverlight C# applications logic to SWE C++ application logic
Multitouch and touch gestures
New Internet Explorer Embedded based on IE 7 including Flash 10.1 integration
Improved Connection Manager and Device Stage
New Bootloader framework
New Office and PDF viewers including support for Office 2007.
…

Find the Windows Embedded Compact 7 Datasheet here.

Download the 180 days free trial Version of Windows Embedded Compact 7 here.

Have fun!

MVP Summit 2011: Day 1

2011-03-01T02:58:00.005+01:00

Hi folks,

The MVP Summit 2011 started today in Redmond on the Microsoft Campus. There are over 1500 MVPs from 76 countries here onsite. So this is a really great opportunity to meet and have very interesting discussions both with fellow MVPs and with the Microsoft guys!

I can not blog about the actual contend of the sessions as that is under NDA.

The sessions today were not yet in the product groups. I went to some sessions about Visual Studio and Windows Phone 7; it was really great. However, the sessions I am looking forward to the most will take place tomorrow and on Wednesday – the ones that will be directly with the Windows Embedded product group!

I am off to the Welcome Reception now…

Have fun!

Embedded World 2011

2011-03-01T02:53:00.004+01:00

Hi folks,

as you all know the Embedded World in Nürnberg, one of the most important international trade fairs for the embedded community will start today (March 1st to March 3rd). All I gotta say is you will not be disappointed if you come to the Microsoft booth on March 1st!

Come and meet EB at the Microsoft booth. Oliver Merkel of EB will hold a presentation about Silverlight for Windows Embedded.

Unfortunately I will not be in Nürnberg as I am in Bellevue/Redmond, WA for the MVP Summit 2011.

Have fun!

MVP Summit 2011 arrival

2011-02-28T02:05:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,

I just arrived in Bellevue, WA! My first event of this years MVP summit will be tonight when all the German, Austrian and Swiss MVPs meet...

The regular sessions will begin tomorrow.

Have fun!

MVP Summit 2011 preview

2011-02-26T11:48:00.000+01:00

Hi folks,

I am off to Redmond to attend this years MVP Summit, taking place from 02/28 to 03/02.

I am really excited to meet with the Windows Embedded product team to discuss the latest technical news. It is also a great opportunity to meet and network face to face with my fellow MVPs.

Thanks Microsoft for this great, unique opportunity!

Have fun!

NavReady: Yearly QFEs for 2010 now available

2011-02-23T17:53:00.001+01:00

Hi all,
The yearly updates for Windows Embedded NavReady have arrived, these updates include all previous updates up until December 2010:

Windows Embedded NavReady - Cumulative Product Update Rollup Package (through 12/31/2010)

Keep your OS up to date!

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for January 2011 have arrived!

2011-02-23T17:40:00.002+01:00

Hi all,
new updates for Windows Embedded CE are available for download. Some issues have been resolved, no time to loose and get them now! More information for each update is provided in the Readme document available after the individual update(s) has been installed.

Windows Embedded CE 5.0 Monthly Update January 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Internet Explorer

110110_KB2464611 - This update addresses Internet Explorer issue.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update January 2011:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Cellcore

110104_KB2479861 - This update addresses an issue with vCard.

Component: CDROM

110112_KB2437113 - This update addresses an issue with CDROM detection and an error that occurs when ejecting CD.

Component: COMM

110112_KB2484550 - This update addresses an issue with L2TP connection failure through NAT Gateway.

Component: DirectX

110113_KB2479974 - This update addresses possible build brake.
110128_KB2492159 - This update addresses a memory leak in the Ddraw module.

Component: FSDMGR

110118_KB2482648 - After a suspend-resume operation, any storage volume whose partition type is Microsoft Installable File System (MSIFS) gets remounted as a different volume name. Explorer window to that storage volume gets closed and is inaccessible.

Component: GDIEX

110125_KB2490604 - This update addresses an issue with possible build breaks.

Component: Internet Explorer

110110_KB2464612 - This update addresses Internet Explorer issue.

