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[Release FINAL] Launch From Port: Updated to v1.4

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November 6, 2006 - 10:43pm
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nightwolf81
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[Release FINAL] Launch From Port: Updated to v1.4

Change your Background and Run PStart, also has a called script you can use.

Download Link:
http://www.uploading.com/files/4RBE55A7/LaunchFromPortv1.4_Setup.exe.html

Download Mirror:
http://rapidshare.com/files/2915267/LaunchFromPortv1.4_Setup.exe

Size: 806kb
MD5 Hash: EE9C27DAA5E6A2AB4D73F582D52E2357

ChangeLog:

Launch From Port:

Finale and Farewell!!

As this is not really a big or Hard to do project (I am leaving it as v1.4. . . anyone feel free to download the source code and do as you want, re release it as your name too (It's just a basis for others to build on)

Nightwolf81

Change Log:

1.4 Doesn't Need Reg Write Privlages
Doesn't Need %SystemDrive% write if picture is BMP
Included Source Code (VB6)

1.3 Change log:
Now handles JPG files (to save space)
Changed Folder Structure
Added Root Path Launcher
Checks to see if LaunchFromPort folder exists or it exits

1.2 Change log:
AutoScript.Bat added
Style.ini Added to change Wallpaper Style
Close LaunchFromPort on PStart exit
Optimized Code

1.1 Internal Build

1.0 First Version Release

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November 7, 2006 - 1:46am
twnty3svn
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Perfect

now works great. All it needs now is a automatic JPG -> BMP converter!

Thanks again

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November 7, 2006 - 1:56am
(Reply to #2)
nightwolf81
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I can add it BUT

I would have to make it create the BMP version of the wallpaper into the same folder as the JPG (and somtimes people mightn't want this (they can get big as a BMP) so at least if I leave it slightly complicated noobs wont get stuck deleting the BMP just to keep the JPG (plus it'll slow things down)

Portable gaim should be able to save off pictures as a BMP. . . just use that to create a Wallpaper.BMP in the 'LaunchFromPort' folder! then change the Style.ini using notepad to reflect your needs.

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November 7, 2006 - 3:10am
(Reply to #3)
Ryan McCue
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Note:

Bitmaps are uncompressed, so they are larger in file size. This could become a problem.
----
Ryan McCue
Cube Games
People who didn't need people needed people around to know that they were
the kind of people who didn't need people.
(Maskerade)

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."

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November 7, 2006 - 8:35am
(Reply to #4)
twnty3svn
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good point..

however is it possible to create a GUI which allows the user to select say a JPG which then saves as a BMP file in the root directory, but the JPGs are in say another folder? Basically what the windows Dispaly Properties does, allows you to select your own JPG and it does the rest. That way the only BMP file to be saved is the one the program uses.

Not sure if this is beyond the scope of the software or not, just a suggestion.

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November 7, 2006 - 4:59am
(Reply to #5)
rich.bradshaw
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Seems to work fine. Perhaps

Seems to work fine. Perhaps could make LaunchFromPort.exe take a path to Pstart to avoid having them all in root directory (I like to have everything in root dir so I can easily open it on PCs with autoplay disabled - (i.e. all of them!) At the moment I have to have LaunchFromPort, Pstart,Wallpaper,Style.ini etc all in the root folder - I would prefer to just have LaunchFromPort... Thanks for adding the support for Tiling/Stretching Wallpaper!

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November 7, 2006 - 5:40am
(Reply to #6)
nightwolf81
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I've made a Root Folder launcher!

U must continue to use the 'LaunchFromPort' folder tho (Just to make it easier on me)

So to fix it just put all the files back in 'LaunchFromPort folder and I'll upload to:

http://www.uploading.com/files/EYPS4JRE/LaunchFromPortRoot.exe.html

Just copy this one into the root of your removable drive!

p.s. it wont do anything if you don't put the files back to the proper folder

I'll add this to my next packaged one (but this will tie you over)

ANYONE GOT ANY MORE FEEDBACK????

I'll do what I can!

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November 7, 2006 - 9:14am
(Reply to #7)
twnty3svn
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Thats a good idea...

not to be nitpicky but can we have the structure to corrospond to John's layout as well, say the the LaunchFromPort.exe in the root directory, but hav the other file in PortableApps\PStart or PortableApps\LaunchFromPort?

(i know i'm a bit anal on these sorts of things)

PS. its fantastic that you've been able to make the program exit when PStart does, maybe for a future project you can make a launcher that allows other programs to start and exit once PStart does, i'm sure this would be very popular.
I've been trying to make kill.exe work to terminate my rainlender.exe process, but not gettin very far atm, if you have any insite, please share Smile

EDIT: never mind, got it to kill

Thanks

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November 7, 2006 - 10:13am
(Reply to #8)
rich.bradshaw
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Thanks!

