You are here

[Obsolete] Portable App Creator

548 posts / 0 new
Last post
Crucial_Ballist...
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 7 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-24 06:27
That's actually been out for

That's actually been out for awhile now and while it makes use of NSIS, it I believe leaves 64-bit systems out in the cold. Also, I've not worked with NSIS enough to determine if it is a better choice than SFX files, which unpack on execution and delete their tracks before repacking on exit. This is a deficiency in Portable Apps ports because they're the equivalent to a trunk filled with luggage as opposed to a purse with SFX files.

If NSIS doesn't allow similar "uninstallation" then it isn't the right choice to achieve optimal portability. However, that doesn't mean the two authors couldn't collaborate on an app that hopefully would be 64-bit compatible.

ZachHudock
ZachHudock's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 11 months ago
Developer
Joined: 2006-12-06 18:07
the NSIS template doesn't

the NSIS template doesn't need "uninstallation". We do not use it as an installer, it is simply a script to backup local settings, move portable setting into place, launch the application, then when the app is closed, move the local settings back. To uninstall, simply delete the folder.

NSIS is an installer language, but it can be used for much more, as evidenced by these apps. NSIS itself does not leave registry traces of InstallPath or UninstallPath or anything along those lines...an entry may show up in MRU or MUICache, but those are unavoidable because just about everything creates an entry there, and it's in HKLM which is locked to non-admins.

The developer formerly known as ZGitRDun8705

Crucial_Ballist...
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 7 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-24 06:27
Okay, let me try to clarify

what I was attempting to express. I didn't mean to suggest the NSIS template required uninstallation and yes, I'm well aware of what NSIS is and it's potential applications beyond installation, which is why it interests me. And nothing is unavoidable, don't make excuses.

The difference between PAF files and SFX is this: the latter expands to a temp location then compacts when closed and if scripted correctly leaves no traces behind while PAF dumps its contents into a permanent folder (until deleted) that takes up more disk space. To move a PortableApps port you have to move an entire directory or alternatively run the PAF file again. As I said, a trunk of luggage as opposed to a single SFX file.

ZachHudock
ZachHudock's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 11 months ago
Developer
Joined: 2006-12-06 18:07
I understand now. I suppose

I understand now. I suppose the *.paf.exe installers could be written in a way to emulate this, but then the app would need to be "reinstalled" on each run. The same holds true for an SFX, the application would need to be extracted before it could run each and every time. This isn't a problem with small applications, but for somethings like OpenOffice.org, this would prove to be much more time consuming than 1 install and then just using the launcher.

The developer formerly known as ZGitRDun8705

Crucial_Ballist...
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 7 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-24 06:27
You make an excellent point.

Through testing I've found that with an average program there's really no noticeable difference in execution time between a installed app and a SFX file upon start. A suite of applications such as Open Office would theoretically take longer to open as an SFX or modified PAF, but in the case of your example, since the suite is comprised of separate executables, that would not be a problem. The only question would be one of difference in opening time between installed or SFX/PAF.

ZachHudock
ZachHudock's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 11 months ago
Developer
Joined: 2006-12-06 18:07
While OpenOffice does

While OpenOffice does contain multiple executables, they are all tightly integrated (unlike MS Office). While an individual exe may not be needed, others surely will, plus ignoring the unneeded exe's only reduces size by a few KB if I remember correctly. There have been multiple discussions about OO.o and removing exes within the forums here.

The developer formerly known as ZGitRDun8705

Crucial_Ballist...
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 7 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-24 06:27
I question whether your

I ontiequs htrwehe yoru teetmants bauot SM fifceO is erllya uet.r fI oyu atnw an aemlxpe fo ttgihyl te,dgerinat try iingntulnlsa IE nda ese twha nepsph.a I no'dt aehv egohnu ceenripeex yet to detabe npOe icfefO iwht y,ou oghhtu I do aehv a rytept godo aide who to ropt ti noit mcctdapoe rfmo tiowtuh diichgnt .nntigyha lsPeea nd'ot sak me ot xpecietal esuabec I n.to'w enWh dan fi I sreelea a detpro nosvrei of OO sa tpar fo okePtc ektR,oc hihcw iwll eb npeo o,srecu y'oull evha yruo nasewr etnh. se,disBe I hvtae'n wdeork lla eht snkik uto .tey

Patrick Patience
Offline
Last seen: 4 years 11 months ago
DeveloperModerator
Joined: 2007-02-20 19:26
Just So You Know

The first and last letters have to be the same for people to read it without a problem. Blum

Crucial_Ballist...
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 7 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-24 06:27
tJus So uoY wKno

The frist and lsat lerttes hvae to be the smae for pepole to raed it whtiout a pelmrob.