Component: RDP

110125_KB2487075 - An error may occur in RDP session if Smart Card redirector is enabled.

Component: UDFS

110112_KB2484662 - This update addresses an issue with UDF driver.

Keep your OS up to date

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 training impressions

2011-02-22T14:07:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,

Congratulations to the newly certified participants of last weeks Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 class.

I hope all you Windows Embedded projects will be a success!

Have fun!

Article about SWE und EB GUIDE in Embedded Computing Design

2011-02-03T09:22:00.003+01:00

Hi folks,

The article Microsoft Expression Blend and EB GUIDE Studio Interface, written by my colleague Jan Bast and me, was just published at Embedded Computing Design.

EB in close cooperation with Microsoft developed an EB GUIDE Studio XAML plug-in which allows the combination of the EB GUIDE Studio state machine with XAML files.

With Silverlight, EB GUIDE Studio was enriched with a major, groundbreaking technology. At the same time, Silverlight was enriched with an automotive grade HMI development tool.

Have fun reading the article!

Windows Embedded Compact 7 PCTP: new drop

2011-01-28T14:42:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

As of today the Windows Embedded Compact 7 Public Community Preview (PCTP) January 2011 is available for download from the Microsoft Connect site. This drop is based on the Release Candidate (RC).

If you have worked with the previous Windows Embedded Compact 7 PCTP you have probably noticed that it expired in December 2010. So now you can restart working on you BSPs now!

Have fun!

Windows Embedded CE: 2010 Yearly Rollups now available

2011-01-27T08:58:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

The yearly cumulative product rollups for Windows Embedded CE have arrived; these updates include all previous updates up until and including December 2010:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Cumulative Product Update Rollup Package (through 12/31/2010)

Windows CE 5.0 Cumulative Product Update Rollup Package (through 12/31/2010)

Keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Image compression considerations under Windows Embedded CE

2011-01-26T14:41:00.008+01:00

Hi folks,

You can compress your Windows Embedded CE image (nk.bin) as a whole, only selected components, or only the resources of selected components.

Before we discuss how to compress your Windows Embedded CE image, let’s first have a look at the pros and cons of having a compressed Windows Embedded CE image.

Pro:
Your nk.bin is smaller in size

Contra:
Your Windows Embedded CE image runs slower and needs more RAM at runtime since you loose the “execution in place” advantage: every access to a compressed DLL causes a page fault exception. The respective DLL is then copied and decompressed into RAM.

Compressing only the resources of a component is not quite as critical; in most cases resources need to be relocated and are accessed multiple times anyways, one more access (decompressing) does not really matter. However, the space you save when compressing the resources is minimal.

Now that we established that you shouldn’t use image compression, let’s have a look at how we would accomplish it anyways.

Image compression is configured in .bib files:

Global image compression is set in the CONFIG section of the .bib file (normally config.bib):
COMPRESSION = ON or COMPRESSION = OFF

Compression of selected components is set via the C flag in the MODULES or FILES section. This flag is overwritten by the global compression setting.

Resource compression of selected components is set via the R flag in the MODULES or FILES section.

Have fun!

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for December 2010 have arrived!

2011-01-26T00:04:00.001+01:00

Windows Embedded CE 5.0 Monthly Update December 2010:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Security

101208_KB2267632 - This update addresses Security issue

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update December 2010:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Connection Manager

101207_KB982219 - Phone may not be able to enter suspend mode if SYSGEN_CONNMGR is enabled.

Component: Kernel

101202_KB982221 - This update allows kernel to keep track of the original cache attributes.

Component: RDP

101227_KB2461327 - This update addresses an error.

Component: Security

101208_KB2267634 - This update addresses security issues.

Component: TimeSVC

101227_KB2477858 - Namibia Standard Time update.

Keep your OS up to date!

