The current CAB file download for PocketPC appears to be a non WinCE installation file...

In attempting to install the CAB directly on the PPC results in the error message;

The file... ...is not a valid Windows CE Setup File.

(yep, I'm very familiar with PPC CAB installs... it is the .CAB file and not the windows install exe file)

I downloaded the CAB, then downloaded and installed the Activesync install and confirmed that the cab was identical and it generates the same error message.

The faq's indicate that WinMoble 2003se is supported, so, if that is true, would assume that the wrong file has been posted.

The file info on the cab from the activesync install is;

6.55 MB (6,872,149 bytes) (seems a bit large)
October 09, 2007, 2:45:52 p

Any help... including an older version, would be appreciated.

Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]

I can confirm that having downloaded v2.2.0.37 via both .CAB and .EXE that they appear to have been built with the WM5 SDK and therefore are invalid installations for WM2003.

Please can you re-build the .CABs for WM2003 and provide us with a link ASAP?

Thanks in advance,

Ian.

I can confirm that having downloaded v2.2.0.37 via both .CAB and .EXE that they appear to have been built with the WM5 SDK and therefore are invalid installations for WM2003.

Please can you re-build the .CABs for WM2003 and provide us with a link ASAP?

I don't know why it doesn't work for you, but I can tell that it installed just fine on my Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox 720, which is a Pocket PC 2003 device.

I don't know why it doesn't work for you...

Two out of three in favor of it doesn't work for 2003se... no response from skype.

If not the latest version, perhaps allowing us to use a version which is older but will work on older devices... either that or the faq's need to be changed.

Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]

Two out of three in favor of it doesn't work for 2003se... no response from skype.

I just thought of one thing: Do you have the latest ActiveSync installed? The latest version detects that the .exe installation file is made for WM5 and modifies the installation to work with PocketPC 2003. Earlier versions of ActiveSync does not have this feature.

I just thought of one thing: Do you have the latest ActiveSync installed? The latest version detects that the .exe installation file is made for WM5 and modifies the installation to work with PocketPC 2003. Earlier versions of ActiveSync does not have this feature.

Latest version of ActiveSync does not have support for Outlook 2000. You would lose that function. I guess you could install AS 4.5,install Skype 2.2 and then install older version of AS if you (like me) need Outlook support.
Mike

Still no response from Skype so I've logged an official support request to ask for a WM 2003 SE (v4.21) compatible installation that has not been signed by the WM5 SDK.

I'll post the response when I receive it.

atest ActiveSync installed? The latest version detects that the .exe installation file is made for WM5 and modifies the installation to work with PocketPC 2003.

Ok, you have my attention... as I am not aware of the above change and process.

Running the current downloaded installation exe on the pc extracts a single cab file... identical to the cab file which is posted on the download file.

The activesync ini file for the skype installation which tells activesync what to do contains;

[CEAppManager]
Version = 1.0
Component = SKYPEFORPPC

[SKYPEFORPPC]
CabFiles = SkypeMobilePPC.CAB
Description = Skype for PocketPC 2.2


Historically, there used to be a need to install different cabs based on processors which are no longer supported since the first version of windows mobile (ppc 3) but the ini file shows that feature is not being implimented.

If more information on this activesync change is available, please let me know.

Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]

I said I would report back when I had a response to my support call on this WM2003/SE issue. I have now received two replies from Skype support but both have added no value at all. They are just copying and pasting parts of the FAQs to me via e-mail, most of which are out of date for the v2.2.0.37 release.

I will continue to push for some quality support and report back whenever I have any more news.

Skype Developers: Do any of you monitor this forum? If so, please could you put some pressure on support/management to make sure there is a link to an unsigned .CAB file of v2.2.0.37 that we can install on WM2003 and SE devices? Thanks in advance.


Ian.

I now have a non-FAQ copied response:

Thank you for contacting Skype Support.

This error is known by our development team and will be resolved in a future release of Skype.

Stay tuned on http://www.skype.com/download for updates and to get the latest Skype version.

We apologize for the inconvenience

So, it looks like all us users of slightly older devices that can't run WM5 or 6 will just have to wait. It's a shame as it is rather easy to re-make the cab file using the WM2003 SDK.

