As previously discussed, Windows CE and Window Mobile devices need to be updated for the new Extended Daylight Savings Time in 2007.  Microsoft has now released a tool to make the necessary registry updates to support Extended Daylight Savings Time.

Here is the tool for Windows Mobile:
Windows Mobile Updates for Daylight Savings Time
This tool is intended for Windows Mobile devices and SmartPhones.  If you are using a Portable Data Collection device, check with your manufacturer to see if a custom tool or CAB file is available.

For Windows CE, since every device manufacturer builds a customized configuration of the operating system, it appears that you will need to either:

• Make the clock changes manually.

-OR-

• Update the registry manually, following the directions in this KB article.

-OR-

• Get an update from your device manufacturer.

Be sure to test after applying these updates to make sure the clock updates correctly!

Microsoft has introduced a change to the security model in Windows Vista called User Account Control. 

Previously, in Windows 2000 or XP, users were either Administrative, Power User or User level.  Any programs installed or executed were run with the permissions of the currently logged on user.  Many programs, including ITScriptNet, need access to the Registry for registration and licensing, which made it impractical to use User level accounts.

With Vista, Microsoft has changed the way programs are run.  By default, all users (even administrators) run programs with a lower level of access, and User Account Control will prompt the user at the console if more rights are needed.  The idea is to try and prevent malicious programs from installing themselves without the user being aware of it, while still allowing users to run at the lowest level of permissions possible.

The exception to this is for installation programs, which are run with full Adminstrative rights.

Not all software is compatible with this new model, and will require some changes to work correctly.  ITScriptNet requires a change to allow a demo copy of the software to be run without an error message.  This update will be released soon.

As you are no doubt aware, Daylight Savings Time has been extended by 4 weeks in the United States.  This means that your Windows Mobile devices will need an update to change the clock automaticaly on March 11, 2007 instead of in April.

Microsoft has released an article for each operating system.  These articles describe registry changes to be made.
How to configure daylight saving time for the United States and Canada in 2007 and in subsequent years on Windows Mobile-based devices
How to update daylight saving time for the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2007 on Windows CE-based devices

Microsoft has also announced a tool to set the appropriate registery entries.  This tool does not appear to be available yet, but we'll keep you posted.  Each device manufacturer will probably release a CAB file or update tool for their devices, as well.

Microsoft has a Daylight Saving Time Help and Support Center with information on updates for desktop and mobile operating systems.

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Welcome to the ITScriptNet New blog.

We are starting this service as a way to provide information on Portable Data Collection topics.  We intend to keep you up to date on the development of ITScriptNet, the latest news on Windows CE and Windows Mobile, and portable devices that we hear about.

We welcome your input as well.  Please feel free comment on any topic, or suggest topics that you think are of interest.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you find this information useful!