OSLoader: A Simple and Effective Dual Boot Bootloader for Android and Windows CE
Dual Boot Android Windows CE 15: A Guide for Legacy Device Users
If you have an old device running Windows CE 15, you might be wondering if you can upgrade it to Android and enjoy the benefits of the modern and open-source operating system. The good news is that you can, thanks to a project called OSLoader, which allows you to dual boot Android and Windows CE on your device. In this article, we will explain what OSLoader is, how it works, and how you can install it on your device.
dual boot android windows ce 15
What is OSLoader?
OSLoader is a dual boot bootloader for Android on Windows CE devices. It was developed by XDA Senior Member jwoegerbauer, who rewrote the Gen.Y DualBOOT project in MortScript to extend its support to landscape-oriented touchscreen devices running Windows CE, such as some standalone GPS units. OSLoader does not install Android on your device by itself, but rather lets you choose which operating system to boot into at startup. You will still need an Android build that works for your device, and a tool called HaRET to boot Android.
How does OSLoader work?
OSLoader works by modifying the Windows CE registry and creating a shortcut on the desktop that launches HaRET. HaRET is a tool that allows you to run Linux-based operating systems (such as Android) on Windows Mobile or Windows CE devices. HaRET loads a Linux kernel and an initrd image from the storage card and boots them. OSLoader also creates a backup of your original registry and restores it when you choose to boot into Windows CE.
How to install OSLoader on your device?
To install OSLoader on your device, you will need the following:
A device running Windows CE 15 with a landscape-oriented touchscreen.
A storage card with enough space for the Android build and OSLoader files.
An Android build that works for your device. You can search for one on XDA Forums or other sources.
The OSLoader files, which you can download from this thread.
A PC with a card reader or a USB cable to connect your device.
Once you have everything ready, follow these steps:
Copy the Android build files (usually a folder named "Android") to the root of your storage card.
Copy the OSLoader files (OSLoader.mscr, OSLoader.ini, OSLoader.png) to the root of your storage card.
Run OSLoader.mscr on your device. It will ask you to confirm the installation and reboot your device.
After rebooting, you will see a shortcut named "Android" on your desktop. Tap it to launch HaRET and boot into Android.
To boot into Windows CE, tap the "Windows" icon on the bottom-left corner of the screen and choose "Exit". OSLoader will restore your original registry and reboot your device.
Conclusion
Dual booting Android and Windows CE 15 on your legacy device can give you the best of both worlds: you can keep using your familiar Windows applications and settings, while also enjoying the features and flexibility of Android. OSLoader makes this process easy and convenient, without requiring any complex modifications or installations. If you have an old device running Windows CE 15 and want to try out Android, give OSLoader a try and let us know how it works for you.
What are the advantages of dual booting Android and Windows CE 15?
By dual booting Android and Windows CE 15 on your device, you can enjoy the following advantages:
You can access a wider range of apps and games on Android, which has a larger and more active developer community than Windows CE.
You can customize your device with different launchers, themes, widgets and mods on Android, which offers more flexibility and personalization than Windows CE.
You can update your device with the latest security patches and features on Android, which may not be available on Windows CE.
You can switch between the two operating systems depending on your needs and preferences, without losing any data or settings.
What are the challenges of dual booting Android and Windows CE 15?
Dual booting Android and Windows CE 15 on your device may also pose some challenges, such as:
You may face compatibility issues with some hardware components or drivers on your device, which may not work properly on Android.
You may experience performance issues or battery drain on your device, as Android may require more resources than Windows CE.
You may encounter bugs or errors on your device, as Android may not be fully stable or optimized for your device.
You may void your warranty or damage your device, as dual booting may involve modifying or replacing some system files or partitions.
How to backup your device before dual booting Android and Windows CE 15?
Before you attempt to dual boot Android and Windows CE 15 on your device, it is highly recommended that you backup your device to avoid any data loss or damage. You can use the following methods to backup your device:
Use a PC software such as ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center to sync your device with your PC and backup your contacts, calendar, messages, files and settings.
Use a storage card software such as SPB Backup or Sprite Backup to create a full image of your device's system and data on your storage card.
Use a cloud service such as Google Drive or Dropbox to upload your important files and documents to the cloud and access them from any device.
How to troubleshoot common problems with dual booting Android and Windows CE 15?
While dual booting Android and Windows CE 15 can be a rewarding experience, you may also encounter some problems along the way. Here are some common issues and their possible solutions:
If your device does not boot into Android or Windows CE, you may have a corrupted or incompatible Android build or OSLoader file. Try downloading them again from a reliable source and copying them to your storage card.
If your device boots into Android but some features do not work, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera or sound, you may have a missing or outdated driver or kernel module. Try searching for a newer or more compatible Android build for your device.
If your device boots into Windows CE but some settings or applications are missing or corrupted, you may have a damaged registry or system file. Try restoring your device from a backup or performing a hard reset.
If your device has poor performance or battery life on either operating system, you may have too many apps running in the background or too many widgets on the home screen. Try closing some apps or removing some widgets.
How to uninstall OSLoader and restore your device to Windows CE 15 only?
If you decide that you no longer want to dual boot Android and Windows CE 15 on your device, you can uninstall OSLoader and restore your device to its original state. To do this, follow these steps:
Delete the Android folder and the OSLoader files (OSLoader.mscr, OSLoader.ini, OSLoader.png) from your storage card.
Run OSLoader.mscr on your device. It will ask you to confirm the uninstallation and reboot your device.
After rebooting, you will see only Windows CE 15 on your device. You can delete the shortcut named "Android" from your desktop.
Conclusion
Dual booting Android and Windows CE 15 on your legacy device can give you the best of both worlds: you can keep using your familiar Windows applications and settings, while also enjoying the features and flexibility of Android. OSLoader makes this process easy and convenient, without requiring any complex modifications or installations. If you have an old device running Windows CE 15 and want to try out Android, give OSLoader a try and let us know how it works for you.
Conclusion
Dual booting Android and Windows CE 15 on your legacy device can give you the best of both worlds: you can keep using your familiar Windows applications and settings, while also enjoying the features and flexibility of Android. OSLoader makes this process easy and convenient, without requiring any complex modifications or installations. If you have an old device running Windows CE 15 and want to try out Android, give OSLoader a try and let us know how it works for you. 4e3182286b