I idea I would love to see in a future release

[spanky]

I think having a "Web Install" option would be 'gnarly'

Instead of packaging all the files into 1 exe why not download an installer (like Netscape's setup) that transfers the necessary files from the web?

Maybe even have the option to store a text file on a specified server and have the installer download that file first.. this file would contain the filenames (and locations) of what to download.
This way people would use the installer as an updater too.

Excuse me if I come across as confusing. I am a bit drunk at the moment. =)

[Bor]

I also was thinking about such feature. I think it is a good idea.

Bor.

PS. My best ideas also come when I'm drunk, the only problem is remembering them the next morning.

[Koen van de Sande]

Personally, I hate web installs.

And it's probably a lot of work (you'd need to include a complete downloader).
Do you want such a complex (and error-prone) feature?

[Bor]

First let Justin make NSIS a good (not to degrade the installer, it is already damn good) "normal" installer and after that add the web-feature, if there is enough demand for it.

[polaughlin]

I think it would be great for VB applications that would need runtimes/ocx's/etc. This way, you could have one installer download and then when the user installs it, if they need any of the required files, they can download them.

[Edgewize]

I don't like internet installs because they depend on the reliability of the server at all times. Nobody can mirror your files if the install script always looks in the same place - and what if you change web hosts? Ugh.

Originally posted by polaughlin
I think it would be great for VB applications that would need runtimes/ocx's/etc. This way, you could have one installer download and then when the user installs it, if they need any of the required files, they can download them.

Or you could do what I've done, and test for the VB runtime files and re-direct the user to download something else if they don't exist:

code:


  IfFileExists "$SYSDIR\msvbvm60.dll" 0 5

  IfFileExists "$SYSDIR\mscomctl.ocx" 0 4

  IfFileExists "$SYSDIR\mscomct2.ocx" 0 3

  IfFileExists "$SYSDIR\comdlg32.ocx" 0 2

  IfFileExists "$SYSDIR\tabctl32.ocx" 0 1

  Jump 2

  MessageBox MB_YESNO "You are missing support files.  Download them now?" IDNO 1

  ExecShell "" "http://path.to/download/vbruntime.exe"

Nifty, eh?

[polaughlin]

Good call!

[carlito_au]

this is what i did in a .vbs file that my nsis script runs:

code:


Dim fso

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")

If not fso.FileExists("C:\Windows\System\ASYCFILT.DLL") then

msgbox "The file ASYCFILT.DLL can't be found.", 64

end if

If not fso.FileExists("C:\Windows\System\COMCAT.DLL") then

msgbox "The file COMCAT.DLL can't be found.", 64

end if

If not fso.FileExists("C:\Windows\System\MSVBVM60.DLL") then

msgbox "The VB6 runtime files can't be found.", 64

end if

If not fso.FileExists("C:\Windows\System\OLEAUT32.DLL") then

msgbox "The file OLEAUT32.DLL can't be found.", 64

end if

If not fso.FileExists("C:\Windows\System\STDOLE2.TLB") then

msgbox "The file STDOLE2.TLB can't be found.", 64

end if

If not fso.FileExists("C:\Windows\System\Olepro32.DLL") then

msgbox "The file Olepro32.DLL can't be found.", 64

end if

msgbox "If this is the first message box you've seen then

 you're all set and ready to use the program. If any file 

was reported missing then you'll need to install the VB6 

runtime files.", 64

[rainwater]

I have windows installed on d:\ so that wouldn't work.

[spanky]

After sobering up a bit I remembered that I hate web installs. What was I thinking?!
I must say I agree with you, Koen van de Sande

[scottyc]

Originally posted by spanky
After sobering up a bit I remembered that I hate web installs. What was I thinking?!

I knew this would happen. Sorry I didn't get to you sooner in the thread. Just wanted to warn you that posting while drunk is NEVAR a good idea! You will always do something silly! Or i always do!*




*I'm not drunk right now.

[saivert]

It's funny to play drunk in the forums, but when it's time to calm down we do...

code:


---------------------------------------------

| And I thought of Web Installs first!!!!   |

---------------------------------------------

[webspider84]

if anyone DARES destroy NSIS with a webinstall that would be the END. Have u ever tred one of these your self????????????? They are that worst thing EVER. Please Please do not destroy NSIS with one it is a great Installer as it is!

[NickC]

yeah but in some cases (like with me where files are updated regularly) a web installer would be a great addition to NSIS.