Distribution settings are not saved in a .cds file

[Dave T]

I have successfully created a distribution for my CVI8.0 application, and deployed it with no problems.  However, although the settings work, a .cds file never gets created - I checked in the directory.  When I close CVI and start it up again, it complains that the .cds file is missing.  My distribution settings are gone, and I have start all over again, from 'Manage Distributions > Add' etc.

I want to be able to save my distribution settings.

The only way I have found to make CVI create a .cds file on the disc, is to go through the process, then click 'remove'.  Then I get a prompt 'Save changes to the distribution?', when I click yes, the file gets created.  After that, I can add it back in again.  Is this a bug or am I doing something wrong?

Dave

[Mert_A.]

Hi Dave,

In 8.0, the expected behavior is that any new/editted distribution is saved to disk (as a .cds file) when you OK the Manage Distributions dialog.  It is also saved if you edit it from the Distributions>>Edit <name> menu item.  I am unable to naively reproduce the problem you describe.  Even looking at the source code, there is not an obvious scenario that might produce the behavior you describe.

If you could check a few things for me, it might help me figure out how this is happening.

1. Confirm that you have CVI 8.0 (not 8.0.1).
2. What is the path of the .cds file?  Is there anything noteworthy about this path or the drive?
3. Try creating a distribution for one of our shipping samples (e.g. CVI80\samples\apps\finger.prj), and see if you have the same problem.
4. Make sure this happens even when you don't edit or build the new distribution.  That is, hit the New button on the Manage Distributions dialog, OK the New Distribution dialog, OK the Edit Installer dialog, and OK the Manage Distributions dialog.

Also, please let me know your OS version and what other NI software, if any, you have installed.

Thanks.

Mert A.
National Instruments

[Mande]

I see that this is an old post but I am having the same problem.

- LabWindows CVI 8.0.0 (273)

- nothing special about the pathf or storing the cds file

- tried it with sample project that comes with CVI and it behaves the same

- running on Windows Vista

[Mert_A.]

CVI did not start supporting Vista until version 8.1.1. The User Account Controls (UAC) introduced in Vista can prevent applications from writing to certain directories (like Program Files and its subdirectories), even if the user is an administator. Before version 8.1.1, CVI was susceptible to this issue. If you are trying to create a distribution for an example program under Program Files, CVI won't be able to save the .cds file. You shouldn't have any problems saving a distribution if your project is under your user folder, for example in your Documents folder or on the desktop.

Mert A.

National Instruments

Message Edited by Mert A. on 02-12-2010 12:37 PM