Peasle dceirt all cailtnpoms to the auhtor of NSAH ;>) What if the wdors dn'ot hvae two of the smae? What aubot one lteetr wdsor?

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
???

Speak ENGLISH!

Simplifying daily life through technology

Crucial_Ballist...
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 7 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-24 06:27
¿¿¿

Saepk ESHNGIL!

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
...

Since you obviously do not know how to speak (or in this case type) in a way people can understand, I don't se a reason to post

Simplifying daily life through technology

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
...

Since you obviously do not know how to speak (or in this case type) in a way people can understand, I don't se a reason to post

Simplifying daily life through technology

OliverK
OliverK's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 5 months ago
Developer
Joined: 2007-03-27 15:21
I think its oppish. Why the

I think its oppish.
Why the double post? and a reply to our self as the second?

I-bay e-thay ay-way, I-ay erfer-pay ig-oay atin-lay.

Too many lonely hearts in the real world
Too many bridges you can burn
Too many tables you can't turn
Don't wanna live my life in the real world

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Portable App Template

I agree that Portable App Template is great. But as far as I know, it's designed to work with apps that are Portable in the first place, e.g. that do not write to the registry. So the Template is mainly used to make it more simple to distribute them.

PAC, on the other hand, is designed to work with apps that are not Portable in the fist place, e.g. that do write to the registry.

In my opinion, PAT is the best program/template to use for "real" PortableApps, while I use PAC for the "not-so" PortableApps Wink

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

ZachHudock
ZachHudock's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 11 months ago
Developer
Joined: 2006-12-06 18:07
PAT can handle registry keys

PAT can handle registry keys as well, the user just has to tell it what keys to handle. It uses an outdated way of handling this though, PAT needs to be updated to the latest PAF specs.

The developer formerly known as ZGitRDun8705

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
I meant

Simplifying daily life through technology

Soultrain
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2008-03-07 11:04
Hmmm

But what your application does is basically pack all the necessary files. But if an installation needs, lets say, 300MB to be installed on the system, it also means that the portable application that will be made using your application will also have 300MB. Now, combine that to more applications and will get a bloody portable computer on bloody 100GB hardisk!!! If not more, depending on the applications you want to make portable!
That I can do with Thinstall and is a great tool.
It combines all the needed files in one executable file. That's great. What it doesnt do, like yours I suppose, is to reduce the end file size. Or is possible to do it with your app?

Cheers

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Next version

I once created PAC to be able to quickly make some applications "portable", just by installing and not having to do many manual steps. I thought it could be useful to more people, so I posted it here. I never tried Thinstall, so I'm not exactely sure what it can and can't do.

Currently, PAC doesn't reduce the end file size of the application installed. However, the next version, which I plan to release within a week time, will have the option to UPX the complete application installed.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Soultrain
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2008-03-07 11:04
That would be great!!! In a

That would be great!!! In a moment I am going to test your application and will give you my opinion. I already downloaded it yesterday. Just didnt have the time to test.

Anyway, it is great to know if shared your work!!! Thanks!!! And for free Smile

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
So...

Do you want to put it in the official developmet apps list? I think it belongs there. This app would be perfect as a real Portable App.

Simplifying daily life through technology

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
real Portable App

PAC itself is a real PorableApp, but - as it is developed to portablize closed-source apps - it doesn't generate real "PortableApp"s. So it is questionable if it should or shouldn't be in the development apps list. For now, I think it is fine where it is now. In the "Portable App Creator" thread in the "Development Forum" as I stated before. But if mods and/or John think it should be in the "Development Apps" list, I'll folow their guidlines.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Soultrain
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2008-03-07 11:04
Sorry to be bothering you

Sorry to be bothering you again, but I forgot to ask this: there are some applications that demand certain files (dll, others) to be already on the system, meaning it wont be installed during installation. Is your app able to know it? Otherwise it will give error when testing it on a host computer.

thanks

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
know it

As software is just as stupid as the one making it, my PAC isn't capable of "knowing" which files should already be on your system. I don't know the required pre-installed files for all software to be honest ;-).