This post has been edited by ian.mcmichael: Wed Nov 21 2007, 11:19

So this happens with the latest Activesync also?
regards,

So this happens with the latest Activesync also?
regards,

I personally can't confirm that as I'm an Ubuntu user and can't install ActiveSync. Hence the need for an unsigned .CAB file that I can install on the device.

Well as mentioned here previously latest Activesync does convert the .cab file included in the .exe so it can be run on wm2003. A quick workarround is to get hold of a windows pc, install activesync 4.5, no need for syncing or anything just run the .exe on that computer.

I now have a non-FAQ copied response:
So, it looks like all us users of slightly older devices that can't run WM5 or 6 will just have to wait. It's a shame as it is rather easy to re-make the cab file using the WM2003 SDK.

Using Toshiba E-800, with WiFi, 4GB SD memory card.
Microsoft PPC ver. 4.20.1081 (Build 13100)
WM 2003, Processor: Intel PXA263
AS ver. 4.1.0 (Build 4841)
Using Skype Mobile ver. 2.2.0.36

Was curious about the new ver. 2.2.0.37, and the ver. "improvements" ??

I have absolutely NO software usage problems with Skype Mobile ver 2.2.0.36, avoid getting headaches, and will now "not" install either of the already downloaded Cab or the Exe 2.2.0.37. I now have a headache!!

Thanks for all of the relevant postings re the new version issues,
Travelbonus

The new version has a new audio library that provides support for the CPUs that were left unsupported by the removal of the version that had the GIPS audio engine.
So if you have .36 and it is running great for you, stick with it. There could be voice quality related improvements in .37 but I'm not aware of them.
Regards,

I have the same problem, I have installed the new Activesync and can't install the new Skype on my Windows Mobile 2003.

Skypeless till they release then next update...which is rubbish - it would have been nice if they had previous releases for downloading for cases like this

Hi.

HX4700 running 2003se
Host PC win2k sp4
Active sync 3.8

Latest version CAB version errors with "not valid cab..." etc.

Updated HX4700 to latest MS CompactFrame work - in case it was required - no difference. Tried copying via Activesync and via CF card reader -> CF card -> Hx4700. Same error message.

I have no urge to update Activesync and loose the wireless syncing and reading the above it may not help anyway. (For Info: transferred Skype via wired Activesync, not wirelessly)

After the ?1603? error updating the desktop Skype today, now this....

No worries, I'm sure they'll be a link to the previous REALLY stable release.... I'll just download a compat...ib..le... ol...der v...e...r...s...i.....o......n. Ah. Maybe I wont.

TBH I would suggest that making available a CAB installer infers that Activesync is NOT required for installation so the requirement to have a compatible version of Activesync to modify the file to enable it work with a particular PPC OS seems a bit daft, IMHO.

Yesterday worked - today with the NEW! IMPROVED! VERSION! it doesn't. Not happy.

CB

I have the same problem, I have installed the new Activesync and can't install the new Skype on my Windows Mobile 2003.

Skypeless till they release then next update...which is rubbish - it would have been nice if they had previous releases for downloading for cases like this

Can you please describe what exactly you did? I can't reproduce it. Activesync 4.5 + SkypeSetup.exe installs on Windows Mobile 2003

Hi.

HX4700 running 2003se
Host PC win2k sp4
Active sync 3.8

Latest version CAB version errors with "not valid cab..." etc.

Updated HX4700 to latest MS CompactFrame work - in case it was required - no difference. Tried copying via Activesync and via CF card reader -> CF card -> Hx4700. Same error message.

I have no urge to update Activesync and loose the wireless syncing and reading the above it may not help anyway. (For Info: transferred Skype via wired Activesync, not wirelessly)

After the ?1603? error updating the desktop Skype today, now this....

No worries, I'm sure they'll be a link to the previous REALLY stable release.... I'll just download a compat...ib..le... ol...der v...e...r...s...i.....o......n. Ah. Maybe I wont.

TBH I would suggest that making available a CAB installer infers that Activesync is NOT required for installation so the requirement to have a compatible version of Activesync to modify the file to enable it work with a particular PPC OS seems a bit daft, IMHO.

Yesterday worked - today with the NEW! IMPROVED! VERSION! it doesn't. Not happy.

CB

did 2.2.0.36 .cab work for you? is that what you are saying?

Can you please describe what exactly you did? I can't reproduce it. Activesync 4.5 + SkypeSetup.exe installs on Windows Mobile 2003



did 2.2.0.36 .cab work for you? is that what you are saying?

