Microsoft KB Archive/244342

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HOWTO: Replace Windows CE Control Panel Applications

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Q244342

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows CE version 3.01 for the Palm-size PC

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SUMMARY
To simplify Control Panel operation and enhance the overall user experience, Windows CE for the Palm-size PC version 3.01 gives original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the ability to replace the following Control Panel (CPL) applications: Backlight, Power, Password, and Contrast.

In earlier versions of Windows CE, when OEMs chose to add or enhance Control Panel features, the original Microsoft CPL application remains along with the OEM application. With this new support, OEMs who want to modify settings or features can combine all functionality into a single CPL application that replaces the standard Microsoft implementation.

NOTE: You may not replace or add property pages to existing applications.

MORE INFORMATION
NOTE: Microsoft does not recommend that you replace the standard Microsoft CPL applications. The standard applications are tested extensively for quality and usability, and you should replace them only when there is a compelling need.

Custom CPL applications must meet the following criteria:


 * New applications should have at least the same functionality as the standard Microsoft applications.
 * New versions of an application should be localized for international releases. If you prefer, you may use the Microsoft implementation for foreign languages.

CPL application replacement is handled by means of the OEM's Platform.reg file. The format to override an application is as follows:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ControlPanel\Backlight|Power|Password|Contrast] "Redirect"="\\path\\to\\new\\target.exe plus command parameters" Use the strings "Backlight", "Power", "Password", or "Contrast" depending on the panel you want to replace. Do not change these strings even for international language versions. If you leave the redirect value blank (""), the application is disabled (instead of redirected), which is not allowed.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbWinCE kbDSupport kbGrpETK

Issue type : kbhowto

Technology : kbvcSearch