But what you could do is let PAC take its first shot, then install the required files and next run the installation of the software you want to have portablized. Just follow PAC's directions from that point and all should work fine...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

BrianAll
Offline
Last seen: 6 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-13 13:44
Source code?

Is there any way to include the source code used by PAC to make an app as an AutoIt file somewhere in the app directory?
This would be great, as it would allow advanced users to alter the launcher if the app ever needs to be moved or changed.

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Portable App Shortcut

All source-code is included in the package (in the "source" folder). "PAC Compiler.au3" is the script that compiles "Portable App Creator.au3". That last script actually helps you portablizing the app you want. The script that is used to run your application and/or provide the shortcut in the PA-menu is "Portable App Shortcut.au3". You are free to change them all according to your needs.

But as far as moving/copying the app, I did my best to create a "copier". Its completely unsupported at the moment, and I am just provinding the link to the AU3-file here (only 2 KB). If you know what to do with the au3-file, I guess you are able to follow what the script does...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

BrianAll
Offline
Last seen: 6 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-13 13:44
Not PAC:

I'm not talking about PAC, I'm talking about the apps that PAC makes portable

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
I do not understand

You did ask: "Is there any way to include the source code used by PAC [...]" didn't you? So I answered that the source code (used by PAC) is included in the package: if you'd like it to be copied to the apps-folder, then feel free to modify "Portable App Creator.au3" if you want.

Now that you write: "I'm not talking about PAC, I'm talking about the apps that PAC makes portable", I have no clue what you mean. If you're asking if I can include the source-code of the applications that PAC might make portable, the answer is no. That's not possible as I do not know what app you'd want to make portable and next, that app might be closed-source!

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

BrianAll
Offline
Last seen: 6 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-13 13:44
Sigh...

I'm sorry for being unclear (I was in a rush when I made those posts), but what I want to know is if PAC could save the code it uses to make launchers, in an AutoIt file, etc.; or if it could be accessed by a user and saved somewhere.
Not the PAC source, or the other apps. Just the launchers. This would allow a user to move the directory the app is stored in, without messing up the launcher's shortcuts.

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Shortcut/ini

The launcher is "Portable App Shortcut.au3" compiled and renamed to "your app.exe". It gets its information from the "your app.ini" placed in the environment folder. If you would rename "Portable App Shortcut.au3" to "your app.au3" and place it in the folder you would normally run the laucher from. It would run the same as the "your app.exe".

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

BrianAll
Offline
Last seen: 6 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-13 13:44
Thank you.

Thanks alot, I didn't know that's what it was called.
I wasnted to keep the program in the launcher in the same folder to keep things organised.

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Portable App Creator (version 0·96·3 beta)

Though there are more packages around to create your personal PortableApps, PAC works fine for me and I like to think it's an easy tool that does its job for most software and systems (32-bit versions of 2000, XP and Vista). But yes, PAC has its limitations, like it won't work on a 64-bit OS and/or though it works with most it won't work with all software. And please remember: it's still beta!

The last few changes are all based on suggestions of people in this thread. The main new thing is the possibility to UPX all files belonging to the PortableApp you created. Listed are all changes for version 0·96·3 beta:

  • Eliminated a glitch in PAC Compiler.
  • Added an option in Portable App Creator to compress the application (being) installed using UPX.
  • As RegShot isn’t compatible with 64-bit operating systems, PAC exits after displaying info on this if the users attempts to monitor an installation on a 64-bit OS.
  • Changed Portable App Shortcut to assume the PA-drive is the drive it’s been launched from.
  • Some small visual and behavioral changes in all scripts.

You can now download Portable App Creator 0·96·3 beta (MD5: 6C08B47C1A460870D07176C8B42BF092, only 336 kB). Please see the readme-file supplied with this package to find out what you need to do before you can use "Portable App Creator" and/or watch the video demo (4.180 MB) I created using an older version of PAC.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

DJHasis
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-12-28 07:22
Bug

I tried to make Safari 3 portable, PAC made a register copy at first, then it opened Safari's installer, I installed Safari to my hdd at C:\PortableApps\Safari\
after installation ended the install-button in PAC didn't change from Working.
I checked from Task-Manager, there wasn't any installer opened, not even the microsoft's own installation system msiexec.exe or what was it name.
I tried to push cancel from PAC but nothing happened. I even killed regshot.exe from Task-Manager but nothing happened.
Then I just killed PAC.

