nPOPuk details

nPOPuk details page

Overview
Upgrading from old versions
Setup (installation)
ISP configurations
Importing email
Usage tips
Advanced usage tips
Platform differences
Moving an nPOPuk installation
Portable use via flash card
Interactions with other software

[PPC Tips]

Overview

nPOPuk (main site, download) is a fast, capable email client usable on PPC and HPC devices from Windows CE2.0 through Windows Mobile, and also on Windows 98 through XP.

nPOPuk requires no installation, so can be moved portably from one device/computer to another.
nPOPuk is configurable for port numbers, smtp authentication, and ssl, that is missing on some versions of Pocket Outlook.
nPOPuk uses a standard mbox format for email storage; can save email as text file; can send/receive attachments (but can also avoid them when on dialup); supports email addressing to groups, via To:, Cc:, and Bcc:.
nPOPuk works well with gmail, unlike the built-in Pocket Outlook. See ISP configurations for how to configure gmail.

[Top]

Upgrading from old versions

This site documents nPOPuk version 2.07 and newer. Click here for a history of nPOPuk versions. This section documents a few critical differences between version 2.07 and older versions.

Because of changes to newer versions, once you upgrade, you should delete older versions of nPOP or nPOPuk. Old copies of data will be automatically migrated when accessed by nPOPuk, but for new data accessed by older versions there are no guarantees that data loss will not occur.
The proprietary storage format used by older versions of nPOP and nPOPuk can now be converted to the standard mbox format (see also Importing email).
nPOP.ini is replaced by nPOPuk.ini. If you have learned how to edit the .ini file, be sure to edit the correct one! You may delete the old nPOP.ini once the new nPOPuk.ini is automatically created by nPOPuk.
The conversion to nPOPuk.ini does _not_ clear the value of DataFileDir (see Change .ini settings). This is a recommended step if you wish to be able to make usable copies of your nPOPuk data folder.

[Top]

Setup (installation)

Place nPOPuk.exe in an empty folder in either the main memory (RAM), or a storage card, of the Pocket PC.
If nPOPuk is run from the storage card instead of the main memory, be sure the program Exits completely by using File/Exit before removing the card or turning off the machine. RAM is faster and doesn't need this extra care, but must be backed up to avoid data loss if the batteries run down.
Using File Explorer, copy the .exe file and go to My Device/ Windows/ Start Menu/ Programs, and then Edit/ Paste shorcut. This puts nPOPuk in the Programs list that drops down when tapping the Start. This step is optional, the alternative is to navigate to the folder containing nPOPuk when starting it up.
Open nPOPuk.exe and fill in the account settings.

For more complete instructions, click here. This site offers downloads for various platforms, the PC, PPC, HPC, etc.

If the settings are too difficult to figure out, email somone who knows how to set up nPOPuk with this info:

username
POP address
SMTP address
SMTP authentication requirements
SSL requirements
any other info needed
only send password if you want them to test the account, otherwise you can enter the password later

This person can set up your nPOPuk account on their machine, then send the .ini file as an email attachment back to you. This file then can be saved in the same folder as the nPOPuk.exe file, and when nPOPuk is opened the next time, all settings are ready to go, just to add the password. [Top]

ISP configurations

For most ISPs not listed here, the general setup instructions suffice. gmail and Google hosted email
Yahoo [Top]

gmail

The Gmail POP server removes messages from its queue once they have been fully retrieved using the standard POP protocol RETR command. This causes fully received messages to vanish the next time you check what is on the server. However, nPOPuk has a setting to sidestep that issue, by using the TOP command instead of RETR to retrieve the email. Gmail also quits putting new email into the POP queue if there are already "too many" messages there, so it is important, when leaving messages on Gmail using TOP, that you archive important (or all) messages into a Savebox, and delete some (or all) messages from the Gmail server. It is not presently known what condition(s) [possibly total size, message count, oldest message date?] trigger Gmail to stop feeding the POP queue, but it is quite responsive in beginning to feed it again once you clear out the current one.

Gmail requires the use of a secure interface protocol. Be sure to obtain the 3 platform specific ssl dll's for your device, and place them in the same folder as nPOPuk.
Edit the nPOPuk.ini file with a text editor, and change UseBuiltinSSL=0
In the account settings File / Mailbox / Edit / POP3, optionally check "Disable 'RETR' command" to avoid the "vanishing gmail syndrome". In that same tab, check "Enable SSL", and verify that the Port changes to 995 (or change it to 995 manually). Optionally, click the setup button, and change SSL Type to TLS 1.0, and/or uncheck the Verify box; these could increase performance slightly, the latter via a slight risk of man-in-the-middle attacks if used via public networks. On Windows Vista, it seems necessary to uncheck the Verify box when using SSL, but Windows XP works when it is checked.
In the SMTP tab, check both "Enable SMTP-AUTH" and "Enable SSL", and verify that the Port changes to 587 (or change it to either 587 or 465 manually). On Windows Vista, choose setup after "Enable SSL", and turn off the Verify checkbox.
Login to gmail's webmail interface, click Settings / Forwarding and POP. Under the POP Download section, select either "Enable POP for all mail" (this could be large), or to enable just newly incoming email, select "Enable POP only for mail that arrives from now on"

