Can I do a distribution disk and not include prg files?

[rresendez]

I was wondering, if When I make the distribution disk, if I have to include the prg files. I know a few people that think they can figure out a program and might mess it up. I would rather they not even be able to see it. Even if they did change something, would it matter? I mean doesn't it have to be built again in FoxPro?

Thanks,
Ramon

 

[rgbean]

Ramon,
No you don't need to include any .PRG, .MNX, .SCX, .VCX, .H, .FRX or any other file as long as it's not Excluded from your project. You just need to include your .EXE, any Active X (COM) controls you may use, any .FLL files you use (e.g. foxtools.FLL), and of course the VFP runtimes and any data tables that you don't create in your program.

Depending on your version of VFP, you can use the free provided installers - SETUP wizard (3.0 -> 6.0) or Install Shield Express (7.0 -> 9.0). Or you can use the Windows installer of your choice.

Rick

 

[rresendez]

Thanks Rick,

I used the SETUP wizard in vfp 5.0. Just to make sure, when I copy the distribution files to a CD, I don't have to copy the pr$ to the CD?

Ramon

 

[rgbean]

Ramon,
It's been so long since I used VFP 5, I really don't remember the details. Since CDs have a lot of room and are pretty cheap, I'd try it with and without that file. How big is it?

Rick

 

[rresendez]

Rick,

It is only 4.33 MB, I will try both ways like you suggested. There should be no reason why the prg files would have to be there.

Thanks for your help,
Ramon

 

[Stella740pl]

Ramon,

Just be aware, that if your ultimate concern is "a few people that think they can figure out a program", the fact that .PRGs shouldn't be included in the build doesn't mean that a really determined user (probably not an average nosy one) couldn't still figure it out. There are FoxPro decompilers, like ReFox; and also if you open the executable file in a text editor, you still can see code snippets from forms, in most cases.

But if your concern is that they "might mess it up", they can reinstall it from your distibution disk anyway.

 

[rresendez]

Stella740pl,

Yes, my concern is those that think they are programmer but aren't. They are more dangerous than anyone else.

Thanks,
Ric

 

[Stella740pl]

Well, if they decompile and figure it out, they might be able to get it back together with changes (if they are determined), but that wouldn't be your program, and you shouldn't be held responsible for it or whatever it might cause.

You program will still be all good on the distribution disk, and can be reinstalled again.