Install just the BDE

[Punchinello]

I have a database application in D7 and InstallShield Express and I want to create an installation program. Since the database will reside on a LAN server, the installation program only needs to install the BDE and create the shortcuts for each workstation (once the database is present).

Does anyone have a solution for this? All I want the InstallShield to do is install the BDE - no other files.

 

[svanels]

Start-up installshield, select your application files (not the database),
In the object merge module select the bde with the necessary drivers, and define your alias.
The help file is straight forward

Steven van Els
SAvanEls@cq-link.sr

 

[Punchinello]

Ok, sounds good. But even the application files (4 executables) are run from a network location. So...

a. Can I install the BDE without any other files? or
b. Should I force a "dummy" file like a readme.txt?

 

[svanels]

Yes you can install the BDE only, but then why bother to make an installation disk?
In these quick and dirty installs I use the delphi CD, gives me room to use other BDE related tools to diagnose the connection.

Another thing, you run everything from the network, if the connection fails, what happens to the application? What happens to the database?

Steven van Els
SAvanEls@cq-link.sr

 

[Punchinello]

First, thanks for your replies.

The application is becoming commercial, so I cannot distribute my Delphi CD. The overall application structure is such that the EXE files are stored on a server like X:\Applications\My App\Program.exe and the database (and other necessary files) are placed in folders off the EXE folder like Data and Saved Reports etc.

If the network is down then the shortcuts on users' workstations will not work and the database would not be accessible. Is there a preferred method that you would recommend?

 

[svanels]

What happens when using the application the client computer unexpectedly shut down, can this corrupt the database, will other users still be able to continue working?

Steven van Els
SAvanEls@cq-link.sr

 

[Punchinello]

Yes, this can corrupt the database, but since it is Paradox, generally the corruption is contained to affect only a single table or index file. The application includes a rebuild utility that allows users to recover from such events. But it seems to me that the same risk is present no matter where the EXEs reside. If the project continues to recieve funding, I may change the code from posting changes directly to the TTable components to using SQL commands with transaction control and rollback capabilities. This is already in place when changes affect multiple tables simultaneously such as a master-detail arrangement.

 

[john230873]

I have created a installshield project before and I didn't add my application I only added the BDE to it. It worked fine

 

[Svanhooft]

Hi,

if i'm correct there is a file within the bde files called bdeinst.dll. In this dll, the complete bde is present. I have writen a simple program to install the bde at the moment the program using the BDE is launched.

function BDEInstalled: Boolean;
begin
Result := (dbiInit(nil) = 0)
end;


procedure TForm1.FormShow(Sender: TObject);
var
s, p: string;
result: integer;
begin
if not BDEInstalled then
begin
if MessageDlg('BDE is not installed, Install the BDE?',
mtConfirmation, [mbYes, mbNo], 0) = mrYes then
begin
// bdeinst.dll must be in exe path.
s := 'regsvr32.exe';
p := ExtractFilePath(Application.ExeName);
result := ShellExecute(Handle, 'open', pchar(s), '/S bdeinst.dll', PCHAR(p), SW_SHOW);
if result < 33 then
showmessage('Error! contact Helpdesk.')
end;
end;
end;

include BDE in the uses list.

Steph [Bigglasses]

 

[Punchinello]

Thanks to all for replies. I ended up creating a self-extracting EXE using WinZip for a one-time installation of the network and database files and a separate InstallShield setup.exe with just the BDE (as some of you have suggested) for workstation installations that also adds the shortcuts to pre-existing files (the executables in the self-extracted EXE). Seems to work fine with the added benefit that if an individual user wants to un-install it, the uninstall won't remove the shared files because it didn't install them in the first place but it will remove the BDE and the shortcuts.

Steph, your code sample is appreciated, but your use of it may be in violation of the BDE license agreement that seems to require a "Borland-certified Redistributable Install program" (see BDEDEPLOY.TXT in your BDE folder).

Again, thanks to all.