LabWindows distribution, multiple projects under one folder

[DPearce]

I have several LabWindows applications that are associated with one project at work. When I create the distribution kit for the project I want to install them in such a way that when I select Start->Programs in windows they will all be grouped together.

For example, when I click on Start->Programs there is a folder looking Icon called National Instruments ; when I click on that there are several National Instuments programs I can select from like Lab Windows, Measurement & Instrumentation, etc.

I would like to have my programs grouped like that.

When I create a new distribution how would I set it up to do that?

When I edit my distribution project in the Distribution Dialog under the Files tab in the "Installation Files and Directories" section there is:

[Start>>Programs]

         My Application Name

My thinking is if add a folder like this

[Start>>Programs]

         My Project Name

                My Application Name

and then on my next application distribution project I do this:

[Start>>Programs]

         My Project Name

                My Next application Name

this might make it happen.

Am I on the right track?

[Mert_A.]

Correct.  Keep in mind that you are talking about the organization of program shortcuts that your distribution installs, so to manage the installation destinations of those shortcuts, you have to look at the Shortcuts tab of the dialog.  You may or may not also want to install all your actual program files (.exe, etc) in a similar directory hierarchy under [Program Files].  Create the directories as you described, but do not put your program files in them.  Instead, go to the Shortcuts tab, and make sure the Destination Directory of your application shortuct is the correct directory.

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Mert A.
National Instruments

[DPearce]

Sorry but you will have to help me understand this a bit more. I am only able to get access to the target machine I am installing this stuff on so I need to get it right the first time if possible.

You said

"You may or may not also want to install all your actual program files (.exe, etc) in a similar directory hierarchy under [Program Files]. " May or may not does not help me understand what all of this stuff means. The NI documentation is not clear as it assumes I know more than I know . So I'' ask specific questions and we will see if you can make me understand

Under the Files tab there are two items under the Installation Files & Directories section:

[Program Files] which by default is where the exe and uir files always go so I assume this is a good place to leave these files.

[Start>>Programs]  Which I assume gives me the GUI  when I click on the Start >> Programs it will show me "MY Project Name" and when I click on "My Project Name" it will show me "My application  Name" and "My Next Application Name" if I have installed another application on a similar manner.

I call the converstaion above section 1. So my first question is am I completely correct about section 1?

Now I move to the Short cuts tab.

There are tow things here: Target File and Destination directory.

I assume the Target File should be the same as [Program Files] under the File Tab. This is section 2. Is section 2 statement correct?

Destination directory is what confuses me. What is the purpose of destination directory? Should the destination directory look the same as the [Program Files] directory tree under the Files Tab?

Is Destination directory mean this is the directory the program has focus on after it is launched?

Alll this would mean that:

Under Files Tab

[Program Files] is where the exe is stored and unde Shortcuts Tab then all Target Files must always point to this because that is the exe it is going to launch.

Under Shortcut Tab Destination Directory would usually be the same as Target Files but could be different if for example there was some files in another directory you wanted the the exex to access when it launched; for example, ini files. This is the only purpose I can imagine for Destination directory; is this correct.

In a nut shell for a simple creature like me I would always make the "Files Tab [Program Files] the same as the Shortcuts tab Destination directories the same, correct?

Thank you for your infinite patience,

Don

[Mert_A.]

No problem, I'll try to clarify.

Section 1:
When I said "may or may not," the choice is a matter of taste.  You want your shortcuts to appear like this under the start menu:

[Start>>Programs]
    Your Company
       Application 1
       Application 2

Well, it is also fairly common practice to have your actual program files install in a similar organizational hierarchy under [Program Files]:

[Program Files]
    Your Company
       Application 1     (contains your .exe, etc)

By default, CVI does not create the "Your Company" directory, but just puts "Application 1" directly under [Program Files].  If you want this, you will have to add this extra directory in the Files tab.  That is all I meant.  It would also be just fine to leave it as it is.

Section 2:
A shortcut has three pieces of information:
1. The name you want it to show up with.  This doesn't have to be the same as the filename that it launches.  For example, if your .exe is called my_app.exe, you could name the shortcut "My Application" or "Click to Launch My Application" or "My Application 1.0.0" or whatever you want it to appear as.
2. Target File is the path of the file you want the shortcut to launch.  The path should match the file's path in the lower portion of the Files tab.
3. Destination Directory is where you want the shortcut to be installed on the target machine. You can install shortcuts to places other than the Start menu ([Start>>Programs]).  For example, you could choose to install extra shortcuts to the desktop ([Desktop]), or anywhere else for that matter.  If you just want to install one shortcut to the Start menu, then it is already set up to do that by default.  If you want to add more shortcuts, or install your .exe shortcut somewhere else instead of the Start menu, then you have to change this setting accordingly.  Note that only directories that you have created in the Files tab will show up in the drop-down list, so if you want a new directory in the list, you have to first create it in the Files tab.

I hope this helps clear things up.  If you have any questions about it, let me know.

Mert A.
National Instruments