I have WinXP sp2 home and PAC 0.96-3.

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Probably the warning popped up

I guess your system showed a warning on running the installer for Safari, which you downloaded. That caused a similar problem on my system. Fixed that in the new service-release (0·96·4 beta).

P.S. due to the limitations of PAC (see the readme), I am sceptic on the usability of a portablized version of Safari created with PAC...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Portable App Creator (0·96·4 beta)

Though there are more packages around to create your personal PortableApps, PAC works fine for me and I like to think it's an easy tool that does its job for most software. But yes, PAC has its limitations, so not everybody can use it and/or it won't work with all software.

The last few changes are all based on suggestions of people in this thread. The main new thing is the possibility to UPX all files belonging to the PortableApp you created. Listed are all changes for version 0·96·3 beta and 0·96·4 beta:

  • Eliminated a glitch in PAC Compiler.
  • Added an option in Portable App Creator to compress the application (being) installed using UPX.
  • As RegShot isn’t compatible with 64-bit operating systems, PAC exits after displaying info on this if the users attempts to monitor an installation on a 64-bit OS.
  • Changed Portable App Shortcut to assume the PA-drive is the drive it’s been launched from.
  • Some small visual and behavioral changes in all scripts.
  • Created a workaround in Portable App Creator in case a warning on downloaded software is showed.

You can now download Portable App Creator 0·96·4 beta (MD5: 864B0A1FACC2E1EBC4090AE715C02CFD, only 336 kB). Please see the readme-file supplied with this package to find out what you need to do before you can use "Portable App Creator" and/or watch the video demo (4.180 MB) I created using an older version of PAC.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

StephenQ
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 6 months ago
Joined: 2006-08-29 01:01
Im really not liking

Im really not liking rapidshare at the moment, seems to be causing a lot of problems for me, and i don't like indirect downloads.
I would offer file hosting on my uploader site, but with the strict rules around here if i post the link then it'll probably get removed.

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
No it wouldn't

The app is completly open source, permision of author isn't really required, I dont see anything wrong with posting a link.

Simplifying daily life through technology

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Mirroring is fine

I totally agree with Stevoisiak and don't see why you couldn't mirror PAC on your uploader site. I agree that RapidShare isn't perfect, but I didn't know where to put PAC otherwise Wink

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Heres a good site

Try mediafire. You dont evejn need to register!

Simplifying daily life through technology

orobin
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 8 months ago
Joined: 2008-03-26 11:46
Hello, I have tried portable

Hello,

I have tried portable app creator, version 0.96 beta 4, today, on these configuration :
Virtual pc 2007, Windows XP pro - sp2 -without any program installed on it, without any microsoft update.

Virtual PC 2007 doesn' support usb. so PAC doesn't see any usb drive.
it tell me that it will use c:
then, I choose a programm to monitor.
then, in the next screen, I can see several button :
Take 1st shot, installa pplication, etc....

I hacve clicked on the "Take 1st shot" buttn, which change into : "Working".

then, nothing more happen.
I can wait for several hours, it doesn't do anything.

I can see that the virtaul pc is not doing anything, because the drive icon, network icon are not blinking, under virtual pc, and my host pc have a CPU profiler, which says there is not activity.

when I test PAC on my HostPC, under vista, after few second, the "Take 1st shot" is done.

PAC seem to be not working under virtual PC 2007.

When I try to convert my virtual machine, under vmware, it doen't work.
So I can' use vmWare.

do you plan to make it work on virtual pc 2007, or not ?

thank you for any feedback,

best regards,
Olivier

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Works for me

I'm sorry PAC doesn't work for you on Microsoft Virtual PC and/or VMWare Workstation. It does work for for me on both those virtual machines. I'll see if I can find out what may go wrong within that "take 1st shot" step.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

orobin
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 8 months ago
Joined: 2008-03-26 11:46
Hello, If you need some

Hello,

If you need some informations, I can send it to you (for example, a log file generated by PAC...)

thank you
Olivier

App Guy
Offline
Last seen: 11 years 1 month ago
Joined: 2008-03-16 14:24
Does not work

Hope you can help me but it does not work for me. Each time I try to run it it downloads and extracts the autoit program but the compiler keeps saying that it can't find the necessary files needed. Can anyone help? Could you make a video on how to create the creator.

