Trouble adding .inf files in Distribution (for 8.1.1)

[spazkat]

Hi everyone,

I am attempting to install .inf files into Windows/inf directory using 8.1.1 distribution kit. When building the distribution, it fails with "Error: Do not install INF files to [windows]\inf. All INF files will automatically be registered during installation". The topic "Using LabWindows/CVI to Install Your Device .inf Files" says inf files should be added to the [WinInfStore] installation location in Installation Files & Directories.  While this seems simple enough, I cannot find said installtion location.

Below is a screenshot of the options I do have. Is there anything I am over looking? Am I looking in the wrong Installation files & Directory section?

[Mert_A.]

The short answer is that the help topic is installed by GPIB, and was out of date (has been updated since). You no longer can install files to the [WinInfStore], but should instead install each .inf driver file to its own directory. See this thread for more details.

 

Mert A.

National Instruments

[spazkat]

Thank Mert A.

I did see that thread before. I'm helping with the control and distribution of software written by multiple engineers. One required that an inf file manually be inserted into the inf folder. This is what I'm trying to automate.  I'm quite confused how installing the driver in another location would work as I do not have easy ability to change the software that accesses it. Is there any way to automate such an action using distribution management tools?

[Mert_A.]

Typically, the reason for putting a driver .inf file in the Windows INF store (i.e. Windows\inf) is to have it be automatically registered. The registration allows the driver to be used when new, supported hardware is detected. However, via the DIFXApp mechanism, the distribution builder automatically registers any .inf driver it installs regardless of where it is installed.

You may want to clarify the requirement to install to the Windows\inf directory with the engineer. The LabWindows/CVI distribution builder does not support installing .inf files to that location.

Mert A.

National Instruments

[spazkat]

Thanks! Sounds like this will work. Thanks for the explanation about the inf files. This clearified the other post.