Windows CE 4.2, also known as Windows Embedded Compact 2013, is a real-time operating system designed for embedded systems and devices. It is used in a wide range of devices, from handheld computers and industrial controllers to consumer devices like digital cameras and GPS systems. As a developer, you may find yourself working with this platform and using Visual Studio 2005 to create applications. In this article, we will discuss how to create a desktop shortcut for a Windows CE 4.2 application using Visual Studio 2005.
Step 1: Create a New Project in Visual Studio 2005
The first step is to create a new project in Visual Studio 2005. To do this, go to File > New > Project. In the New Project dialog box, select "Smart Device" under the "Project Types" section, and then select "Windows CE 4.2" under the "Visual C++" section. Choose "Smart Device Application" as the project template and give your project a name.
Step 2: Add a Shortcut to the Project
Once the project is created, right-click on the project name in the Solution Explorer and select "Add > New Item". In the Add New Item dialog box, select "Shortcut" and give it a name. This will add a shortcut file to your project.
Step 3: Configure the Shortcut Properties
Now, double-click on the shortcut file in the Solution Explorer to open its properties. In the "Target" field, enter the path to your application's executable file. You can find this file in the "Release" or "Debug" folder of your project. In the "Start in" field, enter the path to the folder where your application's executable file is located. This will ensure that the application starts in the correct directory.
Step 4: Build and Deploy the Project
Once the shortcut properties are configured, build your project by clicking on the "Build" menu and then selecting "Build Solution". This will create the necessary files for your application to run on a Windows CE 4.2 device. To deploy the application, connect your device to your computer and select "Deploy Solution" from the "Build" menu. This will install the application on your device.
Step 5: Create a Shortcut on the Desktop
To create a shortcut on the desktop, open File Explorer on your device and navigate to the folder where your application is installed. Long press on the application's executable file and select "Copy". Then, navigate to the desktop and long press on an empty space. Select "Paste Shortcut" to create a shortcut for your application.
Step 6: Test the Shortcut
Now, double-click on the shortcut on the desktop to test if it launches your application successfully. If everything is working correctly, you should see your application running on your Windows CE 4.2 device.
In conclusion, creating a desktop shortcut for a Windows CE 4.2 application using Visual Studio 2005 is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a shortcut for your application and make it easily accessible on your device's desktop. This can be especially useful for frequently used applications, saving you time and effort in navigating through folders to find and launch your application.
