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Another 3rd Party Installer Question

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    Another 3rd Party Installer Question

    I am creating an Install package using Astrum. I am pretty sure I should install both my app files and the runtime + files into the same directory on the installers computer. I am also assuming that everything goes into that directory in one big "mess" of files. In other words, the runtime files will be mixed in with my app files...as it is when you use Alpha 5s built in installer and opt to put them into the same folder upon install.

    Is my assumption correct? Should I include the actual Runtime + files or just the runtime execute file? I beleive there is a way to run the runtime install exe from Astrum, but do not know which way to go with this.

    I initially ran the install package created in A5 and installed everything in a folder on my desktop. I then used these files to populate the install files in Astrum. Is the the way to do it (will probably answer my first question).

    When I run the install package from Astrum, it works on my computer, which I am also using to develop my app. But I have not had an opportunity to try it on another computer (and i have not figured out how to register the nessacary dll and codejax files).

    Thanks for your help
    Tony

    #2
    Re: Another 3rd Party Installer Question

    No, don't put your app and runtime in the same folder. Keep them seperate.

    Astrum allows you to prompt/check with the user about where to install the files. You should provide separate folder defaults.

    As for installing the runtime files, install them all unless you know what a specific one does that you don't want and have reason to exclude it.

    General advice here -- it's been a few years since I've built an Astrum install.
    -Steve
    sigpic

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      #3
      Re: Another 3rd Party Installer Question

      Tony,

      Some are divided on how to do this.

      I have my runtime and app in the same folder! i have had it that way for a long time(you can tell pretty quick which are app and runtime files). There should be no reason to include the runtime exe in the install if you do it right. Astrum can put your files anywhere you want them, make the necessary adjustments to the registry, place your startup shortcuts and a lot more. Yes, astrum can shell the runtime exe after install, but the user may not know where you want it installed to.

      if you decide to let the client do the install for the runtime, it will 50% of the time go wrong. they tend to not follow directions. If you sit and do it yourself, no problem. Remember KISS!

      suggestion: make your install and let someone else test it for you. Maybe a neighbor, friend or something and see what they do without you there. If they get it right(several people) then you are pretty much ok.

      DaveM
      Dave Mason
      [email protected]
      Skype is dave.mason46

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Another 3rd Party Installer Question

        Thanks Steve. I will separate the files out.

        Of everything thing I have done with Alpha 5, developing the installation process has been the most difficult.

        I would like to say that using Alpha 5s built in install creator is easy, but only if you are wanting to send full installs. Everything I keep finding suggests that a 3rd party installer is "nessacary" if you know you will be doing future updates/upgrades.

        I know alpha software is always looking for ways to better their already amazing software. I think they have done a wonderful job with providing guidance for how to develop apps. However, after you get things created you are kind of left hanging. I read thier current documentation on the installer and do not think it is as thourough as many of the sections of thier help system.

        I think it would be a huge asset to have more documentation on how to prepare your app so you can distribute future updates and...to provide more information on the install process (using a5 and 3rd party) for those of us that are still very green...ie registering files upon install???.

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Another 3rd Party Installer Question

          With astrum, you can shell a batch file to register any dll's you need. Once the install is done, set the shell process to run the batch, exe or other file that you supply in your install.

          I still believe in putting all the files in one folder. I then do not have to figure out which ones wound up where or worry about overwriting another app made by someone else.

          This gets into installing to a folder where another app is already installed. You can do this if the installer does it witout user intervention. The app should be able to operate in any folder chosen.

          Dave
          Dave Mason
          [email protected]
          Skype is dave.mason46

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