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How to create a distribution file in v12

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    How to create a distribution file in v12

    I have looked and tried just about everything to create an installer so I can distribute a database I've been working on for months but I cannot seem to get it figured out. The only options I have under tools/utilities are, Throttle Run-time User Count and Manage Freeform Report Conversion. I tried running the Run-time program but nothing changed in the main Alpha5 program. Is there another option I can do? Version 11 does show Create Install Package.
    Thanks,
    Jeff

    #2
    Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

    I believe they removed the create installer package for v12. It is my understanding that they expect you to use a 3rd party tool to accomplish what you wanting.
    Andrew

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      #3
      Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

      Why? Any advice as to how to do this then?

      Comment


        #4
        Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

        There are really excellent installers available. Two are Astrum Installwizard and Inno Script Studio. I haven't used either with Version 12, but have with Version 11. I first tried Astrum and thought it was pretty good but realized it had some limitations. Alpha is very specific about what to install and when... in what order. I can't remember what the limitations were but I stopped trying to get it to work and went look for something else. I also believe Astrum was't very current and wasn't being updated. It looks like it's owned by Moonstone now and Thraex doesn't seem to be around... not sure about this though.

        So, then I found Inno Script Studio. This thing will let you stand on your head and sing a song if you want to... amazing detailed control over what's going on... and it's current. This is what I ended up using. As with everything else in the world you have to learn how to use it. The more complicated your database setup is the more involved your setup routine will be. You'll need to spend some time with Inno but it's well worth the effort.

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          #5
          Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

          Originally posted by Davidk View Post
          There are really excellent installers available. Two are Astrum Installwizard and Inno Script Studio. I haven't used either with Version 12, but have with Version 11. I first tried Astrum and thought it was pretty good but realized it had some limitations. Alpha is very specific about what to install and when... in what order. I can't remember what the limitations were but I stopped trying to get it to work and went look for something else. I also believe Astrum was't very current and wasn't being updated. It looks like it's owned by Moonstone now and Thraex doesn't seem to be around... not sure about this though.

          So, then I found Inno Script Studio. This thing will let you stand on your head and sing a song if you want to... amazing detailed control over what's going on... and it's current. This is what I ended up using. As with everything else in the world you have to learn how to use it. The more complicated your database setup is the more involved your setup routine will be. You'll need to spend some time with Inno but it's well worth the effort.
          Thank you, I'm going to try Inno Script Studio. I think it's going to look bad though that a very good tool was removed. Kinda sucks actually. :(

          Comment


            #6
            Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

            It was a pretty good tool but didn't do a lot of what is usually needed in an install for activex controls, updates, version specific installs, and OS specific installs.

            Comment


              #7
              Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

              so according to these discussion, alpha five v12 has taken out the ability to package a compile application and distribute it. My question is where can I find how to just compile an demo alpha anywhere application?? Once I know how to do this then I would use a third party software to develop the package distribution. Please someone help me find this out. Currently my only option now until I get an answer back is to install version 11 where it has the packaging functionality.

              Comment


                #8
                Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

                There is no "compile an application" in Alpha... never has been.

                There was an option to "package" an application... gather all it's bits and pieces and build an installable package... an EXE.

                Your best option is to get Inno Script Studio and learn how to use it.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

                  I am still using astrum installer.

                  There are a number of installers out there that can do the job very well(depends on taste) and there are a few tricks with the alpha installer that can also help you. These come in the form of command line switches like /s for quite or you can specify the path.

                  I don't use the switches except rarely, but copy the folder with runtime in it and the registry files to place on the new machine, the run the registry batch file as appropriate.

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                    #10
                    Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

                    to DavidK, Please help me to locate a help file or documentation on how to use the inno setup application with alpha anywhere. I was accustom to using the easy user interface of wise installation many years ago. Wise allows the user to run the application and then it catches all the link files and used DLLs files. I did not see this feature in inno setup. please help by showing me the weblink or docu link so I can get started. Many thanks in advance for your help.
                    September 23rd, 2013..

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Re: How to create a distribution file in v12

                      Dave M who is no longer able to post here, has done a nice walk through (tutorial) on using the Astrum installer. Complete with screenshots. Its on another forum and for those looking at installers this is worth the look.

                      I use Bytessence, a free installer, very similar to Astrum and easy to use. Dave was able to help me sort out which A5 files I needed to include with my distribution and was quite helpful. The point is while Dave uses Astrum it will carry over to other install makers.

                      Anyway here is the link to Dave's post, I hope it helps.

                      http://developer.freeforums.net/thre...1&scrollTo=116
                      Regards,

                      John W.
                      www.CustomReportWriters.net

                      Comment

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