New
#1
More fun with Win7...
Hey
I've used an HP Multimedia KB for a couple years, even tho my system is Home built and no HP parts, but it works great and has what I need.
Unfortunately tho, the HP drivers refused to install on W7, since the installer checks the OS version and the max version was 6.1 (Vista). So the install immediately rolled back and I can't get all my multimedia and multi-function keys....AArrghhhh!!!!
Well today I got inspired, I can't say if it was by boredom or stupidity...but it was an inspiration at least. I was going to "Decompile" that stupid HP installer, and rebuild it again to suit my needs.
So I ran the installer and waited until it had "unpacked" it's contents, but I didn't go any further. I then went into the hidden temp directory and Copied the unpacked files to another directory. This was necessary because as soon I tell the HP installer to continue, it recognizes an Invalid OS and rolls back the install, deleting the unpacked files. So I let it do just that now, but I have a copy of the installation files....HAHA!!
Take THAT you HP B#st#rds!!!!
Well I now have more work that I intended, I had to go thru about 50 or so files to make sure there wasn't anything that was going to affect this install, and strip the PS2 dll's.
Made a Batch file to make a directory and copy the HP Program folders, run the embedded silent exe's, add the registry keys (29) and register the required dll's and ActiveX .ocx's that were needed. I had to make some edits with Hex Toolbox to strip HP Branding from some things, and all in all it took me around four hours to get this all done and make sure it was correct before starting it. First time I found I forgot the CSS files...oops, second time I couldn't get my DVD drives to open & close with the KB keys (another hex edit did the trick), and the third time seems to be the Charm!
So far, all my programmable keys are, 1st...showing up in Control Panel - Keyboard, Buttons tab (which is built with the CSS files...), and then programmable and work, and have the On-Screen display work. Both DVD trays open & close properly, all my buttons launch what I want them too, and I'm happy...and tired. My eyes are dead after going thru so much Hex!!
But sometimes it's worth it..