Copyright: ©1999 Pacific Gold Coast Corp.
Citation: ©1999 Pacific Gold Coast Corp.


Overview
Introducing PGC InstallConstruct

PGC InstallConstruct uses a user friendly expanding wizard system to make creating package and Setup Wizard for file delivery and installation easy, using intuitive step-by-step procedures. The wizard system allows both new and experienced users to create projects, taking advantage of as much or as little as PGC InstallConstruct has to offer. PGC InstallConstruct automatically saves the steps in the creation of each project and the selected options as a package script file (*.adx). These script files not only save the users repetitive tasks in creating other similar packages and in updating the existing ones, they also support command line batch processing in unattended operations.

These systems are ideal for the efficient and impressive distribution and installation of groups of files, compressed for economy for you and your user's convenience. In addition to creating the installation system, the system offers the convenience of delivering files through the Internet and the Intranet, no additional programs are necessary for their creation.

In-depth information about the powerful, yet easily accessible features and conveniences of each module is available from this help file, with context-sensitive topics quickly accessible from the Help button on any screen, or by pressing F1 at any time.

  This light bulb icon highlights special hints and tips throughout the help file.

Getting Started

There are many ways to become familiar with the powerful simplicity of InstallConstruct:

For new users, the How To… section includes several guides to show you how easy it is to create simple as well as sophisticated packages. You can also quickly get started by adapting these procedures to suit your particular needs.

When you start the InstallConstruct the first time, there is a package default script file InstallConstruct30.adx loaded in the start page for you already. You can click on the Next button to move to the next page. Based upon each choice you made, additional screen are displayed, in sequence, to let you enter the criteria you desire. You can always correct the entering you made previously by clicking Back button to move back to the previous page.

The nine main steps are shown in the left column of the InstallConstruct interface of each section; clicking on any takes you to that section of the step-by-step system. When you choose various options from these pages, additional screens are displayed, in sequence, to let you enter the criteria you desire for that section.


Samples and Tutorials- How To...
Tutorials - How To...

Several specific examples have been created to show you how InstallConstruct can help with these common uses. Special instructions for each are listed here, for your convenience.  Use of these examples for your own projects is encouraged for first-time users.

Click to jump to any example, or use the browse buttons above to read through each, in sequence.

Creating Packages:

Create a Simple Package for File Delivery

Create a Silent Package

Create an Installer with the Setup Wizard

Create Installer with Third Party Setup Program

Create CABinet (CAB) File for Internet Download

Rebuilding Packages:

How to use the command line to rebuild a package

How to use Silent Shortcut to rebuild a package

How to use the Wizard to rebuild a package


Create a Simple Package
 Create a Simple Package for File Delivery

Follow these instructions to create a simple SFX package for file delivery.

1. On the Start Page, enter a new script file name and path in the script File Name box.

2. Select [image]  Create New Package File Script.

Click Next

3. Enter any important information for the program you are creating.

Click Next

4. Select [image]  As a self-extracting executable to produce self-extracting .exe file.  Or select [image]  As cabinet file(s) with extractor to produce a separate .exe and one of more .cab files.

5. Select the platform the program will be used on.

Click Next

6. Select the files you would like to deliver to the target system by pushing Add Files… or Add Folder… to add them to the file list.

Click Next

7. Select No, Thank you.

Click Next

8. Select the files at the left, their respective destinations on the target system in the To Folder box at the bottom, and click the arrow button.  When done…

Click Next

9. Select the overwrite option for the files to be delivered.  By default, [image]  Prompt for existing file overwrite is selected.

Click Next

10. Select [image]  Do not run a setup program

Click Next

11. Enter the name and location of the executable you would like to create in the box labeled Name and location of executable or .inf file.  For package with cabinet files and extractor, you have to enter the name and location of the first cabinet file.

Click Next

12. If you would like the SFX file to be multiple volumes in order to span more than one disk, select [image]  Multiple Volumes Package and read the help file for that screen for further information.  Otherwise, select the optimization you would like at the bottom.

Click Next

13. Review the options you have chosen.  If you would like to make any changes, double click the option and you will return to that screen.  If you are satisfied with your selections, click Create and the package will be created.


Create a Silent Package

To create a Silent package, follow the instructions listed below for creating a simple package for file delivery.  When you reach step 5, move on to Step 5a.

1. On the Start Page, enter a new script file name and path in the script File Name box.

2. Select [image]  Create New Package File Script.

Click Next

3. Enter any important information for the program you are creating.

Click Next

4. Select [image]  As a self extracting executable. .  Or select [image]  As cabinet file(s) with extractor to produce a separate .exe and one of more .cab files.

5. Select the platform the program will be used on.

5a. Select [image]  Silent mode to have no dialogs appear when the program is run on the target system.

Click Next

6. Select the files you would like to deliver to the target system by pushing Add Files… or Add Folder… to add them to the file list.

Click Next

7. Select No, Thank you.

Click Next

8. Select the files at the left, their respective destinations on the target system in the To Folder box at the bottom, and click the arrow button.  When done…

Click Next

9. Select [image]  Overwrite files without warning, as Silent mode files do not prompt the user.

Click Next

10. Select [image]  Do not run a setup program

Click Next

11. Enter the name and location of the executable you would like to create in the box labeled Name and location of executable or .inf file. For package with cabinet files and extractor, you have to enter the name and location of the first cabinet file.

Click Next

12. Select the optimization you would like at the bottom.

Click Next

13. Review the options you have chosen.  If you would like to make any changes, double click the option and you will return to that screen.  If you are satisfied with your selections, click Create and the package will be created.


 Create an Installer with the Setup Wizard

To create an installation program with the Setup Wizard, follow these instructions.

1. On the Start Page, enter a new script file name and path in the script File Name box.

2. Select [image]  Create New Package File Script.

Click Next

3. Enter any important information for the program you are creating.

Click Next

4. Select [image]  As a self extracting executable to produce a self-extracting installer. Select [image]  As cabinet file(s) with extractor to produce a separate installer and one of more .cab files.

5. Select the platform the program will be used on.

Click Next

6. Select the files you would like to deliver to the target system by pushing Add Files… or Add Folder… to add them to the file list.

