Install program

[Todd Wasson]

I need to write a simple installation program. Using Dos, it was really easy to write a batch file that uses copy *.* and cd\ and md\ for everything. Windows? Uh oh. Need to make a dialog that asks for the path to install to. After that, MKDIR$ and CHDIR$ will work great. But how do I copy files aka copy *.* ?

Thanks, Todd

P.S. Am using DDT, but if there's a simple API way to do it (sigh) will do!



[This message has been edited by Todd Wasson (edited January 15, 2000).]

[Semen Matusovski]

todd --
to select a directory, i like to use a code, which was posted on forum.
with correction "shell32" to "shell32.dll"
but better to find detail information on http://www.mvps.org/vbnet/
(search topic by words "shbrowseforfolders" and start from "vbnet win32 shell: browsing in win32 - an overview")

ps. in some messages on forum i met fragments, which remind the code, posted on vbnet.

but typical remark for samples on vbnet is

' you are free to use this code within your own applications,
' but you are expressly forbidden from selling or otherwise
' distributing this source code without prior written consent.
' this includes both posting free demo projects made from this
' code as well as reproducing the code in text or html format.

i'm not a lawyer, but looks that it's better to give references only.

[this message has been edited by semen matusovski (edited january 15, 2000).]

[John Rayfield]

Here's a free Windows installation program. I've not used it, but it looks good, from what I've seen.

http://www.jordanr.dhs.org/isinfo.htm

John Rayfield, Jr.

[Lance Edmonds]

I find it to be excellent, and when combined with the free "ScriptMaker" from http://www.tafweb.com it becomes a one-stop-setup-shop!

And of course, the price is right.

-------------
Lance
PowerBASIC Support
( mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A> )

[John Spikowski]

Lance,

Chris Boss said that it trashes the START menu under Win2000. I have used INNO Setup for my stuff but I'm holding off from using it anymore till it works with Win2000.

John

[Lance Edmonds]

I've been using INNO + ScriptMaker with Win2000 RC2 with no problems at all. It could be Chris is running an earlier beta or release candidate?

-------------
Lance
PowerBASIC Support
( mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A> )

[Chris Boss]

I would like clarify something about InnoSetup:

While, I did receive a report about a problem with an installation program on a Win 2000 machine, I can NOT varify that the problem has to do with InnoSetup.

I simply warned some of my beta testers, to NOT install the Setup program, that I created (with Inno Setup). For all I know, the program could have been corrupted when sent by email (which is possible).

I just did not want my Beta testers to experience the problem.

Somehow this reasonable message sent to my Beta testers, has been construed as a "condemnation" of InnoSetup for Win 2000 and that is the furthest from the truth.


I used Inno Setup because of the "good" reports about it from others and because it produces one of the smaller Setup programs I have seen.

I just don't have time to verify the cause of the problem that was experienced.

[Semen Matusovski]

There is Delphi source code. Nobody have wish to translate to PB (maybe by common efforts, maybe main fragments only - for example, compression) ?
In general case it's necessary less work to install PB module than, for example, VB module.

[Lance Edmonds]

Semen, why bother converting it? Both INNO and ScriptMaker are supported, in constant refinement, reliable, working, and are free!

-------------
Lance
PowerBASIC Support
( mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A> )

[Semen Matusovski]

Lance --
Inno Setup solves typical installation tasks, but not individual.
I can say, why Inno Setup in "clean" form is not interesting for me.
I want to have a possibility to add some specific actions, which directly linked with my applications only.
For example, depends of "password" (really depends of hardware key no.) I want to install different files. Also I want to search previous releases and to import settings and so on.
Also I need to change not controlled outside fonts and text (English language do not satisfy me).

In other words, similar VB, for me is interesting to have source code of standart installation program.

I can show one person, who is agree with me - the author of Inno Setup, because he offers a source code.

[Chris Boss]

Lance;

I am trying to help Jordan Russell figure out "what" actually happened with the one Beta tester who had a problem with my Install program (it wasn't me who had the problem, since I use win95).

I am not very familiar with Win 2000 at all.

My Beta tester was using Win 2000 Beta Build 2031.

Is this an early or later version of the Win 2000 Beta ?

Also, have you ever heard of Windows Explorer causing problems with the Start Menu (temporarily) on any version of Win 2000 ?

[Lance Edmonds]

I'm running Release Candidate 2, Build 2128.

The "Beta" series was superceded some months back... I have heard of all sorts of problems with the beta series (there many Usenet groups dedicated to the Win2K beta and RC testing) and even many problems as recently as RC1, but so far (In my experience) RC2 has been pretty rock-solid (RC3 is apparently even better, and I'm hoping to be running the final release version soon too).

If Inno runs fine on RC2 or better, then I'd suggest that Jordan may be wasting his time trying to fix a problem that has already been fixed by MS.

My $0.02.

--Lance.

[Chris Boss]

Update !

It seems the reported glitch with my installation program (created with Inno Setup) was a quirk caused by something else (as far was we can tell) (probably an Explorer bug). The menus returned once the PC was rebooted and no permanent damage was done.

As far as I can tell, Inno Setup does NOT have a problem with Win 2000.

Jordan tested my install program on 2 Win 2000 machines with NO problem.
My Beta tester tried reinstalling my program and had NO problem the 2nd and 3rd installs.

For those who are using Inno Setup, it seems the reported problem by my Beta tester has NOTHING to do with Inno Setup.

[Dennis Pearson]

FWIW, MSDN ISV members have started receiving the final version of W2K. Mine came in yesterday.

It is called an "evaluation version" and it expires after 120 days. Another reminder that MS distributes shareware too <BG>.

[Jim Seekamp]

For what it's worth, I think TurboSFX works great for installations.

- Jim


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Jim Seekamp

[Todd Wasson]

Great! Thanks for the help. Have been out a few days. I downloaded Innosetup and was blown away. Much, MUCH better than anything I could have done, and Lance, you're right, FREE is the best word I've heard all day! Will definately recommend Innosetup in the future.
Thanks, Todd :>

[Scott Turchin]

I've been STRUGGLING for quite some time with Install Shield, so I grabbed this Inno, and GEEZ! Where have you been all of my programming life!! hehe.

Question however,

I have a need to know whether I'm being installed into NT or 98, and this may not be the place but has anyone done that in the iss file?


Scott

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Scott Turchin

[Chris Boss]

Yes !

Inno Setup is very good !

I just used it for a commercial program.

It works flawlessly !

[E B Knoppert]

Note the scriptmaker;
http://tafweb.hypermart.net/