[ISP, Top]

Yahoo

Yahoo's POP server sorts messages by date composed rather than by order received. This conflicts with nPOPuk optimizations for detecting new email arrival. However, Yahoo is supported as of nPOPuk version 2.06a28 or later. Prior versions require File / Mailbox / Initialize when View and Server numbers don't agree, to pick up messages with old Dates, which is somewhat annoying.

Note also that when configuring Yahoo POP or SMTP on Windows Vista, to enable SSL, but then turn off the Verify checkbox in the setup dialog. [ISP, Top]

Importing email

nPOPuk uses the standard mbox format. Hence, importing of mail folders from any Mozilla email client, from Eudora, and other email clients that use mbox format for storage is directly possible. Conversion tools from other mailbox formats to mbox also exist (for example, juno5dbd for Juno email); the resulting mbox format can be imported into nPOPuk. The names and locations of the mbox files used or converted to by such programs are not documented here, but once discovered, the files may be imported directly by nPOPuk, using File / Mailbox / Add, choose Import mailbox, click OK. If you import large mbox files, consider changing the Load mailboxes option (File / Global Options... / Advanced Tab) to something other than "All at startup".

nPOPuk mbox files can also be directly imported back to other programs that use or import mbox format files. For Mozilla and Eudora, just place the mbox file in the proper location, and it will be found the next time the program is restarted. [Top]

Usage tips

Sometimes messages in Outbox are cancelled, red X, if connection fails, etc. Good to check the Outbox, or from version 2.09 and on, to check the Unsent count in the status bar, or view Outbox when sending (update), to be sure all mail is sent.
Can "Always Bcc" to your own email address in Account Settings to be sure all mail sends okay, and to keep a complete history in your Inbox or savebox. Note that gmail will not add sent messages nor "Bcc to self" messages to the set of messages for POP download, except when you tell it to add all messages to the POP server (a manual operation that you generally don't want to do more than the first time you begin using gmail's POP), thus foiling this technique.
If a warning occurs when attempting to delete email from the server, simply do another check, and then try the update operation again to delete the email. The check and update operations must not be separated by email arriving at the server and being inserted in the middle of the set of messages (most likely to happen with Yahoo POP servers which sort by Date: header; other POP servers generally sort by arrival order).
Select the part of a message of interest, tap "forward" or "reply", then the selected part is in the new message window.
Adding a group to the address book is easier if you select all the addresses first, then type the group name once. This appends the new group name to the list of group names for each individual selected address.
When you are using a slow connection, or have limited space in your filesystem, you may wish to limit the size of downloaded emails to save time or space. This can be configured via "File/ Global Options/ Recv" by unchecking "Download entire body when checking, and choosing the number of lines to download. Messages that are not completely downloaded can be completed later by marking the message for download, and doing an update for that account. If you have a fast connection and lots of space, you can check "Download entire body when checking", and you'll not need to do a later update.
PocketNotepad or TextMaker can be used to open nPOPuk.ini, Address.lst or the mailbox (*.dat) files in the nPOPuk folder. Be careful to preserve the formatting.

[Top]

Platform differences

Import address book
Groups vs Categories
[Top]

Import address books

On PPC platforms containing POOM (Pocket Outlook object model), there is an option available to import (replace) the nPOPuk address book content with the content of the PPC Contacts. This option is found via "File/ Global Options/ Other". If you check the box named "Use Pocket Contacts Address Book", then each time nPOPuk opens, it replaces its address book with the current contents of the Contacts list on the PPC. It is expected that the user will manipulate his address book using the built-in facilities of the platform, so the New, Edit, and Delete features of the nPOPuk address book are disabled. [Platform, Top]

Groups vs Categories

On PPC platforms, groups of related email addresses are called "Categories", and this is reflected in various menus in nPOPuk. On other platforms, these are called "Groups". [Platform, Top]

Moving an nPOPuk installation

When using nPOPuk from a storage card, first exit nPOPuk using File/Exit, then wait until nPOPuk closes completely before removing the storage device, or shutting off the device.

