How to handle replacing files which are in use?

richiebabes · 23rd June 2008, 18:18

I created an NSIS install script that works unless a certain application is running which is part of the install. What is the best way to handle this?

I.e. let's say myexecutable.exe is in the list of files I want to install but when the user installs they have an older version running and myexecutable.exe is running.

Afrow UK · 23rd June 2008, 19:38

This is a macro I use to replace on reboot:

code:
  !macro InstallOnReboot Source Destination

    SetFileAttributes `${Destination}` NORMAL

    File `/oname=${Destination}.new` `${Source}`

    Delete /rebootok `${Destination}`

    Rename /rebootok `${Destination}.new` `${Destination}`

  !macroend

Usage:

code:
  !insertmacro InstallOnReboot localfile.exe $SYSDIR\outfile.exe

The SetFileAttributes fixes a problem we found with files set to hidden+system (they were not always replaced).

Stu

richiebabes · 23rd June 2008, 19:52

OK, I figured out how to use this and it works... but the only problem is that it requires a reboot. Is there no way we can ask the user to nicely close down the application before proceeding with the install?

richiebabes · 23rd June 2008, 20:40

Like you know, a handy window saying "The following applications need to be closed down before installation can continue. Please close them and click Retry to continue, or you will be sent to the fires of hell for the weekend".

Afrow UK · 23rd June 2008, 20:47

Sure, http://nsis.sf.net/LockedList_plug-in
You can use the AddModule function and give it the path to your application.

Stu

richiebabes · 23rd June 2008, 21:17

Awesome, thanks!

richiebabes · 23rd June 2008, 21:57

Is it possible to only show the locked files page if there are actually files to be closed? If there are none I'd really like to just skip past it...

Afrow UK · 24th June 2008, 09:11

This would be a good addition. I'll add that option when I am next free (may be at the weekend).

Stu

richiebabes · 25th June 2008, 20:55

Good stuff. If I have any spare time (rofl) I can look into it too now I am getting the hang of this NSIS stuff.

Just want to say, after being plagued with using InstallShield the last couple of years, NSIS is a wonderful breath of fresh air!

Animaether · 20th January 2009, 17:22

coming from...
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread....42#post2476542
( WINAMP.COM | Forums > Developer Center > NSIS Discussion > How do we overwrite a running file )

Quote:

Originally posted by Afrow UK
This is a macro I use to replace on reboot:

Could that easily be adapted to try the File method first, then check for the Error flag, and only use the .new-extraction/delete/rename on reboot -if- the File method failed?
I think that in the end, the result would be the same, but the number of file interactions would presumably go down? Any caveats with that thought?

23rd June 2008, 18:18	#1
richiebabes Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 27	How to handle replacing files which are in use? I created an NSIS install script that works unless a certain application is running which is part of the install. What is the best way to handle this? I.e. let's say myexecutable.exe is in the list of files I want to install but when the user installs they have an older version running and myexecutable.exe is running.

23rd June 2008, 19:52	#3
richiebabes Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 27	OK, I figured out how to use this and it works... but the only problem is that it requires a reboot. Is there no way we can ask the user to nicely close down the application before proceeding with the install? Last edited by richiebabes; 23rd June 2008 at 20:35.

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23rd June 2008, 20:40	#4
richiebabes Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 27	Like you know, a handy window saying "The following applications need to be closed down before installation can continue. Please close them and click Retry to continue, or you will be sent to the fires of hell for the weekend".

23rd June 2008, 20:47	#5
Afrow UK Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 8,434	Sure, http://nsis.sf.net/LockedList_plug-in You can use the AddModule function and give it the path to your application. Stu

23rd June 2008, 21:17	#6
richiebabes Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 27	Awesome, thanks!

23rd June 2008, 21:57	#7
richiebabes Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 27	Is it possible to only show the locked files page if there are actually files to be closed? If there are none I'd really like to just skip past it...

24th June 2008, 09:11	#8
Afrow UK Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 8,434	This would be a good addition. I'll add that option when I am next free (may be at the weekend). Stu

25th June 2008, 20:55	#9
richiebabes Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 27	Good stuff. If I have any spare time (rofl) I can look into it too now I am getting the hang of this NSIS stuff. Just want to say, after being plagued with using InstallShield the last couple of years, NSIS is a wonderful breath of fresh air!