1 Go to the tree on the left side. And click on "Home" Once that is opened. Double click on home properties. And just learn/alais the buttons.

If you want the mute button to be used through out the remote. Then you will have to make sure that, that same button does not have any actions with in the device's properties.

2 Since I've haven't downloaded his pcf. I am not sure about what you are talking about the lower buttons of the start up page.

3 The pronto will not revert back to the home page unless you press the home page button.

The only time that it will revert to the home page is when you do a download, rest. And other stuff that is not normaly done.