To move an nPOPuk installation from one device to another, simply copy the whole nPOPuk folder to the new device, using a file explorer. This works for copying an RAM installation to a flash card, or from a flashcard back to RAM, or from one flashcard to another, if your device supports multiple cards. If you have customized your installation to use multiple directories, you will need to copy all of them in the same structure. If you used relative paths to connect them, you are done, but if you used absolute paths (starting with the "\"), then you will need to edit those absolute paths to make them relative, or to make them point to the new locations on the new device. To make a shortcut to the program in your Start Menu is a bit trickier, but not that hard. Using the native File Explorer on your device, navigate to the nPOPuk.exe file (the one in the nPOPuk folder with the yellow envelope icon), after having placed this folder where you want to keep it on the card. Tap and hold on the nPOPuk.exe file and then tap Copy on the menu which pops up. Then go to Windows\Start Menu or to any sub-folder in Windows\Start Menu\Programs you prefer, and using the menu in the bottom-left corner of File Explorer tap the Paste Shortcut option. This will create a shortcut for easier access to nPOPuk in future. [Top]

Portable use via flash card

Using nPOPuk between 2 or more devices (PPC, computer, etc.) from a flash storage card.

When using nPOPuk from a storage card, first exit nPOPuk using File/Exit, then wait until nPOPuk closes completely before removing the storage device, or shutting off the device.

Because nPOPuk closes faster when all the mailbox files are in RAM, you may choose to keep the folder for your main PPC in RAM instead of on the storage card (be sure to backup in case your battery runs down). Simply use the RAM directory for your main PPC, and a directory on the storage card for the other devices in the instructions below.

To do on main PPC:

Place proper exe (and ssl files if needed) to match each different type of device in empty folders created for this purpose on the storage card. You might find it handy to inculde the type of device in the name of each folder.
If Global Options / Other / Use Pocket Contacts Address Book is checkmarked, the Contacts from a 2nd PPC will be imported into nPOPuk when used on that device. This may be good to uncheck before continuing with the next step. This can be rechecked after returning to use on the original PPC.
Use File/Backup files to place all mailboxes, addresses and .ini file from the current working folder into the folder of choice on the storage card, the folder to be used on 2nd device, if it differs from your own PPC.
Be sure nPOPuk is closed using File/Exit, then remove storage card.

To do on 2nd device:

Insert storage card in 2nd device.
Be sure 2nd device is online.
Use File Explorer to go to the folder of choice and run the exe file.
Check all accounts.
Update all accounts.
Close nPOPuk through File/Exit.
Close all windows.
Remove storage card.

To do back on main PPC:

Place storage card back in original PPC.
Run nPOPuk from the storage folder last used on 2nd device, using File Explorer. Use File/Backup files to copy mailboxes addresses and .ini file back to the original folder on the storage card. This keeps the original folder updated, no matter in what device the storage card is used in a portable manner.
If desired, recheck Global Options / Other / Use Pocket Contacts Address Book.
Continue using nPOPuk from the original folder on the storage card of the PPC as normal.

[Top]

Advanced usage tips

Sharing a mailbox
Change mailbox file names
Change .ini settings
Archiving mailboxes
Complex composition
Configuring mailto: URL
Replacing Inbox
[Top]

Sharing a mailbox

Any mailbox can be sent from the nPOPuk folder to another nPOPuk user as an e-mail attachment to someone wanting to read the e-mail contents of the mailbox. Before sending, be sure to do a File / Save all to ensure that the copy on disk is complete and up-to-date. Include the following instructions...

This is a mbox format attachment. Save it as a file, and note where.
Import the saved mailbox via File / Mailbox / Add, select Import Savebox, and click OK.
In the file open dialog, choose the recently saved attachment file.
Optionally change the filename and name of the new savebox, and click Import.
The messages within the new savebox should appear on the the screen for reading.

[Adv, Top]

Change mailbox file names

To change mailbox file names in nPOPuk folder to match those in dropdown list:

Close nPOPuk.
Rename the MailBox.dat file in the nPOPuk folder to match name in dropdown list...
example - mb.gmail account.dat
Edit the nPOPuk.ini text file with new filename of mailbox similar to this...
```
     [MAILBOX-7]
     Name="gmail account"
     ...
     Filename="mb.gmail account.dat"
     Type=1
```
You don't need the "mb." prefix, but it might be handy to keep all the Inboxes grouped together in a sorted file listing, and some such prefix would achieve that.

[Adv, Top]

Change .ini settings

The nPOPuk.ini file contains all the user settings. Most of these settings are set through Global Options or the individual Account settings. Some can only be altered manually at this time.

Use PocketNotepad to open the .ini file and change values on these lines if you wish. nPOPuk should be closed before doing this. Save the .ini file after altering, then reopen nPOPuk.

.ini options...

