Yesterday I purchased your Inno Script 10.4 Build 4 program and most of the time I can not get the program to run! I am running Windows7. I have no other issues with any other programs that I have run since buying this computer. After I installed your program, the setup program launched the program sucessfully and I checked it out for about 30 minutes. Later that night I tried about 40 times to run the program and it will not run. The only thing I get is the standard windows dialog box that says Do you want the following program from an unknown user to run.... and when you select 'YES' it just closes the box and nothing happens. I have to come into town in order to use the Wifi to get on the internet. So before I left this morning to write you, I tried it again and it 'launched' successfully. After looking at it a few minutes, I closed the program and tried running it again. Again.... it will NOT launch or run. Looking at the 'task manager' shows no evidense of the program. I stopped a few minutes ago at a Computer Shop and they took a look at it and tried several things. They too could not get the program to run using several different options. They looked at my Firewall and my Security settings and saw nothing blocking it. So what gives? Any ideas? HELP!
(Message edited by mightymike on January 22, 2011)
(Message edited by mightymike on January 22, 2011)
If InnoScript does not launch it could be Anti-Virus protection software keeping it from launching. The dialog box you get is User Account Control (UAC) attempting to stop the program from running. InnoScript will not run if another copy is loaded. If you checked task manager and found no other copy there then this is probably not the case.
Things you can try:
1 - Since you have no internet connection change your updates to do not check for updates. You can do this manually by going to the folder where you installed InnoScript open the InnoScript.ini file then change the parameter CheckForUpdate=True to CheckForUpdate=False.
2 - Find the InnoScript.exe file, right click on it then select Run As Administrator if the program launches then your security setting are keeping InnoScript from running.
3 - Shut down or disable your Anti-Virus software then attempt to run InnoScript. If it runs then your AV software is keeping it from running, then you will need to make changes to you AV software to leave InnoScript alone.
4 - Go into safe mode then attempt to run InnoScript. If it runs there then there is some software system on your computer that is preventing InnoScript from running.
Questions:
1 - Where did you install InnoScript? (folder location)
2 - Is you account an Administrator or a Standard User Account?
Let me know of your progress. This is highly unusual.
Randem,
As I was waiting for your response, I tried launching the program again and it ran. I stopped it and opened it again over and over. So right now I can't get it to fail, but I am sure it eventually will. I did notice that when it starts, there are several flashes of different window screens (highly unusal) but they go by so fast that I can't read them.
So until it fails again, I can't try somes of those things you mentioned.
Yesterday though I did run it as an Administrator. I did let it setup and load in its DEFAULT location. It's at C:WindowsProgram Files(x86)Randem Systems.......
I DO have Inno5 Setup (from before) still on my system though. Is that a problem?
I also changed the setting to 'don't check for updates'. So until it fails again, I won't be able to try those other things you mentioned.
Thanks - Mike
No, InnoScript was developed to work with Inno Setup so that is not a problem.
Randem,
I wrote you last week and told you that your program InnoScrpit 10.4 build 4 wouldn't open up. You said to try a few things. One of them was to 'Turn-Off' automatic checking for program Updates' and that seems to have corrected the problem since it hasn't happened since and I didn't try anything else. Thank you!
I wonder if you could help me with a few things though.
I think I finally got my Script file created but had a few issues so I included this Zip file that has the necessary information with some screenshots. First let me explain that my objective is to create my program folder in the C:\ directory (not 'program files') unless there is a reason not to! So my end result would be 'C:\Grand Prix Tracker'. My folder that contains all my jpeg files, etc. is called 'GP Tracker Program Setup Files'. My other folder containing my 'System Files', etc. is called 'Inno Setup System Files'. Could you please take a look at information I sent you.
I must admit I know nothing about Script reading or writing, but I wish there was a little more explaination on what the different Flags represent and how they operate. I don't know when it should say {app}; {cf}; {pf}; {sys}; {pf32}, etc. I guess maybe I don't need to know if the program figures it all out, but there were issues.
I also wish you could elborate a little more on the Virtual PC. I downloaded those links you showed. I noticed they were created in 2007 and seemed really intimidating. I tried it but never followed the setup all the way through, especially when it wanted me to re-boot using a floppy disk? It was over my head for sure, but it sure would be nice to be able to check my 'setup program' on different systems! Is there a easier or better way? That's where I had my original problems using Inno5 Setup before trying InnoScript getting the dreaded message Component
First things installing in the root folder is a definite No-No and should be avoided. I know if I got an program that did that I would not use it for if the creators of the program could not figure out that this was bad then what other BAD things are they about to do to my machine with their program.
The flags for Inno Setup are defined very well in the Inno Setup help documentation. You hould take a look there if you are confused.
As far as the virutal machine it is pretty straight forward if you are used to installing OS's. First off you need to be using a Professional version of Windows on your machine where you are installing the Virtual PC 2007 SP1. If you have a HOME version it will not work at all.
I will take a look at your script and let you know what I find.
