using setup factory instead of application builder

[mana111]

hi
Is it possible to use another installer applications such as setup factory from indigorose instead of the regulat installer that comes with labview
thanx

[BenBabb]

Yes, I have used Setup Factory in the past.  I used Setup Factory when I had the first version of Application builder.  That first App builder wasn't great and you couldn't bundle the run time engine with it.  NI has fixed that with their newest version of App builder.  I haven't had to use Setup Factory since.  Is there a special reason you do not like the App builder from NI?
Hope this helps,
Ben

[TNeilson]

My company typically uses InstallShield Express for software we develop.  I don't mind using the App Builder, but would like to add some pictures and stuff like EULA in the installer, and haven't figured out how to do that.  Also, the ability to have a check box at the end for "launch program" and "view readme".

Does anyone have an idea?

[BenBabb]

I use the app builder to generate the MSI installer.  Then I use a program called Orca from Microsoft to edit the MSI.  You can edit everything inside the MSI, I have changed the pictures and text that is displayed.  It is NOT an intuative program to use and I am sure there are better ones out there.  I would really like to see NI put this into the App builder that they have.  That would really help complete that toolkit.  Hope this helps,
Ben.

[TNeilson]

Yes, that does help.  I've heard about Orca, but haven't used it before.  I'll look into it and see if I can handle it.

[mana111]

ok great
now how can i include the runtime in the other installer?

[mana111]

I have downloaded orca but it seems complex
do you know other installer that imports my appbuilder msi and edit it? especially the appearance
thanx

Message Edited by mana111 on 04-25-2006 06:57 AM

[BenBabb]

OK, once you have created your installer using the appliation builder.  Launch Orca and open that .msi file you created.  The defalut name is install.msi.  On the left is a coloum called Tables.  There is a selection called "Binary", that is where your pictures are.  The top16 and side16 are the ones you want to replace.  Doubke click the [Binary Data] and give the path to your picture you want to replace, the "Write binanry to filename" puts your picture into the msi file.  My pictures I left as jpg and it accepted it fine.  This is just one of many items you can change in your msi.  I found a link of Microsofts web page, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255905/EN-US/ It might be worth a shot.  One thing to remember, you need to have your picture attribultes match the size of the box, or it will look funny.
Ben