VFP 6 transition to VFP 9

[David Higgs]

Ok, so I've now installed VFP 9 on my Win7 machine; all appears to be working ok!

As I am making a fresh start and before moving my applications to VFP9 I would like to start off on the right track. The VFP9 default directory is C:\users\my documents\ Visual FoxPro Projects\ would I be making a rod for my own back if I were to use C:\Program Data\VFP as my default directory?

Regards,
David

 

[Dan Olsson]

I can tell you what I do...
Since I dual-boot W7 and W8 for testing purposes I don't install VFP on C: at all.
I use this structure (since I have some projects still in VFP7):
D:\PROGRAM\VFP7
D:\PROGRAM\VFP9
and development is in:
D:\PROGRAM\VFP7\DEV
D:\PROGRAM\VFP9\DEV
This way it is also easy to move things when I change computer or when I'm on the road.
Before I go I just copy those directories to my laptop and choose to overwrite older and of course vice versa when I come home. No problems at all...

 

[JackTheC]

In Tools->Options->File Locations you can set the locations.
My Default directory isn't even set.

For every project I create a folder on mij hard drive. e.g. D:\myproject
Then I make a shortcut on the desktop (or an other folder) whichs points to Target
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual FoxPro 9\vfp9.exe"
but the Start in folder will be D:\myproject in this shortcut.

When I click on the shortcut I can immediately start programming in the right folder.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Don't overthink this. Just make sure that the two versions of VFP are installed in different directories, and you have a separate shortcut (on the desktop of Start menu) for each.

As far as migrating is concerned, I suggest you make a competely new copy of your entire development folder (the one containing all your programs, forms, etc). And make that the default directory in VFP 9 (in Tools / Options - not forgetting to "set as default").

Mike

__________________________________
Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Visual FoxPro articles, tips and downloads

 

[Dan Freeman]

One single working folder for all that you do? So nineties! It won't hurt anything. There's just not much reason for it.

One of the new tools in VFP9 is the Task Pane Manager. Use its Environment Manager, where you can list each project you work with. Each project listed in the EM can have its own default directory, search path, environment settings, and form classes.

 

[David Higgs]

Thank you to all that have replied to this thread, much appreciated. Have been having a good look around VFP9, quite pleased so far!

Regards,
David

 

[David Higgs]

I've noticed that when exiting "Form Designer" the "Properties Window" is not closing automatically like with VFP6. Is there a setting for this?

Regards,
David

 

[Dan Freeman]

Right click the properties window's title bar and toggle Dockable.

 

[David Higgs]

Hi Dan,

Thank you so much, simple when you know how!!

Regards,
David

 

[Dan Freeman]

You might want to play around with the Dockable setting. I find I don't actually mind the new behavior, and I sort of like what it brings.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I agree with Dan regarding Dockable.

I have the four key windows (Command, Properties, Document View and Data Session) all permanently open during development, and docked to each other in a single tabbed window. This makes it very easy to move between the various functions that these windows provide.

During development, I close those windows at the start of a test run, using this code in my main program:

DEACTIVATE WINDOW "Document View"
DEACTIVATE WINDOW "Properties"
DEACTIVATE WINDOW "Command"
DEACTIVATE WINDOW "View"

At the end of the test run (including when an error is encountered), I re-activate them:

IF WEXIST("View")
  ACTIVATE WINDOW "View"
ENDIF 	
IF WEXIST("Document View")
  ACTIVATE WINDOW "Document View"
ENDIF 	
IF WEXIST("Properties")
  ACTIVATE WINDOW "Properties"
ENDIF 	
ACTIVATE WINDOW "Command"

Mike




__________________________________
Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Visual FoxPro articles, tips and downloads

 

[David Higgs]

Mike,

Many Thanks for the reply, I'll give your method a try and see how I get on. Pleased with VFP 9 (and this forum) so far!


Regards,
David

 

[Mike Lewis]

David,

Be sure to come back when you have more questions.

Mike

__________________________________
Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Visual FoxPro articles, tips and downloads

 

[dbMark]

Don't forget to upgrade VFP 9.0 to SP2 before making any mods to it and then add the 3rd hotfix (that one should include the prior two hotfixes), install the fixed Help file from VFPx, etc. That way you're fully up to date to then use any code from projects in VFPx, etc.

thread184-1620637
thread184-1732089

And it is a good idea to archive each of these updates and your install notes so you have them handy the next time you need to add to another developer workstation. You never know when MS will stop hosting these service packs and hotfixes or when the links change.

 

[David Higgs]

Thanks Mike, I used your "Code" in my main program; found it very useful. I have the "Document View" and "Properties" etc on my second monitor whilst programming on the other screen.

dbMark, thank you for your advice, all noted.

Regards,
David

 

[Dan Olsson]

I would like to add that when you have a complete installation all fixed up you never have to do it again even if you change your computer. Just copy the entire catalog onto another machine (although NOT to "Program Files (x86)").
Then start VFP with the /regserver switch on the new machine and most things will work well. The one thing I've found not working is key F1 to start the helpfile.
I change my machines about every two years but haven't made a new installation in maybe 10, but as I said above, my working environment is at D:\Program\VFP9