Distribution (builder) does not always save edits

[gvan]

When I edit a distribution build /.cds file,  when do those edits actually get saved?  It seems as though only about 50% of my edits actually get saved when I edit a distribution in the same CVI session.  I have to rename Sub Folders two or three times before the change actually sticks (though I think if I press enter while the edit is stil active after the name change it takes more often).

However, even after I have a distribution working, I still sometimes lose those changes when I reopen the workspace!.  This has twice now caused me to build and install distributions kits that are missing files eventhough the same builder was working correctly before.

It seems to me as though the distribution builder/project/.cds file doesn't get saved until I close CVI? ... or maybe when the workspace saves?  Therefore, if CVI closes through a crashes (as it does for me more often then not since I don't close the application purposely very often) I lose all my changes to the distribution even though I have built distribution kits with it before.

Can you add a "save .cds" option so that a:) I can force a save. b:) so that I can "save as" and make a copy?

Greg

[GarthE]

gvan,

What version of CVI are you using? 

I have had issues with the CVI ditribution kit.
See if anything in this thread can help you.

http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=180&message.id=32345#M32345

-Garth

[Mert_A.]

The .cds files are updated on disk only when 1) the workspace referencing the associated distributions is unloaded (including when exitting CVI), or 2) when removing a distribution from the workspace in the Distribution Manager.  If CVI is crashing on a regular basis, that is a serious problem that needs to be investigated.  Any information along those lines would be appreciated.

You can "artificially" force a save of the .cds files either by switching workspaces, or by removing, then re-adding your distributions to the workspace.

If you are certain that you are leaving the Edit Installer (and Manage Distributions) dialog via the OK button or Enter key (not Cancel or Esc), then your changes should be persisted.  Note that if you OK the Edit Installer dialog, but then subsequently Cancel the Manage Distributions dialog, your changes will be abandoned.  If you still notice that changes are not being committed, please reply back with your CVI version and a series of steps that consistently reproduces the problem.  Also note if it is just a particular kind of change (like folder names) that is not being saved, or if no changes are saved.

Thanks.

Mert A.
National Instruments

[gvan]

I am using CVI 8.5.0.279 on Vista.

The most common change that doesn't get saved is renaming a folder, it's not 100% but it happens often enough that I don't trust any name changes that I make and more often then not the change does persist even when other changes, made at the same time, do.

On several occasions I have added multiple folders, renamed them (from 'New Folder') and added files to them.  Only to find that will I go back in to the manager, some of the folders are named "New Folder".  The folders are there and the files are in them, but no all of them keep their proper names.   I sometimes have to re-run the manager and change their names several times for them to stick.

Greg

[Jervin Justin]

Hi gvan,

Have you tried Mert's workaround for 'artifically' forcing a save?

Also, you mentioned that CVI crashes more often than you close it normally? Can you give us more information about what is happening that causes this?

Finally, about adding a "save .cds" option, we really take our customer's suggestions seriously and you can always submit a suggestion to our Product Suggestion Center.

Thanks.

[gvan]

Jervin,

I've been reporting the crashes in a different thread here:

http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=180&thread.id=33735

I think we have that problem narrowed down.  The feedback I've gotten for it has been helpful.

I have forced a save of the .cds file, but that is only a piece of the problem and not the most annoying one. 

If I add a folder to the build, that folder almost always stays named "New Folder" even after I rename it.  It will show the new name in the files list, but everywhere else (shortcut tab) it is still "New Folder".  If I close the editor, and re-enter, the new folders, that I did rename, are now shown as "New Folder" in the files list as well.  If I edit them a 2nd time, the name usually sticks, but it means I have to open the distribution editor a minimum of 3 times every time I add a folder.

Greg

[Mert_A.]

Greg,

I would like to test out a guess at your problem.  I'm attaching a tweaked version of 8.5.0 cvi.dll (the CVI ADE DLL); if you wouldn't mind (backing up and) replacing your dll with this one, we can see if this solves your renaming problem.  Mind you, I can't reproduce your problem, so this is just a theoretical longshot.

Mert A.
National Instruments

[Mert_A.]

Any word on this?  Are you still having the problem using the DLL I attached?

Mert A.
National Instruments

[gvan]

I am using the DLL update that you sent.   It seems to be working much better, but it's not 100%.  I have twice had a folder not keep it's changed name even with the update.  Where it was 2/3 not keeping their new names, it is now better then 90% keeping their names.  When I first got the update I made a couple of dozen successful tests and thought it was ok but say it pop up agian later when making some real distributions.

Greg

[YannickW]

Hello,

For me the problem is worst. I have installed CVI 8.5 on a brand new PC with WinXP sp2, and I can't save any new .cds files, even with the dll from the zip file. I can build the package before closing CVI and all works fine, but once I quit CVI, the cds file is not saved, even if I choose "Save All" before.

... And I need to build an install kit monday 😞

Regards,
Yannick