Click Next

7. Select No, Thank you.

Click Next

8. Select the files at the left, their respective destinations on the target system in the To Folder box at the bottom, and click the arrow button.  When done…

Click Next

9. Select the overwrite option for the files to be delivered.  By default, [image]  Prompt for existing file overwrite is selected.

Click Next

10. Select [image]  Run InstallConstruct Setup Wizard.

11. Select any features you would like to add to your Installation program.

Click Next

12. InstallConstruct will lead you through the configuration process for each option you chose to include.  For each page, enter the information you would like to include, and Click Next when you are completed.  The Output Files screen should be displayed when you are completed configuring your Installation program.

13. Enter the name and location of the executable you would like to create in the box labeled Name and location of executable or .inf file. For package with cabinet files and extractor, you have to enter the name and location of the first cabinet file.

Click Next

14. If you would like the SFX file to be multiple volumes in order to span more than one disk, select [image]  Multiple Volumes Package and read the help file for that screen for further information.  Otherwise, select the optimization you would like at the bottom.

Click Next

15. Review the options you have chosen.  If you would like to make any changes, double click the option and you will return to that screen.  If you are satisfied with your selections, click Create and the package will be created.


Create an Installer with Third Party Setup Program
 Create Installer with Third Party Setup Program

To create an installation program with the Setup Wizard, follow these instructions.

1. On the Start Page, enter a new script file name and path in the script File Name box.

2. Select [image]  Create New Package File Script.

Click Next

3. Enter any important information for the program you are creating.

Click Next

4. Select [image]  As a self-extracting executable to produce a self-extracting installer. Or select [image]  As cabinet file(s) with extractor to produce a separate installer and one of more .cab files.

5. Select the platform the program will be used on.

Click Next

6. Select the files you would like to deliver to the target system by pushing Add Files… or Add Folder… to add them to the file list.

Click Next

7. Select No, Thank you.

Click Next

8. Select the files at the left, their respective destinations on the target system in the To Folder box at the bottom, and click the arrow button.  When done…

Click Next

9. Select the overwrite option for the files to be delivered.  By default, [image]  Prompt for existing file overwrite is selected.

Click Next

10. Select [image]  Run a setup program. Use the browse function or directly enter the program file name and path.  You may specify a data file, but leave the program box empty; the program associated to the data file on the target system will be run. Enter any command line syntax that should follow the program command.  InstallConstruct will include the program or data file in the self-extracting executable.

11. Enter the name and location of the executable you would like to create in the box labeled Name and location of executable or .inf file. For package with cabinet files and extractor, you have to enter the name and location of the first cabinet file.

Click Next

12. If you would like the SFX file to be multiple volumes in order to span more than one disk, select [image]  Multiple Volumes Package and read the help file for that screen for further information.  Otherwise, select the optimization you would like at the bottom.

Click Next

13. Review the options you have chosen.  If you would like to make any changes, double click the option and you will return to that screen.  If you are satisfied with your selections, click Create and the package will be created.


Create CAB for download
 Create CABinet file(s) for Internet Download

Follow these instructions to create a CABinet file for Internet component download.

1. On the Start Page, enter a new script file name and path in the script File Name box.

2. Select [image]  Create New Package File Script.

Click Next

3. Enter any important information for the program you are creating.

Click Next

4. Select [image]  As a Cabinet file for internet component download.

5. Select the platform the program will be used on.

5a. The option [image]  Silent mode will automatically be selected, as Internet components require no user prompt.

Click Next

6. Select the files you would like to deliver to the target system by pushing Add Files… or Add Folder… to add them to the file list.

Click Next

7. Select the files at the left, their respective destinations on the target system in the To Folder box at the bottom, and click the arrow button.  When done…

Click Next

8. Select [image]  Overwrite files without warning, as Silent mode files do not prompt the user.

Click Next

9. Select [image]  Do not run a setup program

Click Next

10. Enter the name and location of the .inf file you would like to create in the box labeled Name and location of executable or .inf file.

Click Next

11. Select [image]  Create an .inf file and add into the first cabinet file.

12. Select the optimization you would like at the bottom.

Click Next

13. Review or edit the information file that is displayed.  The .inf file will be added to the CABinet file in the last step.

Click Next

14. Review the options you have chosen.  If you would like to make any changes, double click the desired option and you will return to that screen.  If you are satisfied with your selections, click Create and the package will be created.


 Use Command Line to Rebuild a Package

You can use InstallConstruct to run script from the command line by entering "InstallConstruct program file" -S "adx file". You can run script silently by entering "InstallConstruct program file" -S "adx file" in the command line.


 Use Silent Shortcut to Rebuild a Package

You can use Silent Shortcuts to rebuild a package.

On the Create Package page, there are a series of tools listed at the bottom.  Select Create Silent Shortcut from the list, and the shortcut will be created in the location as the specifications in the Output File.  By double clicking this shortcut, an identical package will be created using the settings from the original package script.

For more information, see Create Package.


 Use the Wizard to Rebuild a Package

If you would like to rebuild a package using the InstallConstruct wizard, simply enter or browse for the name of the original package script on the Start Page.  Each time you click next, you will see the original options entered for the package.  To create the package without viewing the selections, click Finish and then click Create.  The ten main steps are shown in the left column of the InstallConstruct interface of each section; clicking on any takes you to that section of the step-by-step system. When you choose various options from these pages, additional screens are displayed, in sequence, to let you enter the criteria you desire.


 Password Protect a Package

InstallConstruct lets you select a password to protect the entire package.  When this option is turned on in the Password page, the user will be prompted for a password before any files are extracted. This item is available if you do not choose the Silent mode option on the Package Type page.

For more information, see Enter Password.


Digitally Sign an EXEcutable
 Digitally Sign a Package

InstallConstruct gives you the option of digital signing the EXEcutable or the CABinet file for Internet component download.  The signature associates a software vendor’s name with a given file.  When end users retrieve your package from the Web, they are presented with a digital certificate.