Anything after the = in the line DataFileDir= should be deleted. This allows the folder to be moved to other locations, and nPOPuk will still work okay... new installs of nPOPuk v2.03 and above make this the default setting.
```
DataFileDir=
```
This helps extend the time when sending a large attachment before a warning window pops up (but for normal use, smaller timeouts may be better):
```
TimeoutInterval=300
```
Gmail use is best with this setting, and copy provided ssl files into nPOPuk folder. Built-in ssl on the PPC doesn't work well. (see also).
```
UseBuiltinSSL=0
```

[Adv, Top]

Archiving Mailboxes

The following process can produce a useful archive. It is helpful to keep your primary mailboxes small for speed reasons, and for the capacity of RAM if you are running from RAM. So to keep them small, you can periodically copy them somewhere else, empty out the originals, and start fresh and small again. This technique for archiving creates a useful archive that you can refer to later using nPOPuk.

Finding the appropriate mailbox files during the archive process is easier if you perform Change Mailbox file names first, or archive only Saveboxes that have recognizable names.

Setup (performed once for each new storage device to contain archives)

Exit nPOPuk
Create an archive folder on the storage device.
Copy nPOPuk.exe into the folder.
Run the new copy on nPOPuk from the archive folder. It will ask for account settings, you can just cancel the dialog, resulting in an account titled "Untitled".
Choose File / Global Options / Advanced Tab. For Load mailboxes, choose an appropriate option other than "All at startup", as this folder may grow large in time.
Exit nPOPuk (archive copy). Setup is complete.

Archive steps

Make a list of which mailboxes you wish to archive, by looking at their sizes in File Manager.
Exit nPOPuk if it is running.
Navigate to the archive folder, and run that copy of nPOPuk.
For each mailbox FOO that you wish to archive...
1. Import the Mailbox from your main nPOPuk directory (File / Mailbox / Add, select "Import Savebox" and click OK).
2. In the File Open dialog, navigate to the directory of your main copy of nPOPuk, and open the file which corresponds to Mailbox FOO.
3. In the Import savebox dialog, add the -YYMMDD (use numbers representing today's date) to the second and third items (Copy to nPOPuk directory as) and (Savebox name). Then click Import.
Exit the archive copy of nPOPuk.
Start the regular copy of nPOPuk, and delete all messages from the archived mailboxes.

[Other archiving techniques] [Adv, Top]

Complex composition

When writing an email on a PPC, occasionally it is helpful to be able to access several other emails for info, plus being able to access the nPopuk address book to copy/paste addresses into the email, and maybe send/recieve email while composing. This can be done using the freeware Total Commander. This program has the option of multiple notepad windows.

open Total Commander
create a new folder
open this folder
tap the notepad icon
File/Save as text to save to this folder (this will be the file for composing the new email)
save each email to be accessed during the compose process as text to this same folder (open nPopuk, open the email, File/Save as)
select each email in TotalCommander one at a time and tap the notepad icon
if using a task manager such as Magic Button, there will be multiple notepad icons showing at the top of the PPC screen
now a person can toggle between the various emails, read, copy/paste, and still access nPopuk for any need (saving an extra email to text, or the address book, etc.)
When finished composing, copy/paste into nPopuk for sending.

[Adv, Top]

Configuring mailto: URL

To configure nPOPuk to be launched via mailto: URLs in Pocket IE, the following registry keys can be created or altered (make backups), using a Registry Editor. Be careful not to click a mailto: URL when already in the nPOPuk Edit window, as it will probably hang. There can only be one Edit Window on the PPC. Note that these sample values assume that nPOPuk is installed in a directory named nPOPuk. If that is different for your device, edit these lines appropriately.

Set default value for key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\mailto\DefaultIcon to \nPOPuk\nPOPuk.exe,0
Set default value for key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\mailto\Shell\Open\Command to \nPOPuk\nPOPuk.exe %1

Or if using Resco Registry editor, Here is a text file containing the settings. Edit paths, then rename to drop the .txt.
[Adv, Top]

Replacing Inbox

To replace the program launched when tapping the Inbox icon, the following registry keys can be created or altered (make backups), using a Registry Editor. Note that these sample values assume that nPOPuk is installed in a directory named nPOPuk. If that is different for your device, edit these lines appropriately.

In key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shell\Rai\:MSINBOX set value "1" to \nPOPuk\nPOPuk.exe

Or if using Resco Registry editor, Here is a text file containing the settings. Edit paths, then rename to drop the .txt.
[Adv, Top]

Interactions with other software

Some PPC Task Manager software (MagicButton, SwitcherBar) interferes with certain advanced capabilities of nPOPuk; Vbar seems to work fine. The particular interference is when settings are used that cause nPOPuk to ask questions after the user attempts to close the application. [Interactions, Top]