That's better!

I don't think there is any need to add a jpg->bmp converter - even paint lets you do that...

How about removing Dizzy though - is there any need for it to be included?

Keep up the good work! What language are you using to program this?

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November 7, 2006 - 10:21am
John T. Haller
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Source code?

I didn't see the source code or a license mentioned. As indicated in the forum guidelines, you may only self-promote applications released under an open source license (with full source code).

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

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November 7, 2006 - 10:29am
(Reply to #10)
nightwolf81
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U want the source to my app??? here

NOW it's open source (VB6 incase no one noticed)

Lisence terms - Print it out and make paper airplanes (I don't give a rats) its FREE

[Removed at request of author]

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November 7, 2006 - 10:44am
(Reply to #11)
John T. Haller
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Umm... no

What I would suggest is that you include the source in your package, along with whatever license you're releasing it under. That way, as you update it, you're giving the current code to whoever is downloading.

As to license... if it's all your own code, you can release it however you'd like (including public domain). If there's any code in there that isn't your own creation, you'll need to respect the license that code was released under and indicate that in the source code.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

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November 8, 2006 - 7:02am
(Reply to #12)
nightwolf81
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Sorry bout that

Smile

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November 9, 2006 - 7:32am
rich.bradshaw
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Since 1.3, Pstart is loaded

Since 1.3, Pstart is loaded by LaunchFromPort, but background isn't changed... I have both Wallpaper.jpg and Wallpaper.bmp of the same image in the folder with LaunchFromPort... any ideas why? It worked with previous versions....

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November 11, 2006 - 9:24am
(Reply to #14)
nightwolf81
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I'll be updating this app

I'll be updating this app soon. . .

But I need to know Have you got registry write abilities and do you have a %SystemDrive% specified (eg booted into REAL wondows??) with that drive writeabillity??

Bacause this version 1.3 needs these two things (but v1.4 will only need write %SystemDrive% ONLY if a JPG is specified (if it's a BMP it'll read it straight off the memory stick in v1.4)

Lemme know (I'll probablly release v1.4 later on anyway. . . but if I know what was going on I might be able to make sure It will fix it)!

-edit-
hmmm those two updates were easier than I thought - new version v1.4(try that and lemme know)

Thanks for all the feedback EVERYONE so far (I might be able to include more features and abilities (what else would people like to see?) p.s. I am looking into Vista at the moment (I may take a day or two to reply).

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November 12, 2006 - 2:29pm
(Reply to #15)
rich.bradshaw
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No Registry access.

No Registry access. Think I have %systemdrive% access though.

How do you make it work with a .bmp file now? I have tried just replacing Wallpaper.jpg with a Wallpaper.bmp version of the file (by converting to bmp, not just renaming!) but it doesn't pick it up, even on Windows where I have full admin access...

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November 13, 2006 - 11:32am
arqbrulo
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Question

What is the AutoScript.bat for? how do I use it?
---------------
Teen1: Oh, here comes that cannonball guy. He's cool.
Teen2: Are you being sarcastic, dude?
Teen1: I don't even know anymore.

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." -- Robert Frost
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: baby ain't mine." -- Adam Holguin

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November 13, 2006 - 12:53pm
(Reply to #17)
nightwolf81
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it is called when You plug

it is called when You plug in your removable media. . .

Google Batch Scripts
Google Batch Files

MANY things to learn to use it

but for some basics

put an app in the same folder as it and then add:

@echo off

rem --------------

appname.exe

rem --------------
exit

to the AutoScript.bat to run it when you plug in the Drive!

a bat file is the same as a cmd file (so if you see information on cmd it'll work within the bat under windows).

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November 13, 2006 - 5:18pm
(Reply to #18)
arqbrulo
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So I dont really *need* to

So I dont really *need* to use the bat file? The reason I'm asking is I didnt do anything to the bat file, and when I pluged my drive, my wallpager would flicker once and not apply my new wallpaper. Any ideas as to why?
---------------
Teen1: Oh, here comes that cannonball guy. He's cool.
Teen2: Are you being sarcastic, dude?
Teen1: I don't even know anymore.

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." -- Robert Frost
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: baby ain't mine." -- Adam Holguin

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November 14, 2006 - 2:49am
(Reply to #19)
Ryan McCue
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Well

what are the contents (open with Notepad)?
----
Ryan McCue
Cube Games
People who didn't need people needed people around to know that they were
the kind of people who didn't need people.
(Maskerade)

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."

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November 14, 2006 - 4:17am
(Reply to #20)
nightwolf81
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Just

Yeh thats all you do with Bat file. . . don't bother with it at all if not needed for anything.