In order to digitally sign your package, you must have Software Publishing Credentials (.spc file) and a private key (.pvk file) from a Certificate Authority such as Verisign.  In the Package Options, you can check off Digitally sign the package for Internet download option.  InstallConstruct will display the Security Optionspage for you to enter information for digital signing the package.

End users need Internet Explorer 3.0, 3.01, 3.02 and the Authenticode 2.0 security update or Internet Explorer 4.0 in order to view your digital certificate via the Web. Please visit Microsoft Web site for information on the latest security update.


Start Page

PGC InstallConstruct uses a user friendly expanding wizard system to make creating package and Setup Wizard for file delivery and installation easy, using intuitive step-by-step procedures. Unlike other Installer programs, PGC InstallConstruct does not require programming background; nor does it require you to learn any application specific language.

The process of building your project begins by specifying the script (.adx) file. You may modify an existing script file or create a new one. PGC InstallConstruct lets you create a system as simple or complex as you wish; your choices along the way let you bypass or include different options. When you choose from available installer options in working through the wizard, your selections are automatically recorded in the script file.

The Add button at the top of the page accesses the Shortcuts and Tray Icon dialog, so you may choose to add or delete any of five different access points to start InstallConstruct.

During the process, you can skip to any of the ten pages that are listed on the left-hand side of each page.  This hyperlink list will only appear on each of the main InstallConstruct pages such as Input Files and Setup Wizard.

Script file name:

A script file retains all of the configuration settings and characteristics of a project. The default .adx file will initially be placed in the box.

 Open an existing package

You can choose another project by choosing this first option and clicking on the Browse button to locate a script file.

 Create a new package

 Copy settings from

A new script file can be created from the beginning, or you can copy an existing script file to use as a template. Enter a file name in the box above for a new script name, and if you would like to use an optional template, check off the box and use the Browse button to locate the script file you wish to use.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Shortcuts and Tray Icon


Shortcuts and Tray Icon

This screen can be accessed from the Start Page by clicking on the Add button, or from the system tray icon when it is present, by right-clicking and then choosing Options from the menu.

PGC InstallConstruct can be made available through any of the four options listed. Check off any option desired to make the system more accessible. Their descriptions should be self-explanatory.

 Load on Windows startup

 Create icon on Desktop

 Create icon in Start menu

 Create icon in SendTo menu

 Display InstallConstruct tray icon

This option places an icon in the system tray from which you may open the InstallConstruct screen at any time. Clicking the Exit choice from the right-click menu will exit InstallConstruct and remove the icon until the program is started again.


Product Information

On this page, you can enter information about the product that is being packaged for delivery or installation.  The information that you enter on this page will appear on the welcome or installation screens containing information about the product.  All of the information is optional; however, not entering some information, such as Product Version and Company Name, may result in blank fields on the welcome and installation screens.


Package Format
Package Type

You can choose to have a package that simply delivers files to an end user’s system.  Or you may create a package that upon delivery launches a setup wizard included within your package or applications embedded in the package or on the end user’s system. The package can be in the form of one executable, cabinet file(s) with extractor, or cabinet files with .inf file for Internet download through Web pages. You can choose from the different delivery methods to create your own package.

Creating a package

 As a self extracting executable

This choice can result in a single .exe file, or in multiple volumes which can be configured on the following pages.

 As cabinet file(s) with extractor

A separate .exe that is automatically created by InstallConstruct and one of more .cab files will result from this choice.

 As cabinet file(s) for Internet component download

InstallConstruct creates one or more .cab files and automatically includes a .inf file that serves as a record of where each file should be placed on the end user’s system.  Internet Explorer recognizes cabinet files that are embedded in Web pages and uses Internet component download to deliver the cabinet file to an end user’s system. Once on the end user’s system, the cabinet file is extracted and its contents installed according to the specifications of the .Inf file.

Please select the target platforms

 Windows 95/98 and Windows NT (32-bit)

This option is suggested for situations where the files or the target of the file is for use only in 32-bit environments, such as Windows 95, 98, and NT. Windows 3.1 users cannot open files created with the 32-bit option checked.

  Windows 3.1, Windows 95/98, and Windows 95/98 (16-bit)

A 16 bit choice is recommended for distribution situations that may include Windows 3.1.

  If you choose a 16-bit executable, use short (8.3) file and folder (8) names since the 16-bit environment does not support long file names.

Options

 Silent mode

Choose this option when packaging files if you do not want any run-time dialogs to be displayed when the package is delivered.

 Change language

The extraction and setup messages and button text that the recipients of your package will see are saved in .ini language files. Several language .ini files are included with PGC InstallConstruct for your convenience. When the change language box is checked, you can browse to select the particular language file that you would like to use.  You can also translate or customize your own .ini language files.

 Customize messages

When this box is checked, the Customize Messages page will be displayed for you to customize the buttons and dialog box messages for your delivery package.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Customize Messages

Language Templates


Language Templates

These templates are available by selecting the Change language file option on the Package Type page and clicking Browse.

Included with InstallConstruct are a series of language template files.  These files include default message and button text for all dialog boxes.

The languages included are:

Japanese

German

Dutch

French

Portuguese

English

Danish

Finnish

Norwegian

Portuguese

Swedish


Customize Messages

This screen only appears if the Customize messages option is checked off on the Package Type page.

All of the program's button and dialog box messages are included in this list. To change any message, double-click on its Description.  All messages are saved in the language .ini file that you use. (The default message file is English.ini).  You can also edit the .ini file and load in the changes this way.  To modify all title entries to include your product name, click the Update Title with Product Name button.  The Product name that you entered on the Product Information page will be used in all of the title entries.

By double clicking the Descriptions, one of the following dialogs, applicable to that item, will then be displayed.

Customize Buttons (by clicking on the Buttons entry)

Customize Browse Dialog Box (by clicking on the Browse box entry)

Message Editor (by clicking on any other entry)

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Customize Buttons

Customize Browse Dialog Box

Message Editor


Customize Buttons

This screen only appears if the Buttons item is selected in the Customize Messages page.

Each item description is shown as the label, with the default text in each box. Overwrite or edit the text to your preferences. Place an ampersand (&) before any character you wish to be associated as a keyboard shortcut, but be cautious not to cause conflicts or duplications.