May the Shwartz be with you

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Let me guess

By any chance are you running this on a school or work computer? If so, websence is probably blocking the download. Happened to me.

Simplifying daily life through technology

matro
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 1 month ago
Joined: 2008-03-29 19:55
don't work 4 me 2

I am having the same problem. Help appreciated. Smile

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Can't find what goes wrong

I tried and tried to reproduce your problem, but I just can't. If PAC Compiler doesn't find the AutoIt files on my machine, they are downloaded, extracted and found. I'll keep trying on different systems in order to be able to get to know what goes wrong, but it could take a while.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

App Guy
Offline
Last seen: 11 years 1 month ago
Joined: 2008-03-16 14:24
Don't Worry

I figured out that I was not letting it run the whole time. I tried it again and it worked.

May the Shwartz be with you

App Guy
Offline
Last seen: 11 years 1 month ago
Joined: 2008-03-16 14:24
Need Files?

Do you need to keep the autoit files with PAC?

May the Shwartz be with you

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Portable App Creator.exe

After "PAC Compiler.exe" created you a copy of "Portable App Creator.exe", you won't need the AutoIt files anymore. "Portable App Creator.exe" contains all necessary information (and files) that are needed.

Does your question imply that you managed to compile PAC already?

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Question

I would like to use PAC to make Super Smash Flash portable. (Settings are stored on PC) however, i am not sure wheter my computer has traces of the app on it. I would like to check before I make the app. Usually, id start up SSF and see, but that may end up creating settings. What do I do?

Edit: Oh yeah, I for got to ask. Now that PAC is set up, what files can I get rid of? I already know I dont need the PAC compiler anymore, but what else can I delete. Also, this app isn't in perfect PAF format. The three folders are files, icon, and source, when they should be app, data, and other. Also, after you compile PAC, there are two exe's in the root folder. And usually, help files aqre in HTML format.

Simplifying daily life through technology

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
About your questions

In order to create a PAC-ed version of any program it is really best to make sure that the computer has no traces of it. But as you state, it is sometimes hard to see if the computer does have traces of the app. Maybe other users have ideas how to check this, but generally I would suggest using a virtual machine or any machine on which the app was never installed before to create the PAC-ed version.

As I stated in the post above yours, once you have "Portable App Creator.exe" you won't need any other file to run it. So, it is portable meaning you can just copy that one file to you PortableApps-drive: "Portable App Creator.exe" is the only file you'll need. I know most help-files are CHM's (actually HTML's), but I just thought one PDF would also do. I can't squeeze the CHM-information to the size of the PDF I provide.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

horusofoz
horusofoz's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-04-03 22:45
Excuse me

Can you please upload this app to any site other than rapishare. I don't know what it is but it always claims that I am already downloading. I realise this is because I am on a shared network but still I have been trying to download this app for nearly a week now.

Can you please upload the file to any other hosting service. eg. filefront, megaupload, mediafire, filefactory.

If you have created an alternative link that I am not aware of can someone please direct me to it.

Many thanks

Horusofoz

PortableApps.com Advocate

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
MediaFire

The start-post now also contains a link to the file on MediaFire.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

horusofoz
horusofoz's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-04-03 22:45
Many thanks maroesjk

Cheers

PortableApps.com Advocate

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Ok

So all I have left is the creater and the readme. Now, I am having trouble FINDING a free PC. I may have used the app off my flashdrive before.

Simplifying daily life through technology

horusofoz
horusofoz's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-04-03 22:45
Sorry to be a pain

Sorry to be a pain but when you have the time can you please also add the video demo to mediafire. I'm sure there are many others beside myself who would appreciate it.

Many thanks

Horusofoz

PortableApps.com Advocate

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
As soon as I have a few minutes left

I'll add the video demo to MediaFire as soon as I have a few minutes left. I hope to be able to upload it coming friday!

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

horusofoz
horusofoz's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-04-03 22:45
Cheers

Cheers

PortableApps.com Advocate

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Actually,

Why not upload the video to YouTube or TinyPic? That way, people don't have to download the video to watch it.

