installshield express - create a "RUN FROM CD" version 1

[ahaws]

Is this possible? I tried to find it in the help section of installsheild, but no luck. I have a program presentation that my boss would like to use the 'show' it, but he doesnt want to install any files on the viewer's machine.
If any suggestions, let me know!
Thanks
Angie

 

[Mike Lewis]

Angie,

You can't do that with InstallShield. InstallShield creates an install package, which must be properly installed in order to run.

The only way I can think of to do what you want is to install the a "core" version of the app on the presentation PC -- just another to give you the VFP run-time files -- and to have that call an EXE on the CD. I don't know how well it would work -- depends on what the app does, I suppose.

Also, keep in mind that the files on the CD will be read-only. If the app opens any tables, you might get an error.
Mike Lewis
Edinburgh, Scotland

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk

 

[HarryB]

I had this same requirement last year, and ended up using VFP 6.0 to get it done.

 

[ahaws]

Hey MikeLewis -
Thanks for your input. I was wondering about the readonly status on the cd. I will just write instructions for uninstall. That seems like the easiest plan.

Hey HarryB
I got rid of Visual 6.0...dont want to introduce any more conflicts! It seems to happen when I mix the two.

Have a good weekend!
Angie

 

[Mike Lewis]

Angie,

Yes, doing the Uninstall might be best plan.

Mike
Mike Lewis
Edinburgh, Scotland

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk

 

[agordon]

In none of the options that have been suggested are acceptable, you can install the .msi directly instead of using the setup.exe

From the command window: "Install /q myapp.msi"
The /q indicates quiet. There are instructions regarding the installer and ORCA on Microsoft's web site.

If you cannot find the information, email me and I will lookup the details that are buried deep in my archives.

 

[ahaws]

Hello agordon-
I think that if it was me that was using the CD, this would be great, however, my boss really isnt that computer savvy...i.e. the reason he just wanted to stick the cd in and it run.
But - I 'll make a note of your suggestion, and if it is me who will be showing the software, I would be able to utilize it.

Thanks alot guys.
Angie

 

[craigsboyd]

Could I ask what the presentation was done with?

Using a couple of tricks you can run a powerpoint presentation or a flash presentation directly from the CD.

I've done it for quite a few of the presentations that I do.

The presentation and the viewer can both be bundled on the CD...no install required. Slighthaze = NULL

 

[agordon]

I hope that I did not misunderestand you. I thought that your boss wanted to have the user put the CD in the drive and then have the install run with out any messages nor any action by the user.

If all the workstations have the lastest WIN98 or greater, I beleive that you can run the .msi from the autorun file on the CD.