Windows Embedded CE 6.0 : Installation Guide & Download full Package Setups

Hey friends, let's come to an very interesting topic, i.e. the installation and use of Windows Embedded CE. Students, Professionals or Apps Developers may doubt, how can they start with Window's programming or Window's apps development.  Here, its an solution, specially for those, who are interested to develop apps for various platform like Pocket PC, Smart-Phone or Samsung TE6410 board, which are basically operated by ARM11 micro-controller. 

Windows Embedded CE is an open 32bit embedded operating system developed by Microsoft on the basis of Windows 95 for minimalistic computers and embedded systems. Windows CE is a distinctly different operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows. Though having its user interface succeeded from Windows 95/98, Windows CE is a new information device platform developed on the basis of Win32 API.

Features of Windows Embedded CE include:

1) Flexible power management, including sleeping/weak-up function. 

2) Using object stereo technology, including file system, registry and database, and also many other high performance, high efficiency operating system features.

3) Enhanced communications. Windows Embedded CE widely supports various kinds of communication hardware devices, as well as direct LAN connection and dial-up connection. Windows Embedded CE also provides connection to PC, intranet and internet. 

4) Support for nested interrupts. Support has been added for nested interrupts, which allows interrupts that are at higher priority levels to be serviced immediately, instead of having them wait for a lower priority ISR to complete.  

5) Better thread response. The upper bound on scheduling latencies for high-priority ISTs (interrupt service threads) has been tightened. This improvement in thread response allows developers to know specifically when the thread transitions occur and aids in the creation of new embedded applications by increasing the capabilities of monitoring and controlling hardware in Windows CE.  

6) 256 priority levels allow developers more flexibility in controlling the scheduling of embedded systems. 

7) The ability to control the quantum of any thread in the system allows greater control over the scheduler. 

For the beginner, the setup installation may become more difficult than programming for it..hehehe...just joking. Actually, that was the case for me. When I started gathering information about setup packages and its installation sequence, oh..horrible..! Because, most of the packages were not available anywhere, some of them were dropped down by their manufacturer itself. But still, after taking some efforts, I succeed. Before starting installation, keep in mind, it is necessary to follow the sequence for proper installation. Let's see, how to start.

STEP 1: Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition

Unlike the previous versions, the platform builder for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is no longer independent program but a plug-in in the Visual Studio 2005. That is to say, the VS2005 is now the development environment for Windows CE 6.0. It sounds good, you may ask me that I have already installed Visual Studio 2013/ Visual Studio 2010/ Visual Studio 2008, can I use it for Windows CE 6.0. But unfortunately, I will say, "No..!, Visual Studio 2005 is necessory." Also, Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition will not be of use. If any of Visual Studio 2013/ Visual Studio 2010 / Visual Studio 2008 is already installed on your Desktop, while installing Visual Studio 2005, it is not necessary to uninstall other edition, as each of them are independent of each other. As I mentioned, VS2005 is already dropped down by Microsoft. But, no need to be upset, I have a copy...:)
Being large in size, I zipped the setup file in small packages for convenient downloading. And please remember, install all the packages in flow as mention.

Download Links: Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5

STEP 2: Visual Studio 2005 Service Pack 1 and 2

Download Link: SP1 || SP2

STEP 3: Windows Embedded CE 6.0

Similar to Visual Studio 2005, it is also difficult to get setup (.msi) and various supporting file. While installing keep all supporting files within the same folder with setup (.msi) file. It will take some significant time to install. If it is done properly...Great...!

Download Links: Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5 || Part 6 ||Part 7 || Part 8

STEP 4: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

Well, not a tough task...go forward..!

Download Links: Link

STEP 5: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2

Download Links: Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5 || Part 6 ||Part 7 || Part 8

STEP 6: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3

Download Links: Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5

STEP 7: Updates for Windows Embedded CE 6.0

Well done..You have installed Windows Embedded CE 6.0 on your Desktop...Great..!

Wait..wait...as you are a programmer, just installed Windows Embedded CE will not help you. You will need to follow as mentioned below.

Download Links: Update 1 || Update 2 || Update 3 

STEP 8: Board Support Package (BSP)

Depending on platform, on which you have decided to work, BSP may change. In my case, I used Samsung TE6410 board. The following BSP is for the same. If your platform is different, you can get is easily.

Download Links: Link

STEP 9: Software Development Kit (SDK)

A SDK (Software Development Kit) is a kit which includes header files, libraries, documents that related to the platform, which helps application developers to develop applications for the specific target platform. 

As per my experience, while installing this SDK, dis-select the "Document", otherwise it may give error while installation. 

Download Links: Link

STEP 10: ActiveSync 4.5 or Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Centre

ActiveSync_4.5 or Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Centre are essential to transfer data between PC to external hardware device or the BSP.

Upto, Windows XP and lower version of OS, use ActiveSync 4.5. For Vista and newer version, use Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Centre

Download Link: ActiveSync 4.5 || Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Centre

Friends, feel free to share and please suggest or correct me, if I have done any mistake. Thank you...:)


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