Shell with command line parameters

2011-01-24T13:23:00.002+01:00

Shell.exe runs on your target because of the Launch10 entry in the Registry. It's the counterpart of the Target Control Service in your Platform Builder IDE (Windows CE> command prompt).
But did you ever tried to run Shell.exe in a second instance?
It is possible to call Shell.exe with command line parameters,
obviously it must be top secret because it's not documented.

shell -c redirects the input and output to the command line. So you are able to open your Target Control Service directly on the target.
Shell -d redirects the output to the output window of the debugger
Additionally, you can add any Target Control command.
Examples:
shell -d mi full will print the "mi full" output to the debugger.
shell -c gi proc will print all processes directly to the command window on the target.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Windows Embedded Compact (Windows CE) Live Chat!

2011-01-21T18:22:00.001+01:00

Hi guys,

there is a new opportunity to chat with Microsoft about Windows Embedded CE next week. Do you have tough technical questions regarding Windows Embedded CE for which you're seeking answers? Then join the upcomming live chat with the Microsoft!

Don't forget to put the date in your schedule and join it!!!

Title: Windows Embedded CE Live Chat!
Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 18:00 - 19:00 CET

To join this chat, please log on via the main MSDN chat page at:
http://www.microsoft.com/communities/chats/default.mspx

Have fun!

Parsing logfiles …

2011-01-11T15:32:00.004+01:00

Have you ever been annoyed by searching logfiles to get the “right” information?

Do you have a logfile like this?

08:09:29-INFO-Main.cpp-Starting app
08:09:29-DEBUG-Main.cpp-Load HMI
08:09:29-DEBUG-Main.cpp-Load x.lib
08:09:29-DEBUG-Main.cpp-Load y.lib
08:09:29-DEBUG-Main.cpp-Load z.lib
08:09:29-ERROR-Main.cpp-Cannot find a.lib

Then take a short look at the smart tool called “Uyoo”. It allows you to define regular expressions for general logfile parsing, e.g. for the very simple logfile above:

^(.*?)-(.*?)-(.*?)-(.*?)$

Additionally you can specify a filter to show only the selected/required lines in the logfile (very useful in large logfiles), which gives you a better overview of the log.

You can download this JAVA-based (installation of JAVA environment V1.6 is required) tool here.

Just try it!

Jochen Dieckfoss Windows Embedded MVP re-awarded

2011-01-05T17:56:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

Happy New Year 2011 everyone!

On January 1st Microsoft awarded the Most Valuable Professional Awards for 2011. I am happy to let you know that I was re-awarded MVP for Windows Embedded.

Stay tuned for more news from the world of Windows Embedded.

Have fun!

Merry Christmas…

2010-12-23T15:51:00.000+01:00

Hi folks,

On behalf of our entire team I would like to wish all of you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hopefully you get to spend some quiet, peaceful time with your loved ones.

Of course we will continue to post interesting and helpful news from the world of Windows Embedded here on our blog in 2011.

Meanwhile, if there are any topics that your would like to discuss further or that you think that are missing on our blog, please let me know so in the comment section!

Again, Happy Holidays to you all! I will spent Christmas with my wife and my parents in southern Germany. From what it looks like we will have a white Chrismas.
-Jochen

Windows Embedded CE QFEs for November 2010 have arrived!

2010-12-16T22:30:00.001+01:00

Windows Embedded CE 5.0 Monthly Update November 2010:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: DirectX

101112_KB2449685 - This update addresses an issue with WMA media file format.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update November 2010:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: COMM

101130_KB2467615 - This update addresses an issue with CPU load increase.

Component: DirectX

101112_KB2444607 - This update addresses an issue with WMA media file format.
101130_KB2465624 - This update addresses an issue with decoder.

Component: FATFS

101117_KB2461004 - This update addresses an issue with ScanDisk module.

Component: Flash Lite

101115_KB2424582 - This update addresses issues with Adobe Flash Lite plug-in and onKillFocus event.

Component: Imaging

101101_KB2423109 - This update addresses memory leak in PNG encoder.

Component: Internet Explorer

101130_KB2429701 - This update addresses an issue with file download.
101130_KB2461047 - This update addresses an issue with Internet Explorer.