Simplifying daily life through technology

wingmanjd
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 1 week ago
Joined: 2006-11-30 19:26
Floppy Drive String error

Currently, I'm getting an error at the installation phase of a program using PAC. It's throwing me a wobbly with the following errors:

Error:
String ERROR_FLOPPY_DRIVE was not found in the string table

Severe:
ERROR_FLOPPY_DRIVE

Any help would be greatly appreciated

horusofoz
horusofoz's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-04-03 22:45
Icons??

Ello,

downloaded PAC about a week ago now and the prog works great. Been able to make portable versions of a lot of apps that I use regularly and even some games that I own. A couple haven't turned out right but considering the number that have its been pretty good. What I am writing about though is how some of the apps dont have icons in the menu. I know there are icons as if the prog doesnt have one I make it myself and insert it include in the folder myself. Anyway is this a common problem or am I doin something wrong?

Thanks for your help and the great apps

PortableApps.com Advocate

horusofoz
horusofoz's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-04-03 22:45
Can someone please help with

Can someone please help with this.
Is it a matter of icon size or something?

PortableApps.com Advocate

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Solved

I saw your question was already solved in another thread!

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

App Guy
Offline
Last seen: 11 years 1 month ago
Joined: 2008-03-16 14:24
Problem

When I install the portableapp to the menu using PAC, it will come up in the add remove programs in the control panel. Is there any way to go around this.

May the Shwartz be with you

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Add/remove programs

There isn't a general way to go around that. But you could try deleting the regkeys in the *.reg-file referring to HKCR\Installer. That should work...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

._net
._net's picture
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 7 months ago
Joined: 2008-04-12 19:25
awesome

thanks a lot! I really needed a program like this. it works like a charm.:D

App Guy
Offline
Last seen: 11 years 1 month ago
Joined: 2008-03-16 14:24
Structure

Could PAC be able to install into the normal folder structure?

May the Shwartz be with you

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
what do you mean?

I can't see what you mean. The readme.pdf does say to which folder you should install the applications to. So you can just install them "into the normal folder structure".

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Msingh32
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2007-04-30 14:56
i think he means

I think he maean to have launcher and "app" folder in 1 folder, this is what i asked below

New to Making Portable apps, but not to portable apps

Msingh32
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2007-04-30 14:56
OK, I got my first APp running portably

NVM, i just figured it out, i never had the app main directory inside the portable apps folder. But i still dont know how to make a splash screen come up can someone help me.

New to Making Portable apps, but not to portable apps

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Well,

If it's for personal use, you dont really need a splash.

Simplifying daily life through technology

Msingh32
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2007-04-30 14:56
Ok

ok, i was just wondering, if i wanted to post something on here. IF i wanted a splash screen i would have to recompile the launcher right?

New to Making Portable apps, but not to portable apps

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Splash in launcher

Yes, you would have to modify and recompile the launcher as it currently doesn't work with splash screens...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Msingh32
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2007-04-30 14:56
Ok

Ok, Thank that is too much work for me lol, ill just leave it as iit is.

New to Making Portable apps, but not to portable apps

lococobra
lococobra's picture
Offline
Last seen: 16 years 6 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-29 19:31
Virtual PC/VMware/VirtualBox

Just wanted to post this because it seems like I've seen a couple people talking about trying to get portable versions of these...

It will never work using PAC, or thinstall... or anything for that matter.

Virtual PC, VMWare, and VirtualBox all use kernel level drivers, which MUST be installed in order to work.

That being said, there are already portable versions of these programs available (they install the drivers/services on demand then remove them)

Virtual PC 2007: http://portable.lococobra.com

Msingh32
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2007-04-30 14:56
Making the app

Um, when i install the "app" should i direct it to a folder that i want to make portable? i mean when i was makin TM Nations Forever portable. I followed the whole process that PAC told me to do, but then i saw that i didnt have the the launcher and TM in the same folder. What should i do to make launcher and the "app" info into 1 folder?

New to Making Portable apps, but not to portable apps

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Readme

As you could have read in the Readme provided with the package, there is no need to have the launcher and the application itself in the same folder. More, I wouldn't suggest putting them in the same folder.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Msingh32
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 9 months ago
Joined: 2007-04-30 14:56
Ok

Ok, thank, i just was askin cause i wanted to keep my flash drive organized, but ill just hdie the folders after i install them.

New to Making Portable apps, but not to portable apps

cocotteman
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 10 months ago
Joined: 2008-05-07 16:21
Aut2Exe error : "Error adding file: ..\files\line.jpg"

Hi,

I tried to compile yours au3 scripts and I obtained this error : "Error adding file: ..\files\line.jpg".

