FOXUSER.DBF AND .FPT

[fmoore0001]

I posted a note her several weeks ago on the fact a Visual Studio 6.0 Windows Installer setup I had for a Visual FoxPro program was giving me fits. It appears that the Windows installer was quite happy to place a desktop icon for my foxpro program but when ever I ran from that icon a FOXUSER .DBF and .FRT file opened on the desktop. Further investigation showed that a FOXUSER .DBF and .FRT file was being created in the Start/Program area, but I couldn't see it.

It appears I have solved the mystery WHY the files are appearing. It seems that the START IN part of the shortcut is NOT filled in by the Windows Installer. I have code in the program that makes sure the program itself switches to the directory where it is started, but the damn FOXUSER .DBF and .FRT files still are opened on the desktop. I don't need them, so is there a way at compile time to make sure they are not even opened? I have another program set up where this does NOT happened, but danged if I can figure out the difference between the two projects.

Frank

 

[AirCon]

Try put this line in config.fpw

RESOURCE = OFF


-- AirCon --

 

[fmoore0001]

Is the Config.fpw setup only in the development directory or do I need it to ship with a program?

You are right. I have Config.fpw set up in the one program development system but not in the new one.

Frank

 

[AirCon]

Ship it with your runtime program. Or you can include the file into the project and compile it

Regards

-- AirCon --

 

[fmoore0001]

I have set resource = off in the config.fpw file, but when I start the program the resource files are STILL created. Any other ideas?

Frank

 

[AirCon]

Do you mean

Set resource = off
or
Resource = off

Also, check the shortcut file properties. Do you specify any directory name for "Start in:"

-- AirCon --

 

[fmoore0001]

The problem is the Visual Studio 6 Windows Installer is NOT specifying a default start in path, and I have not been able to figure how it does. The start in path is blank, but once i have the program running I do a:

JUSTPATH(FULLPATH(SYS(16, 1)))

and the path is set to where the program started. I can't find anything in the Visual Studio 6 Windows Installer info on how to define "Start in". Otherwise as an installer it is okay. And free with Visual Studio 6.

Frank

 

[AirCon]

I never use Windows Installer. Can't help you on this one.

One thing make me curious. If you include config.fpw into the project and compile the project into EXE file. Does the resource file still created ? Because I never had any problem this way.

-- AirCon --

 

[fmoore0001]

I don't think now this is really a Foxpro problem, but a problem with the Windows Installer, although I don't under why I have no problem with one project but do with the other. Anyone here with some experience using the Windows Installer for Foxpro installs?

I did find a temporary, through kludgy, solutions. At the very start of my Foxpro program I added:

SET RESOURCE TO (JUSTPATH(FULLPATH(SYS(16, 1))) + "\FOXUSER.DBF&quot
IF FILE("FOXUSER.DBF&quot
ERASE("FOXUSER.DBF&quot
ERASE("FOXUSER.FPT&quot
ENDIF

and that finally took the resource files off the desktop so far you never even see them, but it is not a real answer. The key is getting the Windows Installer to put something in "Start In". If I do it by hand, no problem.

Frank

 

[StewartUK]

Frank,

I think it must be a Fox issue because Windows Installer doesn't know anything about the Foxuesr table. This is only created by Fox.

AirCon asked if in your config.fpw file you had put

SET RESOURCE = OFF (wrong)

or

RESOURCE = OFF (correct)

I just tested this and found that if you have SET RESOURCE = OFF in the config file, Fox creates the Foxuser table. However if you put RESOURCE = OFF then it doesn't.

Hope that helps,

Stewart

 

[ramani]

Hi Frank,

The problem as you rightly pointed out is in the installer.
You have to check in the installer for all the various shortcuts you might have created.
1. DeskTop shortcut
2. Startup shortcut.. If you have created one.
3. Takbar/Program menu shortcut.

In all the shortcuts..
Working directory can be specified as the [INSTALDIR] .i.e. your default working directory.

Also delete the exiting shortcuts which may be existing in the users computer. One of these shortcuts may be creating the Foxuser.dbf again and again in the desktop.

If you identify that and do the correction, the problem will go. There is no point in trying to avoid this by doing some other config entries etc.



ramani
(Subramanian.G)

http://winnersoft.coolfreepages.com/

 

[craigsboyd]

frank,

I agree that the crux of the problem is to get an entry into the Start In field of the shortcut. I found this interesting, haven't tried it but it looks like the "Custom Installation Wizard" is capable of modifying an installation set (among other things), including modifying Shortcuts. Whether or not this will work for you I don't know, but I provide it as a possible lead to finding out if it is possible or impossible.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/xp/appndx/ciwref.htm#12

Slighthaze = NULL

[ul][li]FAQ184-2483
An excellent guide to getting a fast and accurate response to your questions in this forum.[/li][/ul]

 

[fmoore0001]

IN the Visual Studio 6 Windows Installer I can set up Icons but apparently there is no way to set up the "Start In" value, although I can choose most everything self. I am beginning to think Visual Studio 6 Windows Installer does not have this as an option, although the ICONS it has the start in entry area and it can be creates modified.

Anyone know a trip I do not? Otherwise, it is a pretty cool installer for Foxpro!

Frank

 

[craigsboyd]

Frank,

When you say the Visual Studio 6 Windows Installer are you talking about the "Package and Deployment Wizard"? I'm asking because I have VS 6 Enterprise edition and I don't see the VS Windows Installer in with the program icons...where do you get to it from...was it an optional install on the CD that you had to install separately? I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything here - I prefer to use Installshield Professional with my VFP 7 apps, but I am always looking to try out new things...any help you could give me in this regard would be much appreciated. I would be willing to figure out if the start in for shortcuts could be worked out if I could find what you are referring to. Also, did that "Custom Installation Wizard" (see link I posted above) turn out to be anything you could modify your install set with?

Slighthaze = NULL

[ul][li]FAQ184-2483
An excellent guide to getting a fast and accurate response to your questions in this forum.[/li][/ul]

 

[fmoore0001]

Visual Studio 6 Interdev as it boots, Microsoft Development Environment. There was no custom setup I could find.

Installshield is undoubtably the better system IF you buy the full 7.0 upgrade. But, Visual Studio was free with the purchase, and suited my needs.

Frank