What I did:

Via Acitvesync ( 3.8 ) using the usb connection I uninstalled the old version of Skype.
Removed Ipaq from cradle, soft rebooted. Replaced Ipaq in cradle.
Downloaded 2.2.0.37 .EXE - the Ipaq HX4700 is not a Smartphone
The .exe would not install.

Removed Ipaq from cradle, soft rebooted. Replaced Ipaq in cradle.
Downloaded 2.2.0.37 .CAB
Transferred it to Ipaq via Windows Explorer (Mobile Device) - i.e. Activesync.
Tried to install it but got the "not valid cab file error".
Removed Ipaq from cradle, soft reboot. Replaced Ipaq in cradle.

Transferred the 2.2.0.37 .CAB via card reader to CF card. From CF card to Ipaq.
I did this to avoid any interference by Activesync.
Tried to install it but got the "not valid cab file error".

Tried installing in Ipaq file store, on CF card and main memory. No luck.
The Ipaq meets the free memory requirements to install the .EXE and .CAB

I did not try the 2.2.0.36 .EXE or .CAB - the download page indicates these are for Smartphones.

I do not want to upgrade Activesync as will loose wireless syncing ability.
In my opinion, as Skype makes available a .CAB install option this indicates Activesync (ANY VERSION) is not a requirement to install Skype on a PDA or Smartphone.

Are there any prerequisites for installing the .CAB file on WM2003SE? e.g. A particular version of the ROM or a particular version of Microsoft .NET Compact Frame work?

I currently do not have a working version of Skype on the Ipaq HX4700.

If you need me try anything or provide any further info, please let me know.

Thanks,
CB

I have the same problem. Skype support was no use whatsoever. They probably don't read the email given the number of support requests. I post my email communication with them below, just to vent my frustration.


Hello Dmitry,

Thank you for contacting Skype Support.



Please download Skype from the site http://www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/. First choose the version you want. Afterwards choose the brand and model that matches your device.

If you want to download and install Skype from your Windows computer, click on the "Download now" button below "Download via your Windows PC". Afterwards run the file and follow the instructions on your screen.

If you have a PC with Windows XP and you are installing Skype via ActiveSync, please make sure that you are using at least ActiveSync 4.2 - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/act...nc/default.mspx

If you have a PC with Windows Vista you first need to download the Windows Mobile Device Center available from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/devicecenter.mspx

Alternatively, when downloading from your PDA, please make sure to use the "Download now" button below "Download direct to Pocket PC". After downloading, locate the .cab file (the location can be set when starting to download) and click on it. This will install Skype on your mobile. Afterwards you can launch Skype from the programs folder and create a new user account

If you have previously run utilities that have modified your Windows Mobile device’s configuration, be aware that this might interfere with the installation.

Here are some suggestions to help you install Skype on your mobile device:

1. Make sure that you have removed SkypeForPocketPC_LowCPU_Beta.exe or SkypeForPocketPC_LowCPU_Beta.cab from your Pocket PC or hard disk (these are most likely located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\).
2. Update ActiveSync to version 4.2.
3. Delete the Skype directory from C:\Program Files\.

Once this is done you should be able to install the latest version of Skype

Best regards,

Olga - Skype Support


Visit www.skype.com for latest news, updates and tips.

To: Olga - Skype Support <support@skype.net>
Subject: Re: GQW: cannot install skype on hp 4700

Hi Olga,

thank you for your reply. Unfortunately i cannot seem to get to the
screen that shows my supported device. According to the list from your
link the HP hx4700 is on the supported devices list. I do have the
pocket pc 2003 second edition installed with 640x480 screen and 642 MHz CPU.

From the web link http://www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/ I only
see 2 options: N800 and Windows Mobile. I click on Windows Mobile and
see 2 options: Windows Mobile and Smartphone. Then I click on the
download cab for Windows Mobile and it starts the download. The
downloaded cab is the one i tried to install on the PDA and it returns
an error

Seup Failed
The file "\SkypeForPocketPC.CAB" is not a valid Windows CE Setup file.

when i click on the cab file.

Could you perhaps attach the correct file to your reply?

