Remote Tools Framework for Windows CE

You want to use the Remote Tools but you do not want to install Platform Builder 6.0 extension, on your computer. So the Remote Tools Framework for Windows CE is the solution to your need.
That Framework also provides tools and facilities to implement your own Remote Tools.

[Update 7/12] : You still need to install Visual Studio 2005 to use the framework

- Nicolas

Remote Tools, ARM processor and Windows CE 6.0

You are using an ARM processor, ActiveSync, and the Remote Tools are not working with your device...
Then you are reading the right article !
Lots of users want to use Remote Tools using ActiveSync, but the connection always fails. Why ?

Remote Tools launched from Platform Builder 6.0 are using platman (Platform Manager) over ActiveSync to connect your device, when platman starts, it asks Windows CE to return the processor type, through a KernelIoControl, to download the right binary file to the device (client side of the tool). In the case of the ARM processor, Platform Manager do not seem to identify correctly the ARMV4i processor type, but identify ARMv4 instead. Therefore the tool cannot copy the right files to your device. The files used by the remote tools are located in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows CE Tools\Platman\target\wce600\. Each sub folders contains the binary version for a specific processor familly (x86, ARMV4i, ....)
As there is no ARMv4 subdirectory, platform manager cannot copy the right file to the platform. The workaround to solve this issue is to duplicate your ARMV4I folder to ARMV4 one, and then, TADAAAA, it works !

- Nicolas

Windows CE 6.0 remote tools over activesync workaround

A lot of Windows CE 6.0 users have troubles with activesync and remote tools, they can't connect to a Windows CE device to use their favorite remote tool.

There are some pre-requirement for using the remote tools.

1. Add the 'C++ Runtime Support for Exception Handling and Runtime Type Information' component to your OSdesign
2. Use the remote tools not from the VS2005 menu but from the 'Start Menu' in Progams -> Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 -> Visual Studio Remote Tools
3. Open your favorite remote tool, and go to the Target -> Connectivity Options ... menu
   
4. Select the Platformbuilder entry and edit the properties
5. Set- Transport to TCP Connect Transport - Startup Server to Activesync Startup provider
6. Validate and connect to the device using that entry.