Component: pWord

101130_KB2426162 - Wordpad application window may not rotate when the device screen is rotated 90 degrees.

Keep your OS up to date!

embeddedSPARK 2011 Challenge

2010-12-05T14:24:00.001+01:00

Hi Folks,

Round 1 of this years embeddedSPARK Challenge ends on January 2nd 2011. So hurry and enter your idea for a Windows Embedded Compact 7 project for a chance to win $15,000!

By the way, this year I will be a judge for the embeddedSPARK Challenge.

Have fun!

Embedded Software Engineering Kongress 2010

2010-12-03T14:13:00.002+01:00

Hallo zusammen,

es ist mal wieder so weit: vom 07. bis zum 09. Dezember 2010 findet der diesjährige ESE-Kongress in Sindelfingen statt. Mit 97 Fachvorträgen und 10 Kompaktseminaren aus Entwicklung, Forschung, Lehre und Management bietet der ESE-Kongress reichlich Stoff für neue Ideen, Lösungswege und angeregte Diskussionen.

Ich werde am 09.12.2010 auf dem ESE-Kongress sein und den Echzeit & RTOS Track moderieren.

Ich hoffe Sie sind neugierig geworden. Ich freue mich auf Sie!

Have fun!

Don’t miss SPS/IPC/Drives

2010-11-22T10:05:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,

the SPS/IPC/Drives – the exhibition for electric automation technology – will take place at the Exhibition Center Nürnberg/Germany from November 23rd to November 25th 2010.

Come and visit the Windows Embedded booth 7A-150; yes is the same location as last year. You can meet me tomorrow, November 23rd at the Microsoft booth. I am looking forward to some interesting discussions about Windows Embedded with you!

Have fun and see you at the SPS/IPC/Drives!

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 QFEs for October 2010 have arrived!

2010-11-16T09:23:00.009+01:00

Hi all,

The October updates for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 are available for download:

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update October 2010:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: COMM

101028_KB2384080 - When using RNDIS client and DHCP allocator bound to the USB interface, an error may occur when USB cable is unplugged.

Component: DirectX

101004_KB2417732 - The current media time is not correctly calculated by the current rate.

Component: Fonts

101022_KB2437384 - Rotated text may not render correctly due to an issue with the font.

Component: FSD

101029_KB2383946 - Calls to ScanVolumeEX() may fail when the volume to be scanned is formatted as EXFAT and has a directory structure that is at least 5 levels deep.

Component: IE

101005_KB982561 - This update addresses an issue with missing download manager.
101013_KB2352410 - This update addresses Internet Explorer issue.

Component: RDP

101006_KB2431798 - This update addresses an issue with mouse cursor corruption when connecting from a Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 device to Windows 7 over RDP.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: recap

2010-11-12T22:13:00.000+01:00

Hi folks,

TechED Europe 2010 in Berlin ended earlier today. It has been a great time, lots of interesting talks with fellow MVPs, Microsofties, friends of Windows Embedded, etc. I hope TechED Europe has been as rewarding for you as it has been for me!

The Windows Embedded talks have been most interesting as I already outlined in one of my previous posts, you probably enjoyed them as well as the interesting discussions as much as I have!

I am looking forward to see you again at next years TechED Europe!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Day 5

2010-11-12T09:47:00.005+01:00

Hi folks,

Sadly it’s already the last day of TechED Europe 2010 in Berlin but there are still some very interesting things to do. I am really looking forward to Andy’s and Pierre’s session about Windows Embedded Handheld, the rebranded Windows Mobile 6.5 which starts at 10:30 today.

Meanwhile I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the entire TechED staff, Microsofties, especially Pierre Cauchois, this years Windows Embedded track owner, fellow MVPs and all speakers for making this TechED such an amazing and valuable experience, THANKS GUYS!

See you today at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Microsoft MVP program

2010-11-11T17:23:00.000+01:00

Hi folks,

check out the Microsoft MVP program blog for a video of various MVPs on this years TechED Europe 2010. Another video featuring me will be posted later today or tomorrow.