Dima


Olga - Skype Support wrote:
> > Hello Dmitry,
> >
> > Thank you for contacting Skype Support.
> >
> > We apologise for the delayed response. Your feedback is important to us and it is our goal to respond to all customer e-mails within 72 hours, however due to a recent increase in inquiries it has taken longer to respond to you.
> >
> > Thank you for your understanding and patience
> >
> > Please visit our updated and detailed FAQ section for Skype Mobile at:
> > http://support.skype.com/index.php?_a=know...ubcat&_i=58
> >
> > A range of devices that work with our most recent Skype for Mobile software can be found at: https://developer.skype.com/WindowsMobileSk...upportedDevices
> >
> > Note that even if your device is not on the list, Skype may still run on it as long as it meets our minimum requirements.
> >
> > The minimum requirements to run Skype 2.2 for Pocket PC are:
> >
> > OS: Microsoft Pocket PC 2003, Microsoft Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition (SE) or Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC for Pocket PC version or Microsoft Windows Mobile Smartphone 2003, Microsoft Windows Mobile Smartphone 2003 Second Edition (SE) or Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone for Smartphone version
> >
> > Display: 240x320, 320x240, 480x640, 640x480, 240x240, 480x480
> >
> > CPU: 195 MHz OMAP or at least 312 MHz Intel or 400 MHz Samsung*
> >
> > Network: WiFi, 3G or EDGE
> >
> > If you have a device with ARM 9 v4 Processor, read about ARM CPU restrictions at:
> > http://support.skype.com/index.php?_a=know...ails&_i=980 (this includes Samsung SGH i600 and Samsung i607)
> >
> > Please download Skype from the site http://www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/. First choose the version you want. Afterwards choose the brand and model that matches your device.
> >
> > If you want to download and install Skype from your Windows computer, click on the "Download now" button below "Download via your Windows PC". Afterwards run the file and follow the instructions on your screen.
> >
> > If you have a PC with Windows XP and you are installing Skype via ActiveSync, please make sure that you are using at least ActiveSync 4.2 - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/act...nc/default.mspx
> >
> > If you have a PC with Windows Vista you first need to download the Windows Mobile Device Center available from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/devicecenter.mspx
> >
> > Alternatively, when downloading from your PDA, please make sure to use the "Download now" button below "Download direct to Pocket PC". After downloading, locate the .cab file (the location can be set when starting to download) and click on it. This will install Skype on your mobile. Afterwards you can launch Skype from the programs folder and create a new user account
> >
> > Best regards,
> >
> > Olga - Skype Support
> >
> >
> > Visit www.skype.com for latest news, updates and tips.
> >
> > To: Anniki - Skype Support <support@skype.net>
> > Subject: Re: GQW: cannot install skype on hp 4700
> >
> > Hi Anniki,
> >
> > i have hard-reset the pda and the tried to install only the skype. This
> > is the message i get when i click on the file:
> >
> > Seup Failed
> > The file "\SkypeForPocketPC.CAB" is not a valid Windows CE Setup file.
> >
> > I did not try the Active Synce method since i don't have a windows computer.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Dima
> >
> >
> > Anniki - Skype Support wrote:
> >
>> >> Hello Dmitry,
>> >>
>> >> Thank you for contacting Skype Support.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> If you have previously run utilities that have modified your Windows Mobile device’s configuration, be aware that this might interfere with the installation.
>> >>
>> >> Here are some suggestions to help you install Skype on your mobile device:
>> >>
>> >> 1. Make sure that you have removed SkypeForPocketPC_LowCPU_Beta.exe or SkypeForPocketPC_LowCPU_Beta.cab from your Pocket PC or hard disk (these are most likely located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\).
>> >> 2. Update ActiveSync to version 4.2.
>> >> 3. Delete the Skype directory from C:\Program Files\.
>> >>
>> >> Once this is done you should be able to install the latest version of Skype
>> >>
>> >> Thank you for using Skype!
>> >>
>> >> Best regards,
>> >>
>> >> Anniki E.
>> >> Skype Support
>> >>
>> >> Visit www.skype.com for latest news, updates and tips.
>> >>
>> >> To: support@skype.net
>> >> Subject: GQW: cannot install skype on hp 4700
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Hi
>> >>
>> >> i tried both windows mobile and smartphone versions and both say "cannot install on this windows version" during installation. I have the 2003 se os.
>> >>
>> >> Thanks,
>> >> Dima
>> >> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>> >>
> >