As far as your script, Your Appname and Company name are the same and as stated in the documentation the folder name would be in the format
{pf}Company NameApp Name
So that is why you have that folder.
AppPublisher can be added in the template as you have found but also comes from the VBP file from the Company name field.
The word Release is explained in the documentation as the version type you have chosen on the main screen. If you do not want this then choose NONE.
The uninstall icon... Have you checked the start menu for this icon?
Okay.... bare with me please. I have resolved the 'Release' issue only. I guess I am just not catching on. I have read all your documentation several times, but I guess I am just not comprehending everything. I would then like to change my destination program at C:\Program Files\Grand Prix Tracker, but don't see where to do this other than in the 'Parameters' section. I have included the screenshot of my settings. It keeps trying to install it at C:\Grand Prix Tracker.
Also I still don't understand why it keeps generating the line (that doesn't work):
[Files]
Source: C:\GP Tracker Program Setup Files\*.*; DestDir: {app}\GP Tracker Program Setup Files\; Flags: ignoreversion recursesubdirs
instead of the line which works:
[Files]
Source: C:\GP Tracker Program Setup Files\*.*; DestDir: {app}; Flags: ignoreversion recursesubdirs?
The Script is the same as I sent you before.
What am I missing???????(https://randemsystems.support/discus/messages/12/10017.jpg)
No it keeps trying to install in c:Program FilesGran Prix Tracker Where it should. If you want it to install somewhere else then change DefaultDirName. BTW: InnoScript would not have chosen the way you have the folder name in that parameter.
That line works for what???? You have to understand what you are asking for to understand the results. The line that is generated is correct for what you asked for. You asked that the whole folder be installed into the {app} folder. It is doing that. If you want different results you would have to ask different questions. Where do you want all the files in that folder to be in the {app} folder then you either have to include each file separately or add the line you need in the template to replace the other line you don't like.
InnoScript has a procedure it follows. You have to follow the procedure to get what you want from it.
Randem,
I don't know. I seem to be more lost than I was yesterday. Simply stated I want to have my program installed at: C:Program FilesGrand Prix Tracker. I wanted to know what I am doing WRONG by you looking at the code I sent you. Can you explain to me what I need to change? When I run Inno Setup, it wants to install the program at C:Grand Prix Tracker. I also still don't know how to stop that line from being generated too. You said that it is doing exactly what I am telling it to do. Then how do I change it to not generate that line as such. When Inno Setup trys to execute it, it says that it cannot find that folder (and of course it shouldn't). So why is it creating:
Files]
Source: C:GP Tracker Program Setup Files*.*; DestDir: {app}GP Tracker Program Setup Files; Flags: ignoreversion recursesubdirs
instead of the line which works in Inno Setup:
[Files]
Source: C:GP Tracker Program Setup Files*.*; DestDir: {app}; Flags: ignoreversion recursesubdirs?
'GP Tracker Program Setup Files' is the folder where all my addtional files are located, such as jpeg, etc.
Like I said, if I edit it to read the latter (as Inno Setup did originaly) it works fine.
Thanks but confused!
From what you are showing there is NO WAY your installer is attempting to install where you say it is.
You should start over from scratch then follow the basic instructions for creating a script.
1 - create your project
2 - point to your VBP file
3 - generate the script
Start there first. Do only what I mentioned. then show me the output
Your screen shots are different than your script. In your script you have DefaultDirName=C:Grand Prix Tracker that is why you your installer is attempting to install there.
You should use InnoScript's defaults When you start changing parameter that you do not know what they are you WILL run into trouble. Why did you change this parameter if you did not know what it does?
I don't. I guess its back to the drawing board for me. I did what you said and I am still getting the same results. I included my new Script file and the screenshots of both of my Parameters (tried both).
I will probably have to continue this on Friday.
Thanks!
You had to change the parameters in the parameter screen. You changed some of them here too after you were not supposed too.
You did not change the DefaultDirName and so it cannot possibly be attempting to install in c:Gran Prix Tracker location.
When you follow the steps you have to follow them exactly. If you start changing things you will get lost...
You also added
Source: C:GP Tracker Program Setup Files*.*; DestDir: {cf}Grand Prix TrackerGP Tracker Program Setup Files; Flags: ignoreversion recursesubdirs
and this goes to the {cf} folder upon installation.
You seem to be confused with what file you are using to install with. There is no way this script you sent attempts to install in the root folder.
When you start clean you start with no changes what-so-ever.
Okay... I knew this would happen. The Script that I sent you went with THIS screenshot which was generated from scratch. When I ran the Inno Setup it still tried to load it at C:\Grand Prix Tracker. I then went back and changed the default directory to the screenshot that I sent you first. That was all I did.
Anyway!
No, you did not start fresh. DefaultDirName is AGAIN different and this one will go to c:Gran Prix Tracker.
Post zip and pist your vbp and exe. i will run it on my end to show you what you are supposed to see.
Here you go.