Customize Browse Dialog Box

This screen only appears if the Browse box item is selected in the Customize Messages page.

Each item description is shown as the label, with the default text in each box. Overwrite or edit the text to your preferences.


Message Editor

This screen only appears if a InstallConstruct (in Title column) item is selected in the Customize Messages page.

This dialog allows you to change characteristics of the message dialog, and is titled to remind you of the purpose of the message. Depending on the type of message, some or all of the following data may be displayed:

Title, Message, Label 1, Label 2

These boxes (the two label boxes are not applicable to every dialog) contain standard text. You may enter your own choices for this language.

  Do not display this message will bypass this message, to help avoid any confusion for your user; this option is available only on dialogs where this option might be desirable.

  Cancel the application is a self-explanatory option available only on dialogs where this option might be desirable, to terminate the operation if the action occurs.
Click on the Default button to return all the text content to the default, original entries.


Input Files

You can add individual files and folders to the projects you create.

Click on the Add Files or Add Folder buttons to open file and folder selection dialogs, where you can specify one or more items you want to be included in the package.

The Remove button will remove the highlighted selection from your list of files and folders.

 Recurse subfolders includes the files and subfolders beneath your folder selections.

 Store folder names

This checkbox will include the path above the files in your selection.

 Store partial path

Check off this item to remove the path above the folder location, and include the paths for files in folders beneath the current location. This option is only available if Store folder names (above) is checked, and Recurse subfolders (on the prior, Input Files page) must be checked in order to include files beneath the current folder.


Enter Password

This password will be used for all files included in the package.  This option is not available when Silent Mode is selected.

Would you like to password protect the items?

 No, thank you disables the option.

 Yes, please makes the area below available for you to add your password.


Installation Folders and Files
Destination Folders and Files

Please enter the default folder for the setup wizard.

You can select a preset variable folder, enter the complete path, just a drive name, or use the Browse button to add a path into the space provided.  This folder will be used as the default for all of the files to be extracted.  All files in the package will be extracted to this folder upon delivery unless otherwise specified by the section below.

Please select a file and then its intended destination.

Choose individual files in your project from the list on the left, and then select a destination from the To folder drop down menu at the bottom.  You may choose from any selection offered, type the path to the specific folder, or click the folder icon to browse for a fixed folder into which you would like the files extracted. The preset destination choices include:

<ProgramFiles> The location where the Windows Program Files are installed on this system.

<CommonFiles> The location of the Common Files folder on this system.

<Win> The location where Windows is installed on this system.

<Sys> The System folder within the Windows folder.

<Sys32> The System32 directory in a Windows NT system.

<Autosys> In Windows 3.1, 95, and 98, this is the System folder, within the Windows folder. In Windows NT, this is the System32 folder within the Windows folder.

<InstallFolder> The location where the program is to be installed

<WinTemp> A temporary directory created by Windows under the temporary folder in the Windows Installation folder.  .

<Temp> The default temporary directory which will be created by the executable in the target system.  The executable will extract embedded files from the package to this folder.  Upon completion, this folder will be removed from the target system.

Once you have selected both a file and a destination folder, click the arrow button, and the folder information will be stored and displayed in the window on the right.  If you would like to remove a file from the file list on the right, select the file and click Remove button.

 Once an item has been added, you may edit the path by clicking on the selection once it is highlighted, and making changes.  For example, you could change <ProgramFiles> to <ProgramFiles>\foldername by clicking on it once after it has been selected.


Overwrite Options

This critical option tells InstallConstruct how to react when an extracted file has the same name as an existing file. Your choice may affect the way your installed program performs, and can have a potential negative impact on a user's system, so care is advised when making these choices.

 If you selected Silent Mode in the Package Type menu, you must select options, as silent files do not prompt the user.

  Overwrite files without warning

Extracted files will overwrite existing files of the same name.

  Do not overwrite existing files

Files will not overwrite existing files of the same name.

  Do not overwrite if file version/date is newer

The extracted file will not overwrite the existing file if the existing file version or date is newer than the extracted file. The extracted file with exactly the same version and date/time stamp will overwrite the existing file.

  Prompt for existing file overwrite

The user will be prompted for a decision to authorize overwriting an existing file of the same name.

  Only prompt if existing file version/date is newer

The user will be prompted for a decision to authorize overwriting an existing file of the same name when the existing file has newer file version or date.  The extracted file with exactly the same version and date/time stamp will overwrite the existing file.

 Allow overwriting read-only files

When this box is checked, the options above apply to all files, including read-only files. When unchecked, the above selection will only apply to files that are not read-only.


Options for Running Program
 Run Setup Program

On the Setup Wizard page, you have the options not to run a setup program, run a third party setup program, or create and run your own setup wizard.

 Do not run a setup program

If this option is chosen, no setup program will be run in your package.

 Run a third party setup program

Select this option if there is a third party setup program you would like to run.  Use the browse function or directly enter the program file name (and path, if necessary).  You may specify a data file, but leave the program box empty; the program associated to the data file on the target system will be run. Enter any command line syntax that should follow the program command.  InstallConstruct will include the program or data file in the self-extracting executable.

 Run setup wizard

Select this option if you would like to create and run your own setup wizard.  Additional options are available when any of the following boxes are checked:

  To include splash screen

  To run self-registering programs

  To setup registry

  To customize setup wizard pages

  To create program group, desktop, and other shortcuts

  To customize an uninstall program

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Setup Wizard


Advanced Options
Setup Wizard

This page is available when you are creating a package for File delivery and setup. Some of these options are for advanced users with demanding installation requirements, while others are simply nice touches to add to your package. An uninstall function is an appreciated option to provide for certain systems, to make it easier for users to remove files once their mission is complete.

Choosing any of these options will cause more configuration screens to be displayed for each choice, where you may enter your precise instructions and select from a variety of options that apply to that selection. Clicking on the hypertext link beneath each of the listed options can access the specific documentation for each screen.

  To include splash screen

This selection allows you to select options for displaying a splash screen during the setup process.  A splash screen adds a professional touch to your project, allowing you to add color, images, company logos, artwork, and text to introduce your product.