See you today at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Why Windows Embedded has so little precence

2010-11-11T16:11:00.000+01:00

Hi folks,

Check out Olivier Bloch’s blog post about Why Windows Embedded does have so little presence on TechED Europe 2010.

See you today at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Day 4

2010-11-11T14:47:00.005+01:00

Hi folks,

And welcome again from TechED Europe in Berlin. Hope you got a chance to attend the Windows Embedded sessions that were held so far. Even though Windows Embedded is a small track, the sessions have been very interesting so far. Marco Bodoira even played the electric guitar live on stage while presenting his project that won this years Microsoft hobbyist contest embedded SPARK!

Other sessions were about Silverlight for Windows Embedded or how to use it in combination with the .NET Compact Framework. Douglas Boling gave some very useful hints about embedded software engineering. Jason Tolley compared Windows Embedded Compact 7 with other embedded OSes such as embedded Linux or Android. Of course there are still some sessions to come:

2010-11-11: 18:00-19:00 WEM304: Advanced Application Debugging Techniques with Windows Embedded Compact 7 – Hall 3.2 Interactive Theater 1 – Jochen Dieckfoss

2010-11-12: 10:30-11:30 WEM201: The Future of Enterprise Mobile Devices with Windows Embedded Handheld – Hall 7.1a New York 2 – Andy Wigley and Pierre Cauchois.

See you today at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

Electronica 2010 - embedded Forum

2010-11-11T11:17:00.008+01:00

Hello Windows Embedded friends,

Jochen already mentioned the talk held at Electronica 2010 - embedded Forum, Nov 9th 2010 in an earlier posting. It was the first talk at the embedded Forum in session 1: Real-Time Operating Systems. Subject was Silverlight for Windows Embedded under Windows Embedded Compact 7 (WEC7)

For those who where joining us there: Thank you very much for attending and your feedback and questions afterwards. We were having some really valueable discussions at our Microsoft Partner booth A6.S07

Since I got some requests for the presentation slides: You can find the German and English version of the slides here. Alternatively I will forward these on email request (if not already done).

If you could not make it to the talk then here is a short abstract just in case you are interested and probably decide to state a request on the slides, too:

Oliver will introduce you to the upcoming version Windows Embedded Compact 7 as well as its installation experience. Furthermore Oliver will walk you through the development process of a simple Silverlight for Windows Embedded (SWE) Sample User Experience (UX). You will learn that the steps involved are much simpler than working with the current version of SWE for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3.

In case of questions related to Silverlight for Windows Embedded feel free to contact Jochen or me directly.

Cheers,
-- Oliver

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Day 3 recap and Sessions for November 11th

2010-11-10T16:46:00.004+01:00

Hi folks,

Today’s Windows Embedded sessions are over, but again, you can download the session slides from your TechED Europe 2010 ScheduleBuilder. Of course those are only the slides and not the demos or interactions. My lunch session where I talked about User Experience development with Windows Embedded Automotive 7 went really great; despite it being lunch time a lot of people showed up!

Don’t miss tomorrows (November 11th) Windows Embedded Sessions:

10:30-11:30: WEM301 – Amazing User Experience on Embedded Devices Using Silverlight for Windows Embedded – Hall 7.1a New York 2 – Douglas Boling

13:30-14:05: WEM204 - How to Build a $15000 Guitar Switch with Windows Embedded – Hall 7.1b London 1 – Marco Bodoira

14:30-15:30: WEM303 – Silverlight for Windows Embedded and .NET Compact Framework: Best of Both Worlds – Hall 3.2 Interactive Theater 2 – Andy Wigley

18:00-19:00 WEM304 – Advanced Application Debugging Techniques with Windows Embedded Compact 7 – Hall 3.2 Interactive Theater 1 – Jochen Dieckfoss

See you at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Day 3 Windows Embedded Talks

2010-11-10T10:55:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,

Just a quick reminder of today’s Windows Embedded sessions three of which I already announced yesterday. You thought those were all the sessions for today, did you? Well I have some good news for you there will be an additional Windows Embedded session today so make sure attend them:

