You need Windows CE platform builder? But do you really...

This question came from a partner who is developing applications for a Windows CE device.

Our software currently runs on PocketPC 2003 and the lastest 2005 platform.

We are involved in a customer project that requires us to port our mobile software to the CE 4.2 platform and for a specific piece of hardware

(This device:  https://www.mobilecompia.co.kr/en/pro01.htm)

We need to get our hands on the CE 4.2 platform builder. It does not seem to be part of the MSDN package. And we can only find downloads for updates. 

My reply was:

None of us in Microsoft Malaysia has access to any Windows CE platform builders. From my understanding, the platform builder is used during the development and maintenance of a custom platform, and in this case it is used by the mobilecompia company. It’s also the tool the device makers (e.g. HTC) use in building a new windows mobile ROM build, hence access is really limited, and if I’m not mistaken, even if you have the tool, you need the source codes of device in order to build an image for testing. Usually, companies like mobilecompia should be the one giving them the tool, since this tool is customized per device.

I assume that your current application was developed using .NET compact framework, and I reckon what you want to do is just to ensure that your app can run in the mobilecompia device (which runs a custom WinCE image)?

If it was developed using .NET CF, you have to ensure that the mobilecompia device hosts a .NET CF runtime.

In order to test deploy on to the device, you could use Visual Studio 2005 to deploy your .NET CF app directly onto the device (when it’s connected via ActiveSync).

I reckon your best bet is to check with mobilecompia how to deploy your app onto their device.