Forum: Setup Factory 8.0 FAQ

Question How do Session Variables work? Answer Session Variables Explained Session variables are used in Setup Factory 7.0 to hold various forms of data that can then be displayed to the user through screens, and/or used in script. For example, %AppFolder% is a Session Variable that has...

Question How do I make an install that uses "Sticky Folders" Answer In Setup Factory 6.0 there is an option to have a sticky folder. This feature would append a folder to the selected install folder. This is not a built in feature in Setup Factory 7.0 but the workaround is quite easy. In...

Question Why do I have to use double backslashes in code? Answer In windows, specifically when working with files, backslashes ("\\") are used repeatedly. Whether separating folders, filenames, or drives, there is no way to reference files without making use of backslashes, in one form or...

Question How can I make my install span multiple media devices? Answer This article explains how to split your install between two or more pieces of media If your installation is larger than your chosen distribution media (Floppy/CD/DVD/etc.) then you will have to split your installer among...

Question How can I abort an install conditionally Answer It is always a good development practice to safeguard your install against as many potential failures as possible by forcing the user to abort the install if certain conditions are not met. In the end this will result in less...

Question How can I set environment variables Answer This article explains how to set environment variables using Setup Factory 7.0 Setting environment variables is done differently on Windows 9x operating systems (Windows 95, 95, ME) than it is on Windows NT operating systems (Windows NT...

Question How do I conditionally install files based on OS Answer As more operating systems are being released year after year, developers are wanting to maximize the platform support for their products. However as technology develops, dependency files are not necessarily compatible on every...

Question How do I create a shortcut on the desktop Answer To create a shortcut on the Desktop to a file in your setup, do the following: - Locate the file that you want to create the shortcut to on Setup Factory's main screen. When you find it, select the file by left-clicking on it. -...

Question How do I create a shortcut to an Internet URL Answer Creating a shortcut to an Internet URL is a very easy process in Setup Factory. It involves nothing more then using a Shell.CreateShortcut action and setting the Target field to be the URL that you would like to shortcut to point...

Question How can I detect administrator privileges Answer The article explains how to determine if the end user has administrative privileges using Setup Factory 7.0. In general there are two main types of users on Windows NT-based operating systems (Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP...

Question How do I install files to the Windows directory Answer This article describes how to install files to the Windows\System directory. All Windows operating systems have a "Windows" directory (folder) where most of the operating system and many shared files on the operating system are...

Question Installing the Microsoft Access Runtime Engine Answer This article provides information on redistributing and installing the Microsoft Access runtime engine with Setup Factory 7.0. Due to the massive complexity of the Microsoft Access runtime engine, Setup Factory does not have a...

Question How can I locate Internet Explorer's favorites folder Answer This article explains how to find Internet Explorer's favorites folder using the registry. Internet Explorer's favorites folder is a shell folder, which means that it may have different locations on different computers. ...

Question How can I make a Program Run Every Time the System Starts Answer Certain programs run each time the system starts; some are necessary for the operating system to function, and others to provide convenience to the end user. It may be necessary that your program be launched each time...

Question Can Setup Factory Merge Registry Keys Answer Merging registry keys is a very easy process in Setup Factory. It involves nothing more than using a File.Run action and setting the Command line arguments to point to the registry file to be merged. As an example, we will merge...

Repackage an Existing Installer This article provides information on how to repackage an installation using Setup Factory 7.0. Setup Factory is an installation tool; it is designed to install software onto an end user's computer. Setup Factory is not a repackager. A repackager is a tool...

How to Set the Default Application Directory In Setup Factory 7.0 the application directory is the directory where all of your files will be installed by default. The application directory is generally controlled by the built-in variable %AppFolder%. So setting the value of %AppFolder% sets...

Question: Uninstall a Shortcut Created with Actions Answer This article explains shortcut creation and how to remove shortcuts created by actions. There are two ways to create shortcuts in Setup Factory. The first is through File Properties and the second is by using a Shell.CreateShortcut...

Question Do I have to pay any runtime royalties, and if so what is your pricing structure? Answer The Setup Factory license agreement grants you non-exclusive rights to distribute the runtime applications (e.g. setup.exe) created by the Software on a royalty-free basis. In other words, once...

Question: Why use Setup Factory 7.0? Answer: Setup Factory 7.0 is your best choice for creating rock-solid software installers, in a timely and efficient manner. Compared to other products, Setup Factory is both easier to learn and faster to work with. Yet, it produces a professional setup.exe...

Question: Who needs Setup Factory 7.0? Answer: If you are creating software applications that need to be installed on your customer’s computers, you definitely need Setup Factory. But, it’s is not just for software developers. Anyone distributing files or data can benefit from using a...

Question: How easy is it to learn? Answer: Setup Factory 7.0 boasts an easy-to-use, task based visual design environment. When creating a new project for the first time, you will be presented with the New Project wizard, allowing you to create a fully functional setup in just minutes. Once you...

Question: Do I have to be a programmer to use Setup Factory? Answer: Absolutely not! Using the Project Wizard, even beginners can create a fully functional setup in just minutes. And with an intuitive user interface, customization is accomplished in the same point-and-click fashion.

Question: Can I patch my software with Setup Factory? Answer: Setup Factory was designed to package up a complete version of your software and install it on a user’s system. While this can certainly update a system to the latest release, it is not as efficient as using a dedicated patch...