Digital Workshop

Yet again I've attempted to use the distribution wizard to create a setup, and it doesn't work. The files I tell it to include work in preview, as they are copied from the source location, but are not included in the installer package when it is generated.

Seems this was a bug in 6, but the 7 help still claims this feature.

Any thoughts?

Dave

Just tried it and although a little rudimentary, installed all the files correctly.

Mack

Well, Mack, after fiddling for a while I got it to work, too. I am assuming you got the part about it working fine in preview, but not from the CD. When I had that problem about a year ago in 6, I am pretty sure Paul told me there was an issue with it.

Anyway I had a completely incomprehensible issue after that. When I create the installer to do these acts and then hit the "Test" button, the publication installer window opens as it should.

When I double click on precisely the same file in the directory it is in or on the CD, it simply runs the publication without the install dialog.

I swear it! I had one of my best programmers stand behind me as I created the distro, then hit "Test" and the installer started.

With an explorer window open to the published direct, the installer file showed precisely the time date stamp. I clicked on it, and it ran the program.

I did not think it possible for the same code to do something different. I am ASSUMING that the "Test" button is equal to double clicking on the file itself...but their MUST be something different about it.

Dave

About out of day over here. I am going to put together a small test file and upload it in the Texas AM.

Dave

'Fraid, I don't really understand that - too close to the witching hour for the brain to function correctly. I did try clicking test and it seemed to do the same thing as double clicking the setup.exe but it's probably some specific use that's causing yours to go awry.

I think it's a useful little add on, but I'd hate to have to use it professionally. Advanced Installer offer a fantastic free alternative for MSIs. You'll need a professional licence for bootstrapped EXEs though. However, if you're considering a commercial alternative, I would recommend checking out a range of programs as they all offer different features for AI Pro's price range. MSI Factory is much more high-end but a little more technical.

Mack

You do not say what type of files/file extensions you are working with. Also lacking info on OS and system config you are developing on, and deploying to.

Regarding Opus Distribution Wizard, I played around with it recently and make these observations:

1. if the files are something like .DLL, .DB, and probably several other file-types AND I use the <Default Target>, then the Opus Pub will probably not see or find the needed files. Here I think the <Default Target> is the SYSTEM_PUBLICATION_DIR.

2. if I use the native Opus Distribution Wizard and add files such as .DLL, .DB, etc... but specify a different Target folder for the Installation (e.g., c:\ProgramData\OpusPub004\ ), then I have had success with the Pub. Of course any Path references in the Pub and the scripts must refer to that same Path.

That said, I think DW has not sufficiently updated the Distrib. Wizard capability to accommodate Vista and Windows 7 file organization, common User folders, UAC concerns, Virtual Store (for uninstall)... so Mack's pointer to Third Party package is probably going to be my choice.

Okies, Gents, I've added the file if you will take a few minutes to test.

Create a distro with a couple of pictures or whatever you have handy and have them installed to d:\LMS or whatever you wish.

When the distro is complete, use the test function to check it out. For me, it works perfectly and the files are copied correctly.

Next, go the the directory you published it in and execute it directly. For me, it simply runs and does not offer to install. The files are not copied.

I find this very, very strange as I am not used to code doing more than one thing.

If I am doing something really, really dumb, just tell me. I been doing this a long time and I can take it.

Dave

Some are interested in OS. All XP Pro. Opus is a staple in my shop, so it's run on a variety of machines. The test I've asked you to do returns the same results on three of them I tested it on.

Of course, we are running Opus 7.

As to using another distro tool, this is just a convenience installer for the Opus plug, JAVA, and a couple of simulations. The actual enterprise install will be done by IT using the Microsoft packager...which is none too sharp in itself.

Dave

Worked fine (W7x64).

1. download your imp.
2. Loaded and published to C:\temp
3. Close IMP and loaded distro wizard.
4. Set path to D:\LMS
5. Added your publication executable / autorun / two pictures to target folder
6. Created package on desktop.
7. Ran test and launched publication - all fine.
8. Closed distro wizard
9. Click package from desktop, it ran advising program already installed - but still worked. Ran launch and this worked.

Mack

Some thoughts,

1. I've uploaded the setup file I created to

sandbox.interaktiv.co.uk/DavesDemo.zip

Download it and save it to the SAME location as the not working version and then run this to see if it works.

2. Opus does launch the version as the one saved - I checked the process

3. BUT from an OS perspective the setup is launched from Opus rather than explorer. Could this be an admin rights issue? Are you on a network or the files on a network.

4. Does the your setup not work full stop! IE even if moved to a different machine. If so can you upload this for us to test?

Mack

Sir, I am completely mystified. Yours works perfectly, mine, run from the same directly, still executes rather than installs. It still properly goes to install when run from the "Test" button. This is the SAME file I sent you.

I have not had a drink today, but am considering it.

Dave

PS-I note yours is 2.8 MB, mine is 2.156 MB. I am grabbing at straws...

Perhaps you could backup yours and send it back to me to compile here.

DM

OK, in response to your queries we ran a couple of tests.

We have a network software called Bit9 on the network that manages approved software. Whilst it allows throws up a message before blocking, I still thought perhaps (after your admin privs comment) it was interacting somehow. We execute your and my files from a virtual PC with precisely the same result.

If you have not done so, please note the "PS" in my previous post about file sizes and uploading your imp as a zip package for me to compile here.

This is just too weird.

Dave

The source, before published files are here:

sandbox.interaktiv.co.uk/Dave2.zip

Can you upload your version and I'll have a look at that.

Mack

It's the same one I sent you...I TOLD you it was spooky. Downloading now...
Dave

Mack, it executes directly, no install.

My Opus is 7.04. I simply cannot figure this out...
Dave

PS - Same result on a virtual PC completely isolated from everything.