PocketPC Backlight Settings
This document describes how to set the back light settings on a PocketPC through the registry
Disclaimer
These directions were developed on a Symbol PPT2800. These directions may vary on other pocket pc models.
Connecting to the registry
There are several utilities for manipulating the PocketPC registry. Many shareware and freeware utilities are available that you can install on your pocket pc. I instead use the registry editor that comes with Embedded Visual C++ 4.0. This runs on the desktop and connects to the remote registry via ActiveSync. Regardless of the editor, the principles are the same.
Procedure
It should be noted that changes to the backlight settings in the registry seem to take effect immediately. I was pleasantly surprised by this. The registry settings are stored in [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Backlight]. Being PocketPCs are single user devices I question the need for this hive to even exist. However this is where the registry settings exist. I will explain the purpose of each one below:
| OnOff | Purpose unknown |
| Brightness | Set this between 1 - 5. Does not work on all models of pocket pcs. |
| User | Purpose Unknown |
| ACBacklightOnTap | Set this to 1 to turn on the backlight by taping the screen when the device is powered by the cradle. |
| BacklightOnTap | Set this to 1 to turn on the backlight by taping the screen when the device is under battery power. |
| ACTimeout | How long before the backlight turns itself off when the device is cradled. |
| BatteryTimeout | How long before the backlight turns itself off when the device is on battery power. |
| PwrBtnPressed | Purpose unknown |
REGEDIT4 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Backlight] "OnOff"=dword:00000001 "Brightness"=dword:00000004 "User"=dword:00000005 "ACBacklightOnTap"=dword:00000001 "BacklightOnTap"=dword:00000001 "ACTimeout"=dword:0000003c "BatteryTimeout"=dword:0000003c "PwrBtnPressed"=dword:00000000
External Links
- Embedded Visual C++ 4.0 This includes the Registry editor for manipulating a pocket pc registry through the desktop.
- eVC4 Service Pack 3 Not needed, but if you want the latest version of a quasi abandoned product download this.
- http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_Registry This article talks about registry entries. This wiki is about a specific brand of PocketPCs/