Suggestions

[zchris]

I have a few suggestions for the next version of InstallAWARE (in order of importance)

- Include Script Command

The ability to include scripts files would let me standardize and manage often used script blocks in one place.

- Produce MSI files

I think a lot of InstallAware users would like to get MSI files instead of exe's. Maybe it's possible to implement this similar to the 'Group Policy Wizard' but as an option in the deployment type.

- Problem: command line parameters for silent installs can override ALL variables - even those that should be internal to the setup.

I'd like to specify which paramaters I'd like to accept from the command line - all others should be ignored.

- Collapse all regions command (and auto collapse option when opening a project)

- Commands should clearly show if they are handled immediately in the script or at 'Apply Install' (maybe with colors in the Commands list?)

I do manage to sometimes confuse if Delete Registry executes immediately or later...

- The debugger needs an option to specify a command line (including support for /s)

- Bug: miabuild does not report an error if a variable is not defined (but the produced exe does not work)

- Bug: window title is incorrect when launching multiple IDE's at the same time by double-clicking on the mpr files in Explorer.

In the meantime thanks for such a great product! I was using InstallShield before I discovered InstallAware - and I am very glad that I did!

[sinan]

Thanks for posting these suggestions. We welcome your feedback and support! Please, if anyone else has more feedback, post them right here.

One thing - the script editor does highlight commands differently. Windows Installer commands are purple by default, and normal (direct execution) commands are black. See the IDE options window for changing the colors.

[zchris]

Thanks for the command highlighting - that was a quick change! (though in my defense I must note that I am a bit color blind; I changed the colors and can now see them perfectly)

[sinan]

What colors did you use? Can you send me your mia.mix file - I'd like to check it out...(its in your InstallAware installation folder)

[zchris]

OK, I mailed the file to you. I am not sure if it will be of much use though as another color blind person might see the colors differently.

[zchris]

- Write to Logfile command

Also the setup should create the logfile as soon as it starts. Non Windows Installer commands should be logged as well.

[jimo]

URL should not be returned from the Download File plugin back to the progress dialog.

[zchris]

Additional predefined variables:

- $TIME$: contains the current time (in 24h HH:MM:SS format)
- $DATE$: contains the current date (in yyyy/mm/dd format)
- $DD$: contains the $ character

[jimo]

The date, time and datetime should be added to Get System Information along with Get Local Drives ie:c:,d:, get local drives should not return any network drives. Get Local Drives would work well with the Find all files, otherwise we are guessing what drives to search for a file.

[jimo]

The product Information URL should be moved from project options to the Add-Remove Programs properties page.

The following three additional Uninstall key values should be added to the Add-Remove Programs properties:

DisplayVersion (Should match the product version)
HelpTelephone
ReadMe

[zchris]

The date, time and datetime should be added to Get System Information

I disagree. I would like to use

Code: Select all

Write to Text File $MYLOG$ from $DATE$ $TIME$ text...

and have the current time in $TIME$ automatically. Otherwise I'd have to query it before every write.

[sinan]

That's a good point.
Great suggestions - keep them coming!

[jimo]

Yep, you've got a good point. In either case I think it should be implemented, although you have changed the way I was thinking about it.

[jimo]

Direct support for Font installation in the IDE.

[jimo]

Set Merge Module Properties