How to create an installer of a browser-based syst

Question

I just developed a browser-based employee management system. I am wondering if there is a way for me to create an installer or a self-extracting file to transfer the system to another computer easily.

I have tried using "iexpress.exe" and "Actual Installer" however it seems they only extract in a single directory. Is there a way for me to specify which file should go to a specific directory using these applications? If none, any suggestions how to do it?

Answer 1

You can make IExpress put files into subdirectories using a technique described by Microsoft. In your install program, you’d need to do something similar to:

@md i386
@xcopy /q /y toastva.exe i386\.
@xcopy /q /y tostrcls.dll i386\.
@xcopy /q /y tostrco2.dll i386\.
@xcopy /q /y toaster.sys i386\.

(You could use move /y instead of xcopy, if that’s what you wanted to do.)

This is due to a technical limitation in the way IExpress generates its CAB file. IExpress generates a DDF file which is read by makecab.exe; this file places all source files in the same destination folder. Thus each source file must have a unique name, regardless of its source directory.

While makecab.exe itself supports subdirectories, the input DDF file is generated on-the-fly by IExpress, so it would be difficult (if not impossible) to intercept it and make changes before makecab.exe reads it.

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But honestly, if you need subdirectories (and sub-subdirectories…) then you might want to consider using a "real" installer maker. Some examples in no particular order:

• Inno Setup
• NSIS
• WiX