how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out data?

[Wanda Tucker]

Good morning,

One of the FRC's (Family Resource Centers) that have an application that I designed on their pc suddenly can't get it to print reports, as well as a few other, odd quirks.

I want to create a new install cd, and am wondering if I merely leave out all the .DBF files while I'm creating the install package.

Thank you,
Wanda

[Bob Houle]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Wanda,

I make changes quite often so I created a small exe that copies all DBF, CDX and FPT files to a safe location, then installs my new version.

But you can follow the steps below manually.

Here's how I go about it....
I ZIP my complete folder and call this file 'Masterpiece.zip'


1 - Copy 'new' ZIP version to customer's root directory and unzip it on their root directory (e.g. c:\Masterpiece)
This eliminates the problem of file attributes and CD-ROM's

2 - When ready use my EXE to copy DBF, CDX and FPT files from c:\UsersFolder to c:\SafeLocation
3 - Rename c:\UsersFolder to OldFolder
4 - Make a NEW empty folder c:\UsersFolder
5 - Copy everything from c:\Masterpiece to c:\UsersFolder
6 - Use my EXE to copy DBF, CDX and FPT files from c:\SafeLocation to c:\UsersFolder
7 - Check that program works.
8 - Delete c:\OldFolder once I'm sure. Actually I leave it until the next time I update, then I delete it and c:\Masterpiece.

I'd write a small text file and follow these steps. Try it on a 'non-critical application first, for practise. [grin]

Works everytime for me,
--Bob

[Wanda Tucker]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Hi Bob,
Sounds wonderful - but where is your .exe file?
Thank you so much!
Wanda

[CALocklin]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Wanda,

It takes a small investment (~$49 now for Astrum InstallWizard at (www.thraexsoftware.com) but this is one of the reasons I like using a more powerful 3rd party installation program.

What I do is build an installation routine ONCE. This defines which files should be included in the installation package, where they should be installed to, installation text, icons, read-me info, etc. and - MOST RELAVENT to this issue - which files can be overwritten. I define all my dbf, cdx, and fpt files as "Never Overwrite". Now all I need to do is change my A5 application, re-run the install program to create a new installation routine (the definition is already there so it takes only a few seconds to run) and the new installation routine can now be used for either a new installation or an update.

All the user has to do is download the install file and run it. Although backups are always recommended, there is no need to move files, create temp folders, etc.

FWIW, I also have a routine that writes the data location to the registry each time the app runs (similar to what A5 does) and my installation program reads that registry info so it knows exactly where to install the update even if the user has moved the files or is installing the update from a workstation.

In my opinion, the time saved has more than paid the $35 I spent on the program. (The price has gone up since I bought it but I'd say it's still a bargain price.)

Cal Locklin
www.aimsdc.net

[Wanda Tucker]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Thank you, Cal.

I will purchase the install product for my own business use - but I even hesitate to ask my employer to buy it...since they're pushing me to use Access, instead.

Also, I need to go and do the re-install on Friday - so I need a quick fix to installing the application again, without writing over their data.

I'll experiment with what I have for this current need.

I appreciate your help, Cal :)

Wanda

[rtbtat]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Hello Wanda:

I've heard this many times before, but I can't help asking why they're so intent on using Access.

Are they open minded wherein a factual comparison might sway their opinion? Or, are they like most people who make up their mind to use an MS Office product and there is no possible argument that can possibly change their position?

Robert T

[Wanda Tucker]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Hi Robert,
They are the second of your descriptions...even our IT department has tried to sway them away from Micro$oft and towards other software with no luck...so, down the road when I'm no longer here and my Alpha business is up and running, they'll be free to hire me for design work when they find they don't have anyone in-house to design on Access - and I'll bet I could design whatever they need and charge them less than an Access developer. So, in the end, instead of paying me my current salary, they'll be paying 3 times that much...sweet, or what?

But - I still need to know what happens if I creat an install package, leaving out all the .dbf files. Will this protect their data?

I'm going to try it, anyway. I've had some great responses, but neither will work for this Friday.

Thank you,
Wanda

[davej]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Wanda,

Obviously, there are a number of installation-creation programs available ranging all the way from free on up to expensive. I happen to use Installmaker from Clickteam. They have a free version that is branded, but it has all the functionality that the purchase version has. In it, you can include (or exclude) individual files - I usually exclude the .dbf, .fpt and the .muf (if there are any).

Installmaker is pretty straightforward and if you download it, I would suggest make a few test runs on your system until you are comfortable with the process. It's not difficult, but it is a good idea to practice a bit before sending an installation package to someone.

Dave

[Wanda Tucker]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Thank you, Dave. I will be needing to get an install program for my home-based business, so I'll check this one out, as well :)
Wanda

[drgarytraub]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Hi Cal,

I use Astrum all the time and I agree with you, it is great. Question though: where do you set the settings that you describe, not to copy over certain files, and also, what do you do in the case where you need to add or delete some fields to a table.

Gary

[forskare]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Hi Gary,

Astrum tech support accepts email requests. They've been great to respond but as they're a half a world away, there's a bit of a turn around.

I've not used Astrum to do what you want but I wonder if it isn't in their other program that goes along with the install program? Can't recall what it is right now but you'll find it on their web site.

kenn

[forskare]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Wanda,

If this were in A5, it would be a snap; I just did it in less tha 10 seconds.

While in the control panel, select Tools, Zip Database. Check out your options. Then click Mark Files. When the next window pops up you can choose All files, the Data files or the App files. I check the app files and then click OK and then Zip Database. It will be saved in the folder your app is in.

take or send this to the family center and unzip it into the folder that needs to be updated. Walla, an updated app and the data is unharmed.

Keep in mind, BACKUP first, make a copy!!!

The only hitch to this is IF the family center has forms on their app that you do not have on yours, you'll wipe out theirs.

On the flip side, if there is something on their app you do not have and you've made no changes to the table holding the forms, you can deselect the tables.

Another work around for different structures is to copy their tables and/or sets that have the forms you don't have and copy them to your app. Make tour changes and then do the zip.

It's really quite flexible and easy. I use this method quite often and it's worked like a charm every time.

kenn

[mronck]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Wanda,

I use Qsetup. This program is free for independend developers. Just email the publisher that you are an independend developer, and you will get the reg code for free. Qsetup is an extremely flexible yet very userfriendly program. For me it is important that this does not take too much time I'd rather spend on A5.
So I tried several programms and ended up with Qsetup.
You can download it at: www.pantaray.com an israelian company. The pro version has auto-update onboard.

Further the earlier mentioned Install Creator from Clickteam (www.clickteam.com) is a good option to work with.
They also have a special product for creating updates/upgrades. It is called "Patchmaker" and it works together with "Installcreator".
Both products are available as freeware and registered versions, freeware comes with advertisement.

Kind regards,

[Wanda Tucker]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Thank you so much, Marcel. I'll download it over the week-end (my developing business days) and learn it. I think it's great that you've tried several, and can recommend these two free sites, to boot! Appreciate it :)
Wanda

[CALocklin]

RE: how do I make an install pkg w/o wiping out da

Gary,

where do you set the settings that you describe (overwrite/don't)

Go to the Files to Include section and highlight a file(s) then click the Advanced button.

what do you do in the case where you need to add or delete some fields to a table

I do this with A5 scripting - usually in the autoexec script. I've attached a sample that shows adding fields and another that shows how I change structure by sending a "new" table and append the old data then delete the original table and rename the new one. (Sounds awful but really isn't that bad.) I highly recommend that you paste the script into A5 so it be easier to read.