Pocket PC’s and PDA’s represent special needs when installing software, in the perfect world, they would have a mini CD-ROM which would increase the ability to install software easily, however the world is not quite so simple.  In the world of increasing popularity for the Pocket PC’s and PDA’s someone must offer help in installing the additional software that user’s desire.  There are three formats that the software will come in.

The first format is .exe, which is covered in another article, next is .tsk, which is also covered in another article.  The last type, which we will cover in this article, is a .cab.  Each format is used by different companies depending upon exactly how big the program is, and what the programmer preferred when packaging the software. 

For the explanation of this is for the newest OS for the Pocket PC’s which is Windows Mobile 5.0 and I am assuming that to install the software you are using either a sync USB cable, OR a sync cradle which was included or purchased separately that is compatible with your PDA or Pocket PC.  Before you begin any installation, please make sure your PDA or Pocket PC is synced to your computer.

Step 1.  Find the trial or software that you want to purchase.  Click either download trial or Purchase, or even Buy Now, depending upon the web site that you are at. 

Step 2.  A window will open asking you to Save As, once this occurs select an easy to find location on your computer.  Most people use either My Documents or their Desktop so that the file is very easy to find.  You need to remember this location as you will be coming back to this in a few minutes.

Step 3.  Once the download is complete, you should have a .zip format file on your computer where you saved the downloaded file.  You need to double click on the zip folder, which can resemble a stack of books if you use WinRar.  This will unzip the software. 

Step 4.  After the file is unzipped, you need to open the Microsoft ActiveSync software that came with your Pocket PC.  Once the software is open, you should click the Explore icon. 

Step 5.  Once you have clicked the Explore icon, a Mobile Device window will open.  There should be several icons inside.  You need to double click on the My Pocket PC icon. 

Step 6.  Once you have clicked on the My Pocket PC icon you need to locate a folder called Windows.  Once you have located the folder, double click the folder and it will open. 

Step 7.  From here, you need to double click on the State Menu folder that is inside. 

Step 8.  Once you have opened the Start Menu folder, you need to double click on the Programs folder. 

Step 9.  Now you will either drag or you can use copy and paste to move the zipped .cab file into the Programs folder. 

Step 10.  Once the file has been moved, your Pocket PC will convert the file into a mobile device format that your Pocket PC can use. 

Step 11.  Once the file has been converted, you can unplug your Pocket PC from the sync USB cable or remove the Pocket PC from the sync cradle.  On your Pocket PC, tap the Start menu, and then tap Programs.  Next, you should tap on the .cab file.  The file will then unpack and leave the file in the Programs folder. 

If you have read my other article on .exe, you will notice there are several additional steps that are not involved in an .exe, which makes .exe a much easier format to use.  However, not all software companies use an .exe format.  If you find software that uses a .cab format, you now know how to successfully install it yourself and be able to be proud and happy about the sense of freedom you can now enjoy.