Install .Net Compact Framwork without Activesync

The following is a summary on how to install .Net Compact Framework on a PocketPC without Activesync.

  1. Download .Net Compact Framework from Microsoft
  2. Using a Windows PC, extract all the files from the installer package by running the following command msiexec /a PackageName.msi from either the command line or the run dialog box. The /a ommand specifies to run it ass an adminstrative install that will extract the files to a specified location rather than install them as usual. Replace PackageName.msi with the name of the installer you downloaded in step 1.
    • For non-windows systems (linux/mac etc…) 7-Zip is supposedly (I haven’t tested it myself) able to extract files from .msi files. If you goto to the download page, at the bottom there is a list of unofficial packages for other systems.
  3. The installer program for .Net Compact Framework will now open. Follow the steps for the installer, you will be prompted for a location to extract the files.
  4. you will need to identify the correct CAB file from this list in the files extracted in step 3.
  5. Once you have located the correct file, transfer it to your PocketPC (for example, Memory Card, InfraRed, Bluetooth, Email…)
  6. Open the CAB file on your device. This will install .Net Compact Framework and you will be able to use any program that requires it.

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3 Responses to “Install .Net Compact Framwork without Activesync”

  1. saumaun Says:

    YAY! thanks it worked! I was wondering how to do this because my activesync would never work. Great guide

  2. Jim Says:

    Great guide!

  3. spratelboing Says:

    unfortunately p7zip doesn’t work to extract .msi files. There’s a MSIextract app which doesn’t run using WINE too. (it bases on the .NET Framework)
    Therefore I tried mono (on Ubuntu). Didn’t work too.. :(
    any suggestions?

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