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Install Maker Problems

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    Install Maker Problems

    I've searched the Message Board, Learning Center, and even called the company to find answers to my questions about using Install Maker to distribute runtime versions of Alpha databases. To my surprise I haven't been able to find adequate answers to my questions so far.

    I'll bet one of you pros knows the answer. Here is what I am trying to accomplish:

    I would like to package a runtime Alpha 6 application so that the end user can download it via email (about 16 MB) or off of a CD. I am hoping to make the download as simple as possible--a couple of clicks and its done with a shortcut on the desktop.

    Which is best Install Maker (packaged with Alpha) or Click Team's Installcreator (freeware version)?

    Install Maker Question:

    The first decision that needs to be made when using Install Maker is to install the Applications files only or both Alpha runtime and application files.

    I assume that for initial installation that both Alpha runtime and application files is the best selection, then once Alpha runtime is loaded on the user�s computer that subsequent applications would be packaged as application files only. Is this correct?

    I have more questions but I don't want to make this post too long.

    Any help you might provide would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Ron



    #2
    RE: Install Maker Problems

    "The first decision that needs to be made when using Install Maker is to install the Applications files only or both Alpha runtime and application files.

    I assume that for initial installation that both Alpha runtime and application files is the b...."

    Yes, you can do it that way, or, since A5 gets patched fairly often, you could just continue to distribute both the runtime and the application.

    Was that your only question?
    Aaron Brown
    Alpha Software Development Team

    Comment


      #3
      RE: Install Maker Problems

      Aaron,

      Thanks for your quick reply.

      As you know there are 6 steps to using the Installmaker:

      1 Method
      2 Registry
      3 Customizations
      4 Install Locations
      5 Display
      6 Shortcut

      I now have the answer to number 1.

      I've been skipping 2 and 3 at this point.

      As for number 4, Install Locations. Could you give me some help here.

      What is the anwer to the default location? On my system it defaults to the application location. Is it best to use this location or start a new file?

      In addition, when I click the folder symbol (next to the default location) it brings up a window, select folder. At the bottom of this window is another folder, how is this folder to be used in conjunction with the folder at the top of the window?

      Number 5 display, I been skipping.

      Number 6 Shortcut. When I've downloaded runtime, and an application on to a users computer-- so far I haven't been able to place a shortcut on to the desktop without dragging it on. Is there a better way?

      Thanks,

      Ron

      Comment


        #4
        RE: Install Maker Problems

        As for number 4, Install Locations. Could you give me some help here.

        What is the anwer to the default location? On my system it defaults to the application location. Is it best to use this location or start a new file?


        It's up to you. This is where the application files will go by default on the computer when it is installed. If you want them to use your folder structure, accept the default. Otherwise, pick a folder like "C:\Program Files\My Company\My App."

        In addition, when I click the folder symbol (next to the default location) it brings up a window, select folder. At the bottom of this window is another folder, how is this folder to be used in conjunction with the folder at the top of the window?

        I don't understand your question. This dialog is designed to allow you to select a folder. Navigate to the folder you want, and hit ok.

        Number 6 Shortcut. When I've downloaded runtime, and an application on to a users computer-- so far I haven't been able to place a shortcut on to the desktop without dragging it on. Is there a better way?

        Yes, there is a better way: Click the 'Modify Shortcut' button on this tab and select 'Desktop' as the shortcut location.
        Aaron Brown
        Alpha Software Development Team

        Comment


          #5
          RE: Install Maker Problems

          Aaron,

          Thanks for your help. I'll work on what you've given me.

          Also, knowing that you work for Alpha I suggest that some sort of documentation be developed for Alpha 6 users who want to use runtime. Unless I have incorrect information there is no help, of any kind, available from Alpha that explains using the Installmaker for runtime applications. That doesn't make any sense in light of all the fine documentation available for just about everything thing else.

          Ron

          Comment


            #6
            RE: Install Maker Problems

            The InstallMaker is only available for use from the Development version, not the runtime. I will ask Ed to look into the documentation issues.
            Aaron Brown
            Alpha Software Development Team

            Comment


              #7
              RE: Install Maker Problems

              Ron,

              Let me jump into your conversation with Aaron and suggest that you look at Install Creator from Clickteam. There are a number of equivalent products on the market, however, I can only speak for Install Creator. I use the Pro version (it is the unbranded version). I have found it easy to use and flexible. You can included all the expected Windows items - presentation text, information to the user, license infgormation, registration code, etc. You can also hard code the instalation folder, or allow the user to select where to install.

              Try the free version and see what you think.

              Dave
              Dave Jampole
              www.customalpha.com

              Women and cats will do whatever they want. The sooner men and dogs realize that, the happier they will be.

              Comment


                #8
                RE: Install Maker Problems

                Dave,

                Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question. I'll try it out.

                Ron

                Comment


                  #9
                  RE: Install Maker Problems

                  Dave,

                  I just thought of a question. I assume I would use Install Maker first, and then use Install Creator second. Is that correct or do I have the wrong idea in mind?

                  Ron

                  Comment


                    #10
                    RE: Install Maker Problems

                    Ron,

                    I just did a quick check and the only information I could find on Installation Maker was:

                    http://support.alphasoftware.com/alphafivehelp/Xbasic/Alpha_Five_Runtime_License.htm

                    Don't know if this will help, but there it is.

                    Jerry Gray

                    Comment


                      #11
                      RE: Install Maker Problems

                      Jerry,

                      I appreciate you finding this link. I'd seen this and a couple of others, but I wasn't able to find anything pertinent about Installmaker.

                      Thanks,

                      Ron

                      Jerry Gray wrote:
                      -------------------------------
                      Ron,

                      I just did a quick check and the only information I could find on Installation Maker was:

                      http://support.alphasoftware.com/alphafivehelp/Xbasic/Alpha_Five_Runtime_License.htm

                      Don't know if this will help, but there it is.

                      Jerry Gray

                      Comment


                        #12
                        RE: Install Maker Problems

                        Ron,

                        Just use Install Creator. In suggesting Install Creator, I am assuming that the end user has a copy of Alpha Five on their system. I don't use the Alpha-provided Installmaker.

                        Dave
                        Dave Jampole
                        www.customalpha.com

                        Women and cats will do whatever they want. The sooner men and dogs realize that, the happier they will be.

                        Comment

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