  To run self-registering programs

Select this option to run self-registering items with the installer. For more information, see Run Self-Registering Programs.

  To setup registry

Check this box to access the detailed Setup Registry screen to enter specifications for changing registry file in the target system.

  To customize setup wizard pages

This selection allows you access to InstallConstruct button and message specifications in the comprehensive Customize Setup Wizard screen for you to alter them to your preferences.

  To create program group, desktop, and other shortcuts

Checking this item accesses the Group Options screen where a program group and various shortcuts can be selected, and later configured in separate Shortcut Options screens.

  To customize an uninstall program

InstallConstruct has a built-in uninstaller, which can be accessed by checking this option. You can also specify a third party uninstall routine if you are including it. The Customize Uninstaller screen will follow if this item is chosen.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Setup Wizard

Splash Screen

Run Self-Registering Program

Setup Registry

Customize Setup Wizard

Program Group Options

Customize Uninstall Program


Splash Screen Options

This screen only appears if the Include splash screen option is checked off on the Setup Wizard page.

A splash screen adds a professional touch to your project, allowing you to add color, images, company logos, artwork, and text to introduce your system.

Checking off the Splash Screen and the additional options will result in the display of additional configuration screens for each choice. You may enter precise instructions and select from a variety of options in these screens to contribute to the attractiveness and professional image of your final product. Clicking on the hypertext link that accompanies each of the listed options can access the specific documentation for each screen.

  Splash Screen

Choose this option to enable the options offered in the following two checkboxes. It will enable you to add the color, gradient, or image file background of your choice.

Background Options

  Display picture

Place an image file, such as a company logo, in one of fifteen locations on your screen by selecting this option. You will first be offered the opportunity to define the screen background.

Bitmap Options

  Display text

Add text to your splash screen by checking off this selection. The setup screen for this feature includes font, color, position, and other options.

Text Options

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Background Options

Bitmap Options

Text Options


Background Options

This screen only appears if the Include splash screen option is checked off on the Splash Screen Options page.

Choose one of the following as your splash screen background.

 Use solid color

You may enter numerical values for Red, Green, and Blue, or click on the Color button to access the standard Windows color selection dialog.

 Use blue gradient color

This selection uses an attractive standard as the background.

 Use an image file

File name

Enter a file name for an image file, or use the browse button and the familiar Windows file dialog to select one. The Preview button, provided in the file selection dialog, lets you view an image you select.

If your file is not in the preferred bitmap (.bmp) format, InstallConstruct will accept one of several popular image formats, and automatically convert it to a bitmap. It is unnecessary to include selected images in the ZIP file. The following image formats are supported; choose the proper file type to filter the file selection dialog to the accompanying file types:

Image Files: .bmp,.dib,.gif,.jpg,.jpe,.jpeg,.pcx,.tif,.tiff,.tga

Animated Files: .avi,.fli,.flc (the first frame of the animation will be used)

Drawing Files: .eps,.clp,.wpg,.cgm,.pcd

 Include second bitmap for the full-color (24-bit) monitor

You may include a 256 color or similar image as the primary background, and optionally add a second, full color image to be displayed if the color settings for the subject machine are capable of showing it. The same file types and conditions apply as for the primary bitmap.

 Scale to fit the screen when necessary

Check off this option is you want the image file to be scaled to fill the screen.

 Image files used that are not part of the archived files will be deleted from the target machine when the installation operation is completed.


Text Options

This screen only appears if the Display text option is checked off on the Splash Screen Options page.

You may display up to 260 characters of text on a splash screen, selecting the font, color, and position.

Enter text

Type in the text, directly, or optionally select a text file using the Browse button. InstallConstruct will insert the contents of the text file into the text box, but must not exceed the allotted 260-character length. Use \r or \n to indicate carriage returns.

Font info

Click on the Font button to display the familiar font selection dialog, and select the font name, size, and style.

Position

Make your selection from thirteen positions for your text, including tiling and scaling.

Text Color

Click on the Color button to use the Windows color selection dialog, to choose a text color. You may also directly enter the RGB value in the boxes provided.

 With shadow

Check off this option to add a shadow to your text; as with the option above, you may choose a complementary color for the shadow.


Bitmap Options

This screen only appears if the Display picture option is checked off on the Splash Screen Options page.

File name

Enter a file name for an image file, or use the browse button and the familiar Windows file dialog to select one. The Preview button, provided in the file selection dialog, lets you view an image you select.

If your file is not in the preferred bitmap (.bmp) format, InstallConstruct will accept one of several popular image formats, and automatically convert it to a bitmap. It is unnecessary to include selected images in the ZIP file. The following image formats are supported; choose the proper file type to filter the file selection dialog to the accompanying file types:

Image Files: .bmp,.dib,.gif,.jpg,.jpe,.jpeg,.pcx,.tif,.tiff,.tga

Animated Files: .avi,.fli,.flc (the first frame of the animation will be used)

Drawing Files: .eps,.clp,.wpg,.cgm,*.pcd

 Include second bitmap for the full-color (24-bit) monitor

You may include a 256 color or similar image as the primary choice, and optionally add a second, full color image to be displayed if the color settings for the subject machine are capable of showing it. The same file types and conditions apply as for the primary bitmap.

Select your preference from the available display positions

Click on the arrow to choose from the thirteen screen positions for your image.

 Image files used that are not part of the archived files will be deleted from the target machine when the installation operation is completed.


Self-Registering Programs
Run Self-Registering Programs

This screen only appears if the Run self-registering programs option is checked off on the Setup Wizard page.

On this page, you can select files that are self-registering such as ActiveX controls.  To select a self-registering file to be run when extracted, select the file from the list at the left and click the arrow button.  If you would like to remove any files from the Item List at the right, select the file, and click Remove.  You can edit the entries at the right by selecting the file and clicking it once for the text cursor to appear.


Setup Registry

This screen only appears if the To setup registry option is checked off on the Setup Wizard page.

Using this page, you can select registry entries that exist on your computer, or create new registry entries you would like included with the installer.  Once you have selected a registry entry to include in the setup program, it will automatically be added to the registry of the target system when setup is run.

