WEDU registration endless loop

Hi folks,

When I tried updating my Windows Embedded Compact 7 environment which has to be done with Windows Embedded Developer Update (WEDU), I was never able to get past the registration page.

The solution in a nutshell:
You HAVE to select “Yes, I agree” to the question “* Do you agree that a Windows Embedded representative may contact you using the phone number or email address provided by you to supply further Windows Embedded information?”

Thanks Michael for the solution! You can read his full post here.

Have fun!
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How to reduce driver development turn around time

Do you think that driver development under Windows CE is a time-consuming challenge? Ok, not all coders like twiddling with registers and interrupts - that's why we are here.
Under CE - and similar to other embedded operating systems - a 'normal' and therefore sometimes boring driver development cycle looks like that:

1. Compile and link the driver dll from driver source

2. Download and boot the modified image

3. The OS loads the driver and you start debugging

4. Go to 1 (Do not pass Go, do not collect $200)

Fortunately, there are some shortcuts in this cycle that saves you lots of time.

The first, simple and well known means is to exclude the driver binary from the CE image. Let the OS load the driver from the release file system (Relfsd). With that there is no need to perform a 'makeimg' after each driver modification. Note: This requires a working KITL connection.

The next shortcut requires some initial work but mosly there's no need to download and boot the OS image in each cycle.

I'm sure you will re-use this driver development pattern in future.
For that you have to rename the driver registry entries. Instead of "Drivers\BuiltIn\MyDriver" use for example "Drivers\BuildInTest\MyDriver". With that the driver is not loaded during boot. Then write a simple driver test tool that performs the following steps:

1. Create a named event. If the event already exists signal the event and goto step 6; otherwise continue with the next step.

2. Copy the registry data from "Drivers\BuiltInTest\MyDriver" to "Drivers\BuildIn\MyDriver".

3. Let the OS load and start the driver via ActivateDeviceEx() API function.

4. Wait for the named event to be signalled by a second instance of the edriver test tool.

5.As the event gets signalled unload the driver by calling DeactivateDevice() API function.

6. Free the event so with the next start of your test tool it again loads the driver.

7. Simply exit :-)

With all that stuff prepared you load your driver by starting the test tool the first time (e.g. via CE shell "s loaddriver.exe". Now you can test/investigate your driver as in former times. The big difference is that you can unload the driver by starting the test tool a second times, modify your driver and start over without the need to reboot the OS again.

This little development pattern accompanies my since I started CE development about 10 years ago. So it's high time to share :-)

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MVP Summit last day

Hi folks,

Time flies – today was already the last day of the 2012 MVP Summit. Thank you so much Microsoft for this opportunity to spent time with the product group discussing the latest developments around Windows Embedded.

Meeting my fellow MVPs was also very great and valuable. Here are some impressions of the summit:






Have fun!
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MVP Summit: Day 2

Hi folks,

We got to spend the second day of the MVP Summit with the Windows Embedded product group. This day was a deep dive session into Windows Embedded Standard v. Next. as well as Microsoft’s plans around Intelligent Systems. As always it wasn’t just a presentation but a very good discussion about what we, the MVPs, think about Microsoft’s plans.

Unfortunately I cannot disclose an technical details yet but I will as soon as I can. All I can say so far is, that I am excited about the news especially around Windows Embedded Compact!

In the meantime I can only refer you to my post about the Windows Embedded Roadmap released in November 2011.

Stay tuned for more exciting news around Windows Embedded to come soon!

Have fun!
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MVP Summit: 1st day

Hi folks,

The sessions of a very interesting first day just ended. I am not allowed to share any details with you yet but we heard and discussed a lot about Windows Embedded Compact v. next as well as Windows Embedded Handheld v. next.

The last, very valuable session was an open discussion with Kevin Dallas, the Windows Embedded Program Manager.

This eventful day will close with the welcome reception which is about to start in about 2 hours.

Have fun!
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MVP Summit: arrived

Hi Folks,

after a long but all in all uncomplicated flight I arrived in Redmond, WA on Monday at noon.

The only item on the agenda (other than check-in and registration) was the dinner for German-speaking MVPs. It was a lot of fun and we had some very interesting conversations - thanks guys!

Today the breakout sessions with the product group will start – I can’t wait to hear about the latest news of Windows Embedded and engage in discussions about future plans.

Have fun!
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MVP Summit 2012 preview

Hi folks,

I am off to Redmond for the MVP Summit 2012, taking place from 02/28 to 03/02.

It will be great to meet with the Windows Embedded product team to discuss the latest technical news. I am also thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and network face to face with my fellow MVPs.

Thanks Microsoft for this great, unique opportunity!

I will keep you updated as least on the things that are not under NDA.

Have fun!
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HoHoHo… Merry Christmas…

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!
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Windows Embedded Roadmap 2011 announced!

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!

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

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!
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MVP Summit 2011: Day 3

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!
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MVP Summit 2011: Day 2

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!

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Embedded World 2011

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!
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MVP Summit 2011 preview

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!
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Windows Embedded CE QFEs for December 2010 have arrived!

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 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!

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

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!

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embeddedSPARK 2011 Challenge

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

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!
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Webcast: Creating Embedded Applications with a Modern UI / UX

Hi folks,

check out my latest webcast where I will lead you through the development process and tools of a modern User Experience (UX) for embedded applications:



Have fun!
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TechED North America – Day 2

Hi folks,

hello again from TechED North America here in New Orleans!

This evening from 5 pm to 6:15 pm we have a Windows Embedded Roundtable discussion in Room 349. Come on by and enjoy some cold beer while discussing Windows Embedded topics. We’d really like to hear your opinion!

I'd also like to invite you to the Windows Embedded party tomorrow, Wednesday June 9th at Begue’s on 300 Bourbon St. starting at 8pm! So make sure you stop by the Windows Embedded booth (in the RED area behind the bus; yeah literally a bus!) and pick up a wrist band that will admit you!

In the picture below you see me showcasing some of our devices running Windows Embedded. The one I am holding up is actually running Windows Embedded Compact 7, pretty cool, eh?!


Have fun, and see you soon!
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