InstallShield created shortcut has no target directory

[Loomis]

I am using Installshield v5 (comes w/vfp9), have installed an application on a target machine (win98) and everything works fine. However, even though Installshield creates a shortcut on the desktop of the target machine that launches the applications properly, the properties dialog for that shortcut doesn't contain any info about the application. The "target directory" edit box is blank. How does the shortcut know where the application is and how to launch same. Are there registry entries that correspond to the shortcut that hold this information? How can I see it? Is there a way to create shortcuts whose dialog box will hold info about the app?

Thanks

 

[Mike Lewis]

Loomis,

My guess is that the information is stored in the LNK file, that is, the file in the Desktop folder that represents the shortcut. But I've no idea why it's not visible in the shortcut properties.

If you want more control over desktop shortcuts, you can achieve that by using the Windows Scripting Host. See

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk/foxst-18.htm

for some ideas.

Mike

__________________________________
Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

My sites:
Visual FoxPro (www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk)
Crystal Reports (www.ml-crystal.com)

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi Loomis

Take a look at thread1251-1147630 and in particluar, further down the thread. I'm not sure if this will help but I had the same problem thats now been resolved.

Good luck

Lee

Visual FoxPro Versions: 6 & 9
Operating System: Windows XP

http://www.customsoftware.co.uk

 

[crewchiefpro6]

Loomis, this information is in your Installshield project. Look under:

Shortcuts\Folders
Desktop

When you click YourIcon the right side of the form opens up all the choices for you.

Don Higgins

http://www.crewchiefpro.com

Don Higgins

http://www.crewchiefpro.com

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi Loomis

Did you manage to solve your problem? I am interested in any problems encountered using InstallShield Express.

Lee

Visual FoxPro Versions: 6 & 9
Operating System: Windows XP

http://www.customsoftware.co.uk

 

[Loomis]

Dear Keepingbusy:
In looking at the responses, I am not sure if everyone understands my problem. I am using Installshield v5 (VFP9) and I understand how to create a shortcut on the target machine using Installshield. My problem is that even though the shortcut is created, and even though the shortcut launches the application perfectly, the properties dialog for the shortcut contains no information (blank) in the box for target directory and path. The properties dialog box for the shortcut is completely blank even though the shortcut works properly. The target machine is Windows 98. Shouldn't Installshield create shortcuts on the target machine with editable boxes in its properties dialog box?

Loomis

 

[Mike Lewis]

Loomis,

I agree that what you are seeing is strange and unexpected, and it would be nice to have an explanation. But is it a problem? You said that the shortcut was correctly launching the application. Apart from satisfying your curiosity, is there any reason to persue it?

Mike

__________________________________
Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

My Visual FoxPro site: www.ml-consult.co.uk

 

[keepingbusy]

Loomis

I agree with Mike. There's an old saying "If it 'aint broke don't fix it" but I'm sure there will be some feedback posted about that!

Sorry I can't answer your question on your issue.

Good luck

Lee

Visual FoxPro Versions: 6 & 9
Operating System: Windows XP

http://www.customsoftware.co.uk

 

[Loomis]

MikeLewis & KeepingBusy:

You guys are right, it really isn't broke so I should probably quite wasting my time trying to fix it. I admit I was a little curious about the problem and thought there might be a quick and simple fix. Thanks for your feedback.

Loomis

 

[Mike Lewis]

Loomis,

On reflection, this has probably got nothing to do with VFP, or even InstallShield. It must be something in the nature of Windows shortcuts.

I still think you're right not to spend time on it, but if you -- or anybody else -- ever discovers the answer, it would be interesting to know about it.

Mike


__________________________________
Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

My Visual FoxPro site: www.ml-consult.co.uk