(OT - slightly) How to create an install that puts the exe in the start-up folder LV 8.2

[Ben]

I am going to be developing an application that will be shipped as an exe with my customers equipment.

When they install it, I would like the installer to put the exe in the Startup (is the correct term) such that the exe will run when the user logs on.

So...

So has anyone done this using LV 8.2?

If so please feel free to offer any advise!

Thank you,

Ben

[dan_u]

I've never done that, but instead of making a shortcut in the startup folder you could probably create a registry entry in "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run". Registry entries can easily be done with the application builder / installer.

Daniel

[Ben]

Hi Daniel,

That sounds like a start if I had any idea what I should do with a registry entry. (the last time I looked into Windows that closely I only had to worry about autoexec.bat and config.sys).

Would you (or anyone else) know of a link that would that would help me figure out how to exploit the registry?

Thank you,

Ben

[Matthew_Williams]

Hi Daniel and Ben:

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3185

My personal preference is to avoid manipulating the registry; too much
opportunity for mis-adventure.  The link above says to put a shortcut in the
startup folder to start at login, and also explains how to run as a service.

Matt

Message Edited by Matthew Williams on 03-14-2007 03:49 PM

[dan_u]

Hi Ben,

it's quite easy to do in the registry:
just add a key (type REG_SZ) in "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" with the name of your application and use the path to the exe as value. Problem here: If the user doesn't install your application to the default directory the path will be incorrect (unless there's some way to find out the InstallDir).
...
but
....
I just realized that in the application builder in the Shortcuts section you can add a shortcut to the [StartupFolder]. I think this will do exactly what you're looking for!

Daniel

[DuffmanSays]

Exactly right, Daniel, this would be the easiest (and recommended) method for creating a startup application!

Mike D.
National Instruments
Applications Engineer

Message Edited by Duffman Says: on 03-15-2007 03:07 PM

[Ben]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'll see if I can get it figured out with those hints.

Ben

[dan_u]

By the way, I remember quite well these good (?) old times when we had to deal with autoexec.bat and config.sys... Trying to load DOS and all drivers in the high memory area so your favorite game would have enough conventional memory to run...
If you want to have an "old-fashioned" look at the drivers and applications that are loaded/started in WinXP run "msconfig" (start > run > msconfig). You should also see your application listed there if you create a shortcut in the startup folder.

Daniel

[Ben]

Now you are talking!

Ben