Download latest copy automatically?

[alexzfirm]

Is there a standard way to build bootstrapper that can download latest MSI build automatically?

Any samples or recommendations on how to build latest version checker/downloader with SFWI ?

[alexzfirm]

any ideas/help links/explanations please? I can see "default_download_setup.lua" does exist... What do I do with it? How does it work?

I would really like to have a "SFWI for dummies", but since it does not exist - I post all my questions here

[installshielduser]

I have been thinking about this also.

I see some installers do a dance at install time 'checking for the latest version' so that they for sure put the latest and greatest onto the PC.

I always assumed this was part of the whole MSI / windows installer engine...

IF my assumption is correct (hah!), then Setup Factry should be able to do it to, right?

[Brett]

The short answer to this is, yes it is possible. The long answer is that it is a fairly involved process.

In general, the approach that would need to be taken is to create your own bootstrapper configuration XML file and then under Build > Settings in the Boostrapper section select "Custom" and give it your bootstrapper configuration file path. Or, you can just build the bootstrapper bu running the "IRMakeBootstrap.exe" file (usually located in "C:\Program Files\Setup Factory for Windows Installer\Bootstrap") and passing it the configuration file on the command line. For details about the bootstrapper configuration file format, see the help file "IRMakeBootStrap.chm" in the same folder.

After you make your configuration file, you will have to make the main .lua script file that does the downloading. You will need to use the HTTP actions to perform the download.

In order to get an idea of what this should look like, go in and turn on the Standard bootstrapper options with the download option. Then perform a build. In the output folder (or the "Build Files" folder under it) you should see the files: bootstrapper_main.lua and bootstrap_config.xml. Take a look at those files in a text editor to see what they do.

We are working on developing a full IDE application for creating and editing bootstrapper configuration and script files with a color syntax code editor, etc. However, it is in the early stages of development and is probably at least a month off.

Hopefully the above will get you going. We will be happy to help you over the humps as you work through this process.

[alexzfirm]

Brett, thank you for the very detailed response... The process you described sounded way too complex. Do you think that your new magic tool will help us with creating "downloadable" installations? If yes - we would rather wait for this new tool and implement "downloadable" flavor of our installer later.