Adding items based on existing registry entries:

In the top box, you can browse your system registry to find the entries you would like the setup program to add to the target system.  Click on the key to see the value and data if they are available.  For multiple values, clicking on the key until you get the right one.  Once you have found an entry you would like to use, you can press the Add Key and Value to add both the registry key and value, or click Add Key to simply add the key.  Your selections are added to the lower box.  If you would like to edit any of the entries in the lower box, simply double click, and the Edit Registry Entries window will be displayed.

Adding registry items manually:

In the lower box, each of the registry entries is displayed.  If you would like to add any registry entries manually, you can click the New… button and enter the information in the Edit Registry Entries window.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Edit Registry Entries


Edit Registry Entries

This screen only appears when a registry item is double-clicked or the New button is pressed in the Setup Registry window.

Registry Keys:

Enter the location of the registry key you would like installed on the target system, or click browse to find one on the current system.

Value Names:

Enter the value names you would like for the values of the specified key.

Value:

Enter the value of the specified key.

Destination Folder:

If the value is one of the install files, type in the file name and select the destination folder of the original file from the variables in the drop down menu, type the destination folder manually, or click the folder to browse for the fixed destination folder.

Data Type:

Select the type of registry data. Available types are as follows:

String: Alphanumeric text

Unexpanded string: Alphanumeric text in which system variables are not expanded.

Multiple strings: Multiple text strings separated by carriage returns.

Double word: a 32-bit value.

Binary/Hex: A series of bytes in hexadecimal format. Each byte should be separated by at least one white space. For instance: 02 18 88 07.


Setup Wizard Options
Customize Setup Wizard

This screen only appears if the Customize the setup wizard pages option is checked off on the Setup Wizard Options page.

 Use default setup wizard

Check this option if you would like to have InstallConstruct make a default setup wizard for the package. The default setup wizard consists of the welcome page (if product name is specified in Product Information), installation folder page (if necessary), progress indication page, and the final page without the launch application option.

If Use default setup wizard is not checked, you can select to modify the following options.

For preparing pages:

 To include welcome page

Check this option if you would like to customize the information on the welcome page of the setup wizard.

 To include license agreement page

Check this option if you would like to include a license agreement page with the setup wizard using any text file you specify.

 To include setup instruction page

Check this option if you would like to include an instruction page in your setup wizard.

 If you have chosen not to have a default setup wizard, you will be required to enter information for both the installation folder page and the progress indication page.

After setup has completed successfully:

 To include application startup instruction page

Check this option if you would like to customize the application instruction page that appears after setup has completed.

 To include finish page with option to launch application page

Check this option if you would like to include a finish page at the end of setup that gives the option to launch the installed application.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Customize Setup Wizard Page


Setup Wizard Options
Customize Setup Wizard Page

One of these screens appears for each option checked off on the Customize Setup Wizard  page.

With this option, you can enter the title and description for each of the individual pages that appear during setup.  The description can be either the contents of a file or the default strings.  The default strings include a subtitle and a text description of the page.  If the Use the default strings option is checked off, the text file entry will be discarded.

Title:

Enter a title for the specified Setup Wizard page

Text file:

Enter the path or browse for a .txt or .rtf file to be displayed on the specified Setup Wizard page

For all of the pages with the exception of the License Agreement, Installation Instruction, and Startup Instruction pages, you have the option of displaying a default subtitle and string of text.

 Use the default strings enables the display of the default subtitle and text string

Subtitle:

Enter the desired subtitle you would like to display on the specified wizard page

Text:

Enter the text you would like to display on the specified wizard page

On the Installation Finish page, you have some additional options.

 Show option to launch application

This option will cause the Launch application check box to be displayed. If selected will run a specified program after the setup program exits.

Label:

Enter a label for this section of the Installation Finish Page.

Program:

Enter the name and location of the program you wish to run once setup has completed.  Using the drop-down menu at the right, you can select the installation folder in which the file is located.  By clicking the folder button, you can browse for the folder the program may be in.

Window display:

Select the type of window - Normal, Maximized, Minimized, or Console - in which the program should be run.


Program Group Options

This screen only appears if the To create program group, desktop, and other shortcuts option is checked off on the Setup Wizard page.

The installer can create groups and various types of shortcuts during the process, as well as add items to the Startup group. In each case, when you check off a choice the Number of items input section becomes available.

 Program Group

Check this option and enter the name of the group you wish to create.

 Create shortcut(s) on Desktop

 Create shortcut(s) in SendTo Menu

 Create shortcut(s) in Start Menu

 Load on Windows startup

When an item is checked off and a number of shortcuts specified, a secondary Shortcut Options dialog is made available, one for each shortcut that needs to be defined. Up to one hundred shortcuts can be defined.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Shortcut Options


Shortcut Options

This dialog is shown when selections are made in the Group Options screen.

The first line of the text in this dialog will be different, indicating for which shortcut the data applies.

Name of shortcut (Required)

The descriptive name of the shortcut as it is to appear in the group.

File name (Required)

The name of the executable file or object to which the shortcut refers.  In addition to the entry box, there is a box with a drop down menu from which you may specify the installation location of the file.

For an explanation of each, see the list below.

<ProgramFiles> The location where the Windows Program Files are installed on this system.

<CommonFiles> The location of the Common Files folder on this system.

<Win> The location where Windows is installed on this system.

<Sys> The System folder within the Windows folder.

<Sys32> The System32 directory in a Windows NT system.

<Autosys> In Windows 3.1, 95, and 98, this is the System folder, within the Windows folder. In Windows NT, this is the System32 folder within the Windows folder.

<InstallFolder> The location where the program is to be installed.

By typing a path manually into the box, or by clicking the folder button, you can specify a fixed folder from which to get the shortcut.

Command (Optional)

The command line parameters to be used with the executable.  If the command line parameter include a file specification, one of the above destination path shortcuts can be included within the path.

Start up directory (Optional)

The fully qualified path for the location of the current directory to be used when the target file is executed.  If this parameter is not specified, it is assumed to be the directory in which the file is located.  The path specification can include any of the destination path shortcuts described above.

