compiling installer with multiple LabVIEW versions installed

[jyang72211]

I have a problem creating installer that includes my exe and all the required drivers.  I have mutiple versions of LabVIEW on my PC.  The latest version on my PC is 2013.  I also installed the newest device drivers.  I also have 2012 and 2011.   I open some code with LabVIEW 2012 and try to compile an installer.  I selected the drivers that I need for the installer, and it says that I don't have the right version of the drivers.  It claims that I need the DVD. Creating an installer is very strict about what version of the device driver you need.  Even the release month of the driver matters.  

I was so frustrated that I would just compile the exe, deploy that, and install the each driver manully one by one.  

How do I create a installer with for each version of LabVIEW when I have multiple LabVIEW version installed on my PC?  Let's say that I want to create an installer in 2011, 2012, and 2013 all on the same PC.  

[PTerro]

Hi jyang72211, 

Do you have "To minimize media prompts while building your installers, copy the selected installers and all future installers to this computer" checkbox checked on the Additional Installers category of the Installer Properties?  This usually is what solves this problem.

[ErnieH]

I use 2011 and 2009, pus some older ones occasionally. I created a generic installer with a dummy program in 2011 with all the drivers I need plus older runtimes. I install this on the target machines. I then just compile the exe and copy and past it to the target machine. All my machines are consistent and can run 2009 or 2011 apps without any issues. I support numerous apps using this method without any issues so far. No huge installer (or any installer for that matter) when I update the exe. Clean, simple and it works. If that will not work for you, I also have created virtual machines for older versions. You could create installers that way also.

[jyang72211]

so you are saying that I should compile the exe into the installer?  I never thought of that.  I think it is a good idea.  So I would compile a insaller with drivers alone and deploy the exe by itself, right?  I just wish that I can put the exe and drivers into the same installer.  Can you elaborate on virtual machine?  I know what it is, but not sure how to set it up.  Do I need a server or something?  Can I do multiple virtual machine on my laptop?  What's the cost?  An you refer me to some tutorial?  

[ErnieH]

The installer for the driver is a tortally different project. I compile that once and install it everywhere. You can still create an installer for your other applications, the difference is you will not need to include the runtimes or other drivers. just the exe itself. Much smaller installer that way. 

I use win7 and can create virtual XP mode machines. This isolates each version from each other. Search for XP mode on win 7 for info. I was able to get it to work, but I am certainly no expert on it.

[jyang72211]

I looked at the documentation on these checkboxes, but I still don't ahve a clear picture on what they do.  Can you elbaroate on this?  I believe both checkboxes are checked.  Am I supposed to uncheck them?  If so, what are the consequences?  

[mcduff]

Ernie,

Could you post an example of your dummy program if possible? Or if not possible state how you create your dummy program.

I am curious as to how you get all the installers you need with a "Hello World" type of program.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Andrew

[ErnieH]

Here is the project I used, without the installers of course.

[mcduff]

Thanks for posting.

Cheers,

mcduff