Adding a startup exe shortcut in Startup

[tedsmith]

Is there a way of making the Package & Deployment Wizard automatically add a shortcut to the installed exe to the Windows Startup folder?

Also I can't work out how to get it to automatically install a new custom font. Is this really possible and what script changes would be necessary? I can copy it to the font folder but it doesn't seem to be the same as 'installing' it.

 

[tedsmith]

Re Startup shortcut
I am logged on as the administrator when I install the program, can I get it to be auto start irrespective of what user has logged on?
Otherwise I would get my program to add it to the Registry Run line using the usual API when it is first run.

Re Custom Font Installation
Looking back at the various threads on installing custom fonts with a PDW, none of them seem to ever have been answered.
Typical answers so far just beg the question such as:-
1. it's illegal and naughty to use a font you haven't paid for and you shouldn't installing any fonts at all so I wont show you how to in case you might copy a Microsoft font.
2. PDW can't do it anyway, use another program and be naughty with it.
3. Drag the fonts to the font folder instead so you are somehow less naughty (the very thing I am trying to avoid)
4. others say it can be done by simply "changing the script" but don't say what to change it to.
5. Copy it to the font folder then edit the registry to "install" it at the start of your app (but they don't explain how to be naughty this way).

I would be grateful if someone could positively clear up this question as to whether and how the PDW can install fonts.

 

[ChrisHirst]

I am logged on as the administrator when I install the program, can I get it to be auto start irrespective of what user has logged on?

Put it in the "All Users" startup group.

I rarely use/used the PDW simply because there are so many things it can't do, especially where registry hives are concerned.

Download Visual Studio Installer 1.1 still available at a website near you!

That will let you create a link to your exe file in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run hive on installation.

You should be able to deploy fonts as well, though I have never tried it.

Chris.

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Time flies like an arrow, however, fruit flies like a banana.
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[tedsmith]

Thanks
I notice this is for Windows 95 & Windows 98

Does this mean it really is the only one that will install VB6 in all Windows versions such as WindowsXP & Windows7 like PDW does?

I notice there are other later versions listed. Don't these handle Vb6?

 

[strongm]

>I notice this is for Windows 95 & Windows 98

Actually the problem is that Microsoft have expunged all references and access to the actual packager component of
Installer 1.1, and all links on their site simply point to the client-side installation runtime, which is a somewhat different thing

The actual packager part should be available here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10107434/VS1.1/setup1.exe

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10107434/VS1.1/setup2.exe

Download and extract both these files into the same folder, and run the setup.exe

>how to get it to automatically install a new custom font. Is this really possible

It's been a while since I used the PDW, but I'm sure it handles fonts and font installation.

In fact, in your one thread (thread222-1551517) where you previously asked about this (and to which you are presumably referring when you incorrectly state you were told "it's illegal and naughty to use a font you haven't paid for and you shouldn't installing any fonts at all so I wont show you how to in case you might copy a Microsoft font.") you were in fact clearly told by more than 1 person that PDW could do it, and the required procedure to do so was outlined by dilettante.

 

[dilettante]

An MSI package can install an "all users' startup folder" shortcut easily. This is better than mucking with the registry and most people consider it less underhanded and suspicious.

Fonts can be a little touchy because they are not always reference counted by default. If you install Propgram A that installs WhizBang Gothic and you install Program B that installs the same font, uninstalling Program A can remove the font, breaking Program B.

See the Remarks at

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa368606(v=vs.85).aspx

for these caveats and possible workarounds.

Also look at

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/z5s1e2wh(VS.90).aspx

which discusses how to register an installed font. This item is included in the VSI 1.1 Help (CHM).

 

[tedsmith]

Thanks for the definitive answer.
I missed that answer. I think I gave up on it before that item was posted.