Icon file (Optional)

The fully qualified path for the location of the Icon file.  If this parameter is not specified, the first icon resource found in the target file is used by default.  The path specification can include any of the destination path shortcuts described above.

Icon number (Optional)

The index into the icon file specifying which icon is to be used.  The first icon has an index 0, the second icon has an index 1, and so forth.

 Start up as minimized (Optional)

If this option is checked off, the target executable should be displayed as minimized icon when it runs.

Shortcut key: Ctrl+Alt+ (Optional)

Enter your choice simply by pressing the key desired for activating the target file.


Customize Uninstaller

This dialog appears if you check off the To customize an uninstall program choice in the Setup Wizard screen.

 Use the default uninstaller to remove installed files, shortcuts, and registry entries

Check this box if you would like InstallConstruct to create a default uninstaller based on the install options you have selected so far in the setup process.  You can leave it unchecked if you would like to create your own uninstaller.

 Remove files

When you select this option, InstallConstruct will enable you to select the files you would like to remove from the target system upon uninstall via the Remove Files menu.  If this is checked, the Remove Files menu will appear following the current one.

 Remove shortcut(s) or groups that are added by this package

Check to automatically remove shortcuts and any groups that were added during the installation process.

 Customize uninstall messages

When checked, the next step will be the display of the Customize Uninstall Message screen so you may enter custom message text for each of the uninstall messages.

 Remove registry entries

Select this option if you would like to remove any registry entries added during the original installation via the Remove Registry Entries menu, which will appear following any of the above listed menus.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Remove Files

Customize Uninstall Message

Remove Registry Entries


Remove Files

This screen only appears if the Remove files option is checked off on the Customize Uninstaller page.

Please select a file and its installed location.

Choose the individual files you would like removed from the target system from the File item list on the left, and then click the arrow button to add it to the Item list at the right.  You can also click New to manually create a list item for any file you would like to remove.  If you would like to remove a file from the Item list, simply select the item and press Remove.


Customize Uninstall Message

This dialog appears if you check off the Customize uninstall messages in the Customize Uninstaller screen.

Each box in this section has a description of the message it affects. Enter the title of the window in the first box.  For the remaining boxes, no message will appear if their contents are left empty. If you wish any of these messages to be displayed during the uninstall process, you must enter the text you wish to be shown.


Register Options
Remove Registry Entries

This screen only appears if the Remove registry entries option is checked off on the Customize Uninstaller page.

Using this page, you can select registry entries that were added on the Setup Registry page or generate new registry entries you would like removed with the uninstaller.  Once you have selected a registry entry to remove with the uninstaller, it will automatically be removed from the registry of the target system when the uninstaller is run.

Removing registry entries inserted with the Setup Wizard:

In the top box, you can select the items that were added on the Setup Registry page that you would like removed from the target system.  Once you have found an entry you would like to remove, you can press the Add Key and Value to add both the registry key and value, or click Add Key to simply add the key to the list at the bottom.  If you would like to edit any of the entries in the lower box, simply click once on the selected entry, and make the changes.

Removing registry items manually:

In the lower box, each of the registry entries is displayed.  If you would like to add any registry entries manually, you can click the New… button and enter the information in the Select Registry Entries window.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Select Registry Entries


Select Registry Entries

This screen appears when New… is pressed in the Remove Registry Entries window.

On the left, the registry of the current system is displayed.  To remove a key, select the key from the tree on the left and select the value from the window on the right.  Once you click OK, the item will be added to the list in the Remove Registry Entries window.  This must be done for each value you would like removed.


Output Files

Here you can specify the names and locations of files you would like InstallConstruct to create.

Name and location of Executable or .inf file

The Browse button can be used to locate the name of the final executable, or a path and file name can be entered manually.

 To customize icon and version information of the executable

By checking this box, you will have the option on the following pages to change the icon, program version information and language options of the final executable.

Name and location of first cabinet file

Enter the path and file name for the first CAB file.

Name and location of shortcut for creating the package silently

By entering a filename in this box, you will create a Silent Shortcut that can be used to automatically create the Self-Extracting EXEcutable (SFX) file or the Installer again without requiring user response. Use the browse button to select a location or enter the name, including the path.  This feature is ideal for the unattended operation of re-creating Installer files using the InstallConstruct package script files with the Scheduler.


Icon Options

This screen only appears if the To customize icon and version information of the executable option is checked off on the Output Files page.

 Change the executable's Icon.

When checked, the Icon file and Icon number entry spaces become available.

Clicking on the Browse button opens the Get Icon File Name dialog, which allows you to choose from .exe, .dll, and .ico files to choose an icon. If an .exe or .dll file is chosen, the icons within the resource will be displayed. Click on the icon of choice and then on Open, and the Icon file and Icon number will automatically be entered in their respective boxes. The selected icon will be displayed adjacent to the Current Icon: label.


Program Version Information

This screen only appears if the To customize icon and product information for the executable option is checked off on the Output Files page, and appears after the Icon Options screen.

This page enables you to enter specific version information to be included in the package executable.  The version information that you provide will be displayed on the Version tab of the File Properties dialog of the package executable.

 Use the following version information for the executable:

When checked, the boxes for Product name, version, Company name, etc., are made available for you to enter the appropriate information, which will then be placed in the package executable.


Language Options

This screen only appears if the To customize icon and product information for the executable option is checked off on the Output Files page. This page will appear after the Icon Options and Program Version Information screens are displayed.

Choose the language for installation by double clicking on your choice; once selected it will display above the list. This is the language that will appear in the Properties dialog of your completed executable.

The following buttons allow you to choose the method by which the listing shows the available languages; clicking each choice changes the listing, and is perhaps the best way to understand how the choice affects the list.

  Native displays the language names using their native formats, e.g. "Deutsch" for the German language.

  Localized displays the language names using a format localized to your version of Windows, e.g. "German" for the German language when you use English Windows.

  English displays the language names using English language formats.

  Installed Only further modifies the display by showing only those languages of which your system is capable.

  If the Installed Only box is not checked, some characters in the list may not be recognizable. However, if English is selected, uninstalled languages are displayed using standard Microsoft codes; please consult your programming resources for explanations of these codes if necessary.