9:00-10:00: WEM102 – Windows Embedded Compact Compete – Hall 3.2 Interactive 1 – Jason Tolley

12:00-13:00: WEM302 – Deploying and Servicing Appliances and Embedded Devices with Style – Hall 7.1a New York 2 – Johan Arwidmark

13:20-14:05: WEM305 – Windows Embedded Automotive 7 – Creating Next Generation User Experiences – Hall 7.1b London 3 – Jochen Dieckfoss

14:30-15:30: WEM203 – What a Desktop Developer Needs to Know to Write Embedded Code – Hall 3.2 Interactive Theater 4 – Douglas Boling

See you today at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Windows Embedded Hands-on Labs

2010-11-09T17:43:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,

Don’t forget to check out the two self paced Windows Embedded Standard 7 Hands-on Labs which you can take at any time during TechED opening hours in Hall 2.2a or Hall 2.2b:

WEM01-HOL - Build Your Own Embedded System

WEM04-HOL - Porting 3rd Party Drivers into Image Configuration Editor

See you at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Windows Embedded Speaker Contact

2010-11-09T17:18:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,

Unfortunately there is no Windows Embedded Technical Learning Center (TLC) at this year’s TechED Europe.

However, luckily for you, you have multiple possibilities to get in contact with us Windows Embedded Speakers and Microsoft personal:

You can certainly talk to us during and at the end of our talks in the respective rooms.

You can come to the Speakers Lounge in Hall 2.2a. Simply ask at the door for the person you wish to speak to, if we are there, we are happy to talk to you.

Some of us will be hanging around the Windows Phone TLC in Hall 3.2

You might also find us at the MVP booth in the middle of the exhibition in Hall 4.2

See you at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

Visit EB at the electronica 2010 in Munich

2010-11-09T16:55:00.004+01:00

Hi folks,

Besides the TechED Europe 2010 in Berlin where I am at right now, there is also another embedded event going on right now:

The elctronica 2010 from November 9th to November 12th in Munich where EB has not only one but two booths.

Visit the EB Autosar booth as well as the EB Windows Embedded Partner Pod both in Halle A6 “Software Village”.

Oliver Merkel, who also wrote a few articles on this blog just held a presentation at the electronica about Silverlight for Windows Embedded under Windows Embedded Compact 7. Hope you were able to catch it!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Day 2

2010-11-09T16:20:00.003+01:00

Hi folks,

Todays Windows Embedded Sessions are over. If you have missed them you can at least download the slides from your TechED Europe 2010 ScheduleBuilder. Simply set the Track on the right hand side to Windows Embedded and you will be able to download the slides.

Make sure you don’t miss tomorrows (November 10th) Windows Embedded Sessions:

9:00-10:00: WEM102 – Windows Embedded Compact Compete – Hall 3.2 Interactive 1 – Jason Tolley
12:00-13:00: WEM302 – Deploying and Servicing Appliances and Embedded Devices with Style – Hall 7.1a New York 2 – Johan Arwidmark

13:20-14:05: WEM305 – Windows Embedded Automotive 7 – Creating Next Generation User Experiences – Hall 7.1b London 3 – Jochen Dieckfoss

See you today at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!

TechED Europe 2010 Berlin: Today’s Windows Embedded Sessions

2010-11-09T07:18:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,

Don’t miss today’s Windows Embedded Sessions at TechEd Euope:

10:30-11:30: WEM101 – Choosing an OS for an Appliance or any Kind of Embedded System – Hall 3.2 Interactive 6 – Jason Tolley

12:00-13:00: WEM202 – Discover Windows Embedded Standard 7 as your Next Appliance Platform – Hall 7.1a New York 2 – Alexander Wechsler

13:20-14:05: WEM103 – Windows Embedded Overview: Demos of the Latest and Upcoming Releases – Hall 7.1b London 1 – Pierre Cachois

See you today at the TechED and enjoy!

Have fun!