This is what a default parameter screen is suppose to show. And as you see in the DefaultDirName is not like any you have shown. So when you tell me you havent changed anything...
(https://randemsystems.support/discus/messages/12/10030.jpg)
I figured out what was happening. I assumed you had to give a default 'directory name' in the Parameters field. I wish something would have said, 'normally you should leave this field blank'. I also realized that a lot of the documentation was in the Inno Setup program, not in the Inno Script program. I have another question though. I am currently using the C: root directory in my VB6 program (which you said I shouldn't do). When I generate a Script that uses the {pf} directory, my VB6 program can't find it. In my program I am defining the directory statement as:
ChDir C:Grand Prix Tracker. So of course my program won't see 'C:Program FilesGrand Prix Tracker'. My question is if I change my program to include the 'programs files' path, then how does it work while installing the program using Inno Setup if the User then changes the installation to a different directory or path? Is that taken care of automatically in the Setup program or does something have to change in the VB6 program? (ChDir ..Grand Prix Tracker)???
Thanks in advance.
The InnoScript documentation and the Inno Setup documentation are two different animals. Inno Setup parameters are not covered in the InnoScript documentation and nor vice-versa.
If your program can not detect where it was installed then it is coded incorrectly. The installer is not responsible nor can it tell your program where it is. Your application holds total responsibility for that. Whomever coded your application did not use proper coding techniques such as App.Path to locate where the program is installed and hard coded the location.
As far as your assumptions, Please read step 4 carefully (from the InnoScript Documentation):
Operational Procedures
InnoScript will convert your Visual Basic Project (5 or 6), Visual Basic .NET Project, or any exe/dll file into an Inno Setup Script (.iss). It will automatically put in the appropriate VB Runtime files for VB5 and VB6. By itself InnoScript is just a tool to help you move to Inno Setup by providing a simple way to get your project packaged in Inno Setup without knowing too much about Inno Setup.
The basic procedure to run InnoScript:
1 - Install InnoScript in the Administrative Account. InnoScript must be run once from this account after installation for proper operation in a limited users account. Any License information update must also be done from the administrative account.
2 - Install Inno Setup (InnoScript uses Inno Setup to compile your scripts).
3 - Create a new InnoScript Project for your Visual Basic Project. File->New
4 - Fill in parameter screen for Inno Setup directives (can also be done at a later time. InnoScript will automatically fill in many of the slots after the first run if the slot is empty).
5 - Select your vbp/vbg/.net project file (Best results are generated when you use a vbg (group project) file that contains all the projects when your app uses ocx/dll/exe from other projects). Any exe/dll from other programming languages can be used also.
6 - Select a name and location for the output .iss file.
7 - Create or select a template file (.tpl) for info to be added to the script (optional).
8 - Add any additional files or folders that your app needs. (Add Files and Add Folders Tabs).
9 - Add any additional folders where files in your project can be found (Search Folders Tab).
10 - Add any folder that you do not want InnoScript to search (Exclude Folders Tab)
11 - Press Create Script to convert your project file.
12 - Edit your script (.iss) with Inno Setup or ISTool. (if needed).
13 - Compile your script with Inno Setup.
I think I finally got the Script working properly. But I have a problem that is driving me nuts! I am running Windows7 and I have a situation though I am not sure what is causeing it, my InnoScript profile or Windows7. The User has the option of installing the program anywhere but I have it defaulting to C:\Program Files(x86)\Grand Prix Tracker (per your advice). When the program is installed anywhere except 'Program Files or Program Files(x86)' all works fine. But I noticed when it is installed in {pf} that Windows makes a copy of any files modified to a place called:
Network> MightyMike-PC> \users\mighty mike\app data\local\virtual store\program files(x86).
The problem is when the program is uninstalled, it removes all files (and directory) from the 'Program Files' directory but not from the above Virtual location. Now when you install a newer version of setup, it again is installed in the {pf} directory however those modified files from the first install are still there and the program uses THOSE files. Also if I Delete a File from within my program, my program cannot find it for some reason using the 'Kill' command (says the path is bad). And even using the App.Path command, it still comes up with an error (I think because it is not seeing the above LINK created by Windows7). Like I said, if I install it anywhere other than {pf}, all works fine. I know you have Flags to overwrite existing files, but what happens when they are located elsewhere?
Yes, that is called virtualization and that is exactly why your data should not be in the {app} folder ref: https://randemsystems.support/innoscript-general-questions-report-bugs-problems-etc/installation-problems/ (https://randemsystems.support/innoscript-general-questions-report-bugs-problems-etc/installation-problems/)
Vertualization as you have figured out is a maintenance nightmare for modified files are not where you would expect them to be. Windows Vista and Windows 7 only do this for legacy applications that cannot be modified. I would suggest that you follow the Windows standards on where your data should be located. You can take a look at some VB code I have posted just for that purpose at https://randemsystems.com/freeware.html (https://randemsystems.com/freeware.html)
Look for the following:
Make Your Application Limited User Compliant