Delivering Database, ? Desktop Shortcut... 2

[Dalain]

This may not be the right Forum, but I am ready to deliver a database to my employer. The database is one MDE about 7MB. I have been using a Zip self-extractor, to place the file in the proper directory.

The problem is, how do I place/create a Shortcut to this file on his desktop automaticaly. I have noticed that every user’s desktop in actually in a different location, according to the User that is currently log on. This Database will be use on both Win98 and Win2000 systems.

I am using Access 2000 Professional.

Thanks in advance.

Pierre

 

[chrissie1]

in win2000 put it in the all users desktop in win 98 just in desktop from the windows directory

how do you know the version
Pff keep it simple

http://www.mvps.org/access/api/api0055.htm

http://www.mvps.org/access/api/api0054.htm

Christiaan Baes
Belgium
"What a wonderfull world" - Louis armstrong

 

[Dalain]

Thanks Christiaan, But that wasn't quite what I was looking for.

I want the User to Double Click a Setup.exe type file which will extract the My Databse to C:\Database and the ShortCut to C:\windows\Desktop or to c:\Documents and Settings\Username\Desktop. Depending on the OS

The only I can see now is to create a self extractor for each OS, Is there another way?

Thanks

Pierre

 

[BillPower]

If this Setup.exe type file is created using VBA try ising something like this:

Dim strInstallDir As String
strInstallDir = "C:\windows\Desktop"
If Dir(strInstallDir, vbDirectory) <> &quot;&quot; Then
'Copy shortcut to strInstallDir
Else
'Copy shortcut somewhere else
End If

 

[Dalain]

How would you create a .exe using VBA?
I am not able to create .exe files with the version of Access I am using.


Pierre

 

[mp9]

I use a Visual Basic Script file to do the shortcut installation. Here's an example - a couple of things to bear in mind are that I use the user's NT username as their database username, and that my clients are using Windows 2000. Here's the VBS:

Set WshNetwork = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Network")
Dim strI
strI = InputBox("Enter your database username here. This is usually the same as your NT username." & chr(10) & chr(13) & chr(10) & chr(13) & "PLEASE NOTE: leaving this blank will cancel the installation!", "Database shortcut creation - personalisation", WshNetwork.UserName)
If Len(strI)>0 Then
    Dim WSHShell
    Set WSHShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
    Dim MyShortcut, MyDesktop, DesktopPath
    DesktopPath = WSHShell.SpecialFolders("Desktop")
    Set MyShortcut = WSHShell.CreateShortcut(DesktopPath & "\Database - production.lnk")
    MyShortcut.TargetPath = "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE" 'Put your user's default Access location here
    MyShortcut.Arguments = "\\server\share\folder\db.mdb /wrkgrp \\server\share\db\system.mdw /user " & strI 'Customise as required
    MyShortcut.WorkingDirectory = "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\" 'Customise as required
    MyShortcut.WindowStyle = 3
    MyShortcut.IconLocation = "\\server\share\folder\db.ico" 'Customise as required
    MyShortcut.Save
    Msgbox "Installation completed successfully.", 64, "DB installation"
Else
    Msgbox "Installation was cancelled.", 48, "DB installation"
End if

The user can then just double-click the VBS to create a personalised desktop shortcut - saves you the time and hassle of having to build a setup EXE.

Alternatively, if you really want an EXE you could surf over to

http://www.gentee.com

and look for the free/lite vesion of their excellent Setup Generator.

http://www22.brinkster.com/accessory/

 

[Dalain]

Well this does look like what I am looking for. I will have to play with it, to see if I can adapt to my needs.


Thanks

Pierre