There is now no reason why you LaunchFromPort wouldn't change the Background (It works fine on mine. . . and the Source code is so simple anyone that knows basic will have no trouble changing it).

if BMP isn't working try a jpg (remove BMP from folder) (if that isn't working then you might have to find another tool to change your background as I have stoped development on this app and don't intend to continue it for a while).

Good luck with your Project and hope other tools arn't as unreliable as this was for you!

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November 20, 2006 - 5:29am
(Reply to #21)
El Salvador
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Which license uses Launch

Which license uses Launch From Port? I don't find no license file.

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November 20, 2006 - 6:31am
(Reply to #22)
nightwolf81
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Thats why I quit this site!!

"Which license uses Launch From Port? I don't find no license file."

I don't believe in license crap. . . I use OPEN SOURCE (OPEN) means here ya go take what you need (but somewhere on some internet site you can't get somthing for nothing. . . DON'T fall for it (the internet contains free information use it and Funk the users who demand recognition. . . They either earn your respect and you greatfully mention them on your releases or WHAT!. . . they are not gonna bang down your door with a court order saying you should have read that information!!

Mabey I should have left my old lisence on there (i'll re quote it)

Lisence Agreement:
Feel free to print out the code and make paper airplanes with it (I don't give a rats)! IT FREE!

@'El Salvador' this is not aimed at you at all (so no flames from me) it's just how this sites banged in to your mind (about irrevelant Lisence agreements on OPEN source projects)! it not open source it called GPL liscence!! woohoo great leap foward NOT!!! Free means Free. . . LaunchFromPort is free.

@Everyone

If I've changed your life by reading this (good) it just means that - Before you wern't paying attention!

Fairwell all I am off to hang myself (or LaunchFromCannon)!

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November 22, 2006 - 2:02pm
(Reply to #23)
wsm23
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Hopefully you are still reading this..

..."As indicated in the forum guidelines, you may only self-promote applications released under an open source license (with full source code)." by John T Haller earlier in this thread.

No one is purposely trying to give you a hard time. This is just how John wants to run his site.

8)
Life is about the journey not the destination!
Live today like it is your last!

Do you do the right thing even when no one will know you did?

\(^.^)/

Life is about the journey not the destination!

The Kazoo Spartan

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November 21, 2006 - 11:16am
yehoni
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I know you said this is a final release...

but is there any way we can get a version of this that launches the PortableAppsMenu instead of PStart? Or instructions to modify it in that manner, at least, since I doubt I could figure it out on my own.

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November 21, 2006 - 11:22am
(Reply to #25)
El Salvador
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Rename PortableAppsMenu.exe

Rename PortableAppsMenu.exe in PStart.exe or make a version modified of LaunchFromPort. Smile

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November 21, 2006 - 12:02pm
(Reply to #26)
yehoni
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Didn't work

Renaming PortableAppsMenu.exe as PStart.exe launched the menu, but not the wallpaper (sort of defeats the purpose). I have no idea how to modify LaunchFromPort myself, which is why I asked for help.

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November 21, 2006 - 12:13pm
(Reply to #27)
El Salvador
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I just tried with PAM

I just tried with PAM and it didn't work (yesterday I tried with my launcher ASuite and it worked). Maybe the cause is PAM and not LaunchFromPort.

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November 22, 2006 - 9:57pm
(Reply to #28)
nightwolf81
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It's worked for me??

I just renamed PortableAppsMenu.exe to PStart.exe . . . pluged it into my USB slot and pow. . . background changed and PAM menu came up. . . I then pressed x on PAM and it quit it and changed the background back. . .

Install my LaunchFromPort. . . Browse to 'z:\PortableApps\LaunchFromPort' and replace PStart.exe with PortableAppsMenu.exe renamed to PStart.exe !!

Theres no reason anything shouldn't work as it only calls PStart.exe using VB6 code and as soon as the PID (program ID) quits (exit app) it'll unload LaunchFromPort as well. . . Also if you pull out the USB it'll unload the PAM (or whatever your replace it with)!!!

Try above if no go (I am still not updating the code. . . as I don't have vb6 on at the moment. . . I only got VS2005)!!

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November 23, 2006 - 10:25am
(Reply to #29)
yehoni
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My mistake

I was renaming StartPortableApps.exe instead. I was hoping to put LaunchFromPort in the root directory, and use an autorun with it. If I need to go 2 folders in to find it, I might as well run it from the PortableAppsMenu, and let it run PStart. It'll actually take fewer clicks.

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March 16, 2007 - 6:18am
DanishCow
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Not working in windows 2000?

Was just what I was looking for, but.... It don't work in Windows 2000..?

I have it working on my laptop with an installed XP home, but my windows 2000 it will not change the background.
Have i done something wrong or is it just not working on win2000 system?
Could anyone confirm this!

Dearly Regards DanishCow

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