Installing Applications On An iPaq
Most applications that you will find for the Pocket PC will be in form of a CAB file or an EXE Installer. They might also come in the form of a zip or self-extracting zip file. Installing applications in the CAB or EXE form are quite straightforward, but those in the compressed zip format vary from application to application. You should read the information provided on the website where you downloaded the zip file or in documentation provided with the zip for further instructions. Since CAB and EXE installer files almost always work in the same manner, we will explain how to install these files in following documentation. Also remember, you will want to download installers that work with PocketPC PDAs using the ARM processor.
Installation with an EXE File
Most EXE files are installer applications that will install the required files on your iPaq when connected with the cradle for running a specific application. For this type of EXE, simply double-click the file after downloading and follow the installation prompts as directed. Another type of EXE you might come across is the self-extracting zip. This type of EXE will automatically decompress or extract files either to a default location specified by the creator of the EXE or to a location specified by yourself when running the self-extracting zip EXE. You will need to refer to the documentation provided with the EXE to decide what needs to be done with the extracted files. If the extracted files contain a Setup or Install EXE, then you will likely need to run this application and it will then install the desired files to your iPaq for running the application. The last type of EXE file might actually be the application that is meant to run on your iPaq. In this case, simply connect your iPaq to your desktop with the cradle. Now copy the application from your desktop to the desired location on your iPaq, we suggest putting it in the Program Files folder. The Program Files folder on your iPaq can be found using the following directory path My Computer\Mobile Device\My Pocket PC\Program Files from Windows Explorer on your desktop. You will want to create a new folder for the application and place it inside.
Installation with a CAB File
CAB files are simply installer archive files containing all of the files and locations for those files to be placed on your iPaq. To install all of the files located in a CAB file you need to first get that CAB file onto your iPaq. This can be done several ways. The simplest way would be by connecting your iPaq to your desktop with the cradle, opening ActiveSync, and clicking the Explore button. This should open up the My Documents folder on your iPaq. You can now copy the CAB file to this location on your iPaq. You could also copy the CAB file to the My Documents folder your desktop that is synced with your iPaq. Then on the next sync operation, this CAB file will be copied to your iPaq. On your iPaq you will want to execute this CAB file to install the files needed for running the application. You should also be able to download CAB files using Pocket Internet Explorer on your iPaq if you have a connection to the internet.