In fact I didn't find any file "line.jpg" in the "files" directory.

Anyone could help me please ?

Thanks

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Strange

Never experienced this error. "PAC Compiler" includes "line.jpg" and should put it in the "files" folder. Did you unpack the files folder from the zip, because the "files" folder should exist for PAC Compiler to be able to put the file there...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

cocotteman
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 10 months ago
Joined: 2008-05-07 16:21
files in "files"

Hi,

thanks for your answer. I effectively unpacked the files folder from the zip, but I always don't have a file named "line.jpg" in the "files" folder. What about you ? Could you eventually give me a list of files which are in your "files" folder ?

Thank you.

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
Files in the "files"-folder

The list of files in the "files"-folder is quite short. It should contain "gpl.txt" and "regshot.exe" after unpacking the zip-file. Once you run "PAC Compiler.exe" for the first time, five files will/should be added to that folder:
- line.jpg and picture.jpg (for the gui)
- aut2exe.exe, autoitsc.bin and upx.exe (from the autoit package).

That's it!

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

cocotteman
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 10 months ago
Joined: 2008-05-07 16:21
X-files !!!

I don't understand what happens : at the first run, [aut2exe.exe, autoitsc.bin and upx.exe] are created but not [line.jpg and picture.jpg]... so the error !!!

I don't really understand where these files are come from ?

Do you have any idea ?

See you for more information...

statement
Offline
Last seen: 15 years 6 months ago
Joined: 2008-05-06 12:32
Interesting project

I was looking through the source code, looks well written, I haven't tested it yet, but I think this project has promise.

BTW "The RapidShare Happy Hours are active right now. Have fun!"

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Non-installer

I noticed throughout both the readme, and the program, it mentions to use an installer. However, some apps, (Single EXE's, Zip folders, PAC, ect) dont use installers. Is it ok if I just direct it to the main EXE file? Also, I can fix some grammer errors in the readme for you if youd like.

Simplifying daily life through technology

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
If no installer is needed

Your suggestion is right. If no installer is needed to make the application work, you can just point to he executable twice (once as the installation, the second time as the application the shortcut should start).
Fixing the grammar errors would be great. Just send an e-mail to PortableAppCreator [at] GMail [dot] com.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
Ok

It would be nice if next update, along with my grammer fix, a more user friendly way of installing non installer programs to be added. Also, is any regestry left on the host computer you installed it on? Because I noticed that the shortcuts and menu items are left behind. Also, many times I just want to use the Icon file from the exe file. Could that be an addable feature?

Simplifying daily life through technology

maroesjk
Offline
Last seen: 13 years 5 months ago
Joined: 2007-11-01 15:55
I'll see

I will try to add a "workaround" for aplications without an installer in the next version. But, because of the fact that we're expecting our second child in a few weeks, I have to say: "It's done, when it's done...".

The registry-information, shortcuts and menu-items are left behind on the system you install the software you want to portablize on. I did that because I thought it could be handy in some cases (want to uninstall or rebuild the software). But if people would like it to be deleted, that wouldn't be much of a problem! I'll think about it.

Extracting the icon from the exe isn't that simple using AutoIt, that's why I decided to make use of *.ico-files. But i'll see if I can fix it!

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand Binary and those who don't.

undrline
undrline's picture
Offline
Last seen: 12 years 10 months ago
Joined: 2008-05-15 20:48
What if you're not installing an App?

I have modified a piece of OSS, so that it can run off of a removable disk simply by copying the whole thing there and launching the executable.

I want to create a PA version. I'm having trouble following the documentation that does exist. So, I thought this might be a viable alternative. But, it appears the PAC has to be watching an active installation to work. Maybe if I just pack the whole thing as an SFX, and point PAC to the SFX?

I suppose I can try it an see what happens.

EDIT: I guess this has been asked over and over, but the thread is way long. In fact, the answer is right above my post Wink

Stevoisiak
Stevoisiak's picture
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 3 months ago
Joined: 2008-02-05 11:22
I agree

I think it's time for a new thread too. Maybe in beta test? Also, it wouldn't work, as the new app is in NO way in PAF format, though they are portable, and will work for anyone who only needs it for personal use.

Simplifying daily life through technology

Pages

Topic locked