Deploy a Desktop Shortcut to a Device running Windows CE 4.2 (VS2005)

Question

I have an application written using VS2005 in C# targeting the Compact Framework 2.0 SP2. As part of the solution, I have CAB deploy project which deploys to the device without a problem. What I can't do is create a shortcut to my application on the devices desktop.

I have spent several hours reading various bits of documentation (why is the search at the MSDN site so bad?), followed the instructions but no joy.

What I've done is:

• Add the "Windows Folder" node to the File System
• Created a folder underneath that named "Desktop"
• Created a shortcut to the Applications Primary Output and placed that in the "Desktop" folder

What am I missing?

Answer 1

Actually, this is pretty simple ! (Using VS 2008 and Smart Device CAB project)

1- In the solution explorer on VS, Go to your CAB project and right-click on it.

2- Go to View -> File System

3- Here, on the left column, right-click and "Add Special Folder"

4- Select Start Menu Folder for the shortcut folder

5- Go to the Application Folder just above

6- On the right column, right click on the Primary output and select "Create shortcut to bla bla bla"

7- Then you just have to move it to the start menu folder on the left and rename the File :)

OPTIONAL: You can even add fonts to the device using "Fonts folder" in the "Add Special Folder" menu !

Cheers