Package Options

 Digitally sign the package for Internet download

You may apply Authenticode signatures to your installation project with this selection, which then displays the Security Options screen to complete the details.

 Multiple volumes package

This item is available if self extracting executable or cabinet file(s) with extractor is chosen. If not checked, a single .exe file will be created. If checked, a Multiple Volume Options screen is presented so you can choose sizes of the files. This can be useful when you want several smaller, individual files for distribution, e.g. on diskette, rather than one large file.

 To delete cabinet files after extracting

If this box is checked, the cabinet files in your package will be deleted after the files are extracted.

  This option should only be used if you do not want the receivers of your package to have access to the cabinet files after the extraction. Also, you should not use this option for CD-ROM distribution because files can not be deleted from CD-ROM.

 Create a .inf file and add into the first cabinet file

This option is only available if you selected to create the file as a cabinet file for Internet component download on the Package Type page. If this box is checked, InstallConstruct will automatically include a .inf file that serves as a record of where each file should be placed on the end user’s system. The Edit .inf File page will be displayed for you to view and change the .inf file.

If you include your own .Inf file in the source files of your package, uncheck this option and specify the name and location in the Output File page.

 Find GUID

Check this option to have InstallConstruct find the Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) and add it to the .inf file of the package.

Optimizations

Here you can select how you would like to optimize the creation of your installer.  You can choose to minimize the size of your package or to maximize the creation speed.  The first option is recommended when the size of your package is an important consideration.  When this option is selected, it will take longer time for PGC InstallConstruct to compress your package.  If that is of concern to you, you may alternatively choose to maximize the compression speed.

 The following topics relate to this section, depending on the options chosen:

Security Options

Multiple Volume Options

Edit .inf File


Security Options
Security Options (Authenticode)

This screen only appears if the Digitally sign the package for Internet download option is checked off on the Package Options page.

You can use the options on this page to digitally sign your executable using Microsoft Authenticode.

Enter a Display Name that will be displayed in your digital certificate.  When user click it, it links to the entered URL.

Enter a fully qualified URL that will be the link to a location you would like your end users to visit.

Certificate file You may use the Browse button or enter the file name/location of the .Spc file provided by a Certificate Authority.

Private Key file You may use the Browse button or enter the file name/location of the .Pvk file provided by a Certificate Authority.


Multiple Volume Options

This dialog is shown when the Multiple volumes package option is chosen from the Package Options screen.

This screen allows you to specify the maximum size for each volume of your multi-volume installation package. The first volume (0) is the default size, and will apply to any additional volumes. However, you may enter specific sizes for individual or additional volumes. If you do not enter a size, the system will assign a size based on the size of the space available on the media selected.

Click the first box menu to select one of the standard disk sizes, or select Customized; it will then allow you to enter a size in the second box and specify MB, KB, or Bytes.

When you have specified a size, click Add to place another Volume in the window. You may select different sizes for individual volumes destined for different media or other sources.

You may highlight a Volume number and click the Delete button to remove it.

 Additional Notes:

Self-extracting executable multi-volume systems

The multi-volume systems produced by InstallConstruct create a single .exe and as many separate numbered binary files (filename.001, filename.002, etc.) as are required to hold the compacted files. In a multiple volume project, the executable file and the first binary file will be contained on the first volume of the set, with subsequent volumes (binary files) being designated for the disks that follow.

CAB-based multi-volume systems

When CAB-based systems are created, a single .exe and multiple CAB files (e.g., package1.cab package2.cab) will be created. In multiple disk CAB distribution situations, the .exe file needs only to be on the first diskette. If the multiple volumes are being created to a non-removable drive and will be extracted from a non-removable drive, the executable and all cabinet files should be contained in the same folder.

If you want to create a multiple volume package on a set of CD-ROMs, you must create them on a hard disk, and then copy them to the CD-ROMs after they are done.  This is required since the process of creating the multiple-volume package requires re-writing certain files, an operation that many CD recorders may not permit.

If you use InstallConstruct to write the multiple volume files directly to removable volumes by specifying a removable media drive as part of the executable name, you will be prompted to insert pre-formatted removable media. You may also cause the executable and all the binary files to be written to the same folder by specifying a non-removable media destination for the executable.  You can then copy those files to removable media at a later time.

When a multiple volume Package exe file is executed by the end user, the extraction process will begin with volume 1 and progress through volume nn (up to volume 99).  The user is prompted for each volume and can cancel the extraction at each volume request.


Edit .inf File

This screen only appears if the Create an .inf file and add into the first cabinet file option is checked off on the Package Options page.

This page enables you to enter any additional text you would like to include in an .inf file that will be included in the first cabinet file for internet component download.  InstallConstruct automatically includes information about the package in the .inf file, and this page lets you manually edit that file.

Create Again generates a new .inf file based on the information included in the cabinet file.


Review Package

This is the final step before creating the package. An expandable tree shows all of the sections with each of your choices, available for your review.  Double click on any item to return to that screen if you wish to review or edit that option.

Click on the Create button to build the project.

Click on the Next button to move to the Create page without creating the package.  This will give you access to a series of Tools you can use to manipulate the package and save various settings you have changed during the process.


Create Package

This page shows the progress of the package creation.  An expandable tree shows each of the selections as they are processed.  Once the package is completed, you will see the success status on the last line of the expandable tree.

You also have access to the following tools from the Tools: drop down menu:

Test Package

Select the Test option from the Tools: drop-down menu, and InstallConstruct will run the project you have created so you can observe its operations.

Send Package via E-mail

Select this option from the Tools: menu, and the files in the package will be inserted as e-mail attachments using your default MAPI configured e-mail client.

Copy Package to Removable Media

When this option is selected from the drop-down menu, InstallConstruct will ask for the path of  the removable media to which you would like the media copied.  This is helpful for multiple-volume projects that will be delivered on multiple disks.

Create Silent Shortcut

Clicking this option will create a shortcut that can be used to silently (without user prompts) create identical copies of the package.  This name and location of the shortcut cab be specified in the Output File page.

Save Script File As…

Clicking this option will enable you to save the final script file.

Save Language File As…

Clicking this option will enable you to save the titles and the message and button text to a Language file.