hi...i created a dos program with c++ to convert internet explorer Favourites folders to a opera bookmark file so that i can easily port my favourite sites over to my ppc's Opera 8.60 for use... it works on my computer so i thot i might as well post it so u guys can help me test see if it works or feedback so that i can make it better... (i'm a noob programmer so if it sucks don't complain!)

heres how to make it work...

1. download the file at http://garyz.501megs.com/bm_conv1.rar then unzip the file to a folder in your computer...

2. after that run SETPATH.EXE...a dos screen will ask u for the path to the favourites folder u will like to have converted to opera bookmark file. usually your mobile favourites is found at C:\Documents and Settings\yourusername\Favorites\Mobile Favorites\ so u just follow the appropriate path on your computer and type it into the dos prompt (don't worry you have to type it in once only...settings will be saved) and the opera6.adr bookmark file will be generated in the folder where u put my program into...

3.u can just copy that generated bookmark file(opera6.adr) into your ppc's \application data\opera\ folder or whereever else u find your opera's bookmark file..and replace it (while opera program is not open) and VOILA! u are seeing all the bookmarks u want on your ppc opera!

4. the next time u want to update your opera's bookmarks just run EXTRACTURL.EXE instead and the updated file will be generated in the program's folder once again. no need to key in the path again for this one...

NOTE: program does not work if u have chinese(or other non english) characters in your IE bookmarks' names...change them to english before u do the conversion...

more steps/instructions will follow later on how to automate the process so that u wun ever have to click a button again and your ppc's opera alwaes gets the latest favourite links from your PC whenever u activesync..of course...using my little application in the process...

(pls feed back too! thanks!)

Interesting. Why not create a GUI for it to make things simpler for those who are not familiar with command prompt? Or better still, create a Pocket PC version for it to import from Mobile Favorites. If you need help, let me know.

yar! i got no experience doing any gui..looking at visual C++ and embeddded visual c++ but knows nuts abt it and the .NET installation stuff just makes things worse... mebbe u can intro me some sites with guides on how to install the sdk for like step by step install embedded visual c and stuff? wats required and stuff...

i intend to do for wm2003 btw("if there's a difference developing for graphical software for either)...hehe my x50v not upgraded to wm5 yet...

thanks man!

on 2nd thots mebbe u wana start a thread explaining all these...i bet i'm not the only one in this forum who wants to program some useful apps ... hehe... thanks vicottie!

For starters, you can try using Visual C++ and explore MFC Applications to familiarise yourself with GUI programming, especially usage of MFC functions. I actually learnt it by myself through trial and error and also from some books as well as search engines and websites. You can choose to create MFC Application from the wizard (the wizard will help you create the project and some basic files with basic codes and skeleton structure) when you want to create a new project. Maybe u can try the "Hi world" demo project.

As for eMbedded Visual C++, here are some basic steps:
1) Download & Install eVC++ (free)
2) Download & Install SP4 for eVC++ (free)
3) Download & Install Pocket PC 2003 SDK (free)
4) Choose MFC Application for PPC2003 for new project
5) Choose PPC2003 SDK for compile option (very important to get it working)

Actually, you don't need to use .Net if you are not using Visual Studio .Net to create Smart Device applications. But VS.Net is more user friendly than eVC++ for creating PPC apps though. So far, all my apps were built using PPC2003 SDK and they work for WM5 as well.

It's also harder to test PPC apps as compared to desktop apps. This is because the emulators are slow and hence, it's a "tougher" process to use debug mode. I usually just dump the app into my PPC and test the functions while using popup message boxes to debug certain portions of the code which I suspect to have problems.

For the compile options, you can compile as "Debug" version or "Release" version. Once you have finalised the app, you should use "Release" version as it is significantly smaller than the "Debug" version.

Actually, for the desktop program, there isn't really a need for a GUI if you are able to tap into the registry to find out the user name, because that's the only portion of the path you are unsure of. Maybe just a simple popup message box will do. That should make things much easier since you do not need to bother with designing the GUI and use MFC functions.

Ahh.....I hope I'm not confusing you too much. Hands on is more important for learning.

Link: http://www.pocketpcdn.com/

I also wanted to try writing some programs for the Pocket PC but I'm a newbie in application development. Currently I have VS.NET 2003 installed but seldom use it. I need some quick answers to the following doubts so I can head in the correct direction.
Do I need to install eVC++ as well?
Other than the PPC 2003 SDK, is there anything else I need?
What are the differences between PPC 2003 SDK and WM5 SDK?

If you have VS.Net, you do not need eVC++. VS.Net is already an integrated solution for developing software for both desktop and mobile/embedded devices. VS.Net owners can also download WM5 SDK and emulators for free. VS.Net is a requirement for those who wish to use WM5 SDK. Since I do not have a copy of VS.Net, I can only settle for PPC2003 SDK with eVC++. With VS.Net, you have the option of either choosing C++, C# or VB.Net as your programming language for smart mobile device.

Ahh....let's not drift too much from the main discussion. For further discussion on Windows Mobile development, please create a new thread in other forum section to continue.

Thanks guys, any progress for an idiot prove, self installation cab file?

i'm too noob...dunna how to make cab installers yet..hehe... but i'll work on it man! will try and post ppc version when i make it (that's if i do succeed hehe)

so no one tried it on your pc eh? i can't be sure its bug free until someone else (other than myself on my computer only) verifies its working man.. nione care to help beta test a bit ?

I've actually tried it but I'm neither a Mobile Favorite user nor a Opera user.

ouch...haha...thanks dudez...but did the opera6.adr file at least contain like all your favs and their addresses properly? open in notepad help me check pls..

thanks again vicottie!

Something like this?

wow..u've got many bookmarks... yes something like that... happy to see it hehe... thanks!

Erm....those are not from Mobile Favorites folder. I can't set the path to Mobile Favorites folder as that folder doesn't exist on my PC. Hah!

This is good stuff. Thanks!