I tried creating a portable app following the instructions here: https://portableapps.com/node/14939
However, I keep getting error messages. Someone suggested that it is because I did not create a launcher and a help file in the folder structure. Now, I thought that
compiling the script would create the launcher. I am sorry for being rather ignorant about this, but I would like to learn how to create portables. Is someone willing to walk me through the process a little?
I would be happy to communicate via email, rather than clogging up the forum with dumb questions.
Thanks in advance,
Mark Rose
[Topic clarified by mod Tim]
was Please excuse my ignorance
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Welcome to PortableApps.com, Mark!
I'm glad to see that you're interested in joining the latest fashion
I'd propose that you go to our IRC channel and ask people there. Go to https://portableapps.com/support/chat to get instructions on how to join, or if you just want it quickly, use the online client at https://portableapps.com/support/chat/live.
When you go there first, you may not find someone who can help, but if you don't, just come back later, you'll find someone who can help eventually. I normally come on at least once a day for a fair bit of the day, and I can definitely help.
Thanks also for not wanting to clog up our forums, you've started off with an attitude I like
I am a Christian and a developer and moderator here.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Thanks for responding Chris. I will try the IRC and look forward to chatting with you there soon.
Mark
I originally had thought before that all you had to do to create an app was take out unnecessary .exe(s) and make it a .zip and email it to one of the MODs to make an installer. Then I found out about that you have to make the installer yourself... so i tried it. I also got some error messages saying that the .nsi script was wrong... despite the readme saying not to edit the .nsi file. I think that maybe it might be messed up or something, I did everything that the other files told me to do but it still didn't work. Any ideas?
Pyromaniac, I followed all the instructions:
only edited the .nsh, did NOT touch the .nsi, and created the correct folder structure. I suspect we are getting the same/similar error messages. I tried with CCleaner because I thought it would be relatively simple to make portable as an experiment. I am "glad" to know that I am not the only one who understood the node as suggesting that compiling the .nsi would create the portable app/launcher. Chris Morgan (see above) suggests I go on the IRC chat channel. Maybe you should too. Anyway, if you discover what we are missing, I would be happy to share any tips and tricks with you.
Mark
If you do not create all required files/fill in all required info, the .nsi will look for stuff thats not there (but that is supposed to be there), and will give errors.
I advise you to read this, and check if any files/folders it says you need to create are missing.
https://portableapps.com/node/14868
Good luck creating your portable app!!!!
Behold, the DutchLander has arrived.
Grammatical errors are copyrighted.
Thank you MaienM. I will take a good look at the node and post again if I have any further questions.
Mark
Okay, I looked at the node, but I have some rather basic questions:
1. why do I need Regshot etc, when John's installer package takes care of these things (is what I understood)?
2. what does it mean by a "base launcher"? Again, I thought that compiling the .nsi would create a portable .exe/installer/launcher.
3. Let's say, for example, that I want to create a portable version of CCleaner. If I edit the .nsh script, create the correct folder structure, and then compile the .nsi script, I get errors. In other words, what step/s am I missing? Where would I get/make a launcher for the portable app?
Sorry for the very basic questions, but I want to learn how to do this and so there will be some pretty basic things in the beginning.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
I have now managed, with some adjustments, to create a .paf.exe PortableApps.com installer in the folder structure. However, it is empty; which means all it does is install the folder structure I set up. This may sound daft, but I think this is progress!!! Now, can someone tell me how to actually get the app I want into the installer?
Any help will be appreciated.
Mark
It seems as if I shall have to reply to my own posts (just kidding). Anyway, after further experimentation, I have now managed to create a portable app, I think. Good for me!!! It needs testing/adjusting (used the wrong size icon)/experimentation, and so on. This is exciting!
I hope to share some results soon.
By the way, this site, Apps and Forums, is really great. Keep up the good work all.
Mark
If John's installer .nsi does not take care of registry entries, how do I do this? I created a portable version of CCleaner as a test, but it is writing to the registry after launch. Please tell me how to deal with this. Is there, for example, a NSIS plugin which can automatically handle registry entries?
Thanks in advance,
Mark
There is one thing you need to understand:
There are two nsi scripts. One is the installer.nsi which shouldnt be altered by you. It is the installer, meaning it installs the program. Then there is the Launcher sourcecode, which is compiled into a file called AppnamePortable.exe thats the script that takes carte of Registry entries, moves the settings around (if necessary) and does all of the Application related stuff.
One example of an Application and therefore a Launcher that deals with registry entries is 7-Zip. You might want to take a look at its luncher (and a bunch of other launchers available here) to get the hang of it. At least thats the way I (and many others around here) did it and I have 2 official Apps released by now...:-)
"What about Love?" - "Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate." - Al Pacino in The Devils Advocate
Thanks for responding Simeon; I really appreciate it. Okay, I did not touch John's installer.nsi. I did, however, edit the .nsh according to instructions I saw on the site. Now, I will take a look first at 7-Zip, but here are some questions:
1. In what way is the AppNamePortable.nsi different from the .nsh that I am editing? And are both the installer.nsi and the AppNamePortable.nsi in Source?
2. Can I compile the launcher by copying from another launcher and just editing the relevant parts?
3. Am I then compiling two .nsi scripts and in which order should I do it?
By the way, you said AppNamePortable.exe, but I only see AppNamePortable.nsi; what am I missing?
I would really welcome your feedback on this.
Thanks,
Mark
Appname.Portableexe is the compile executable. The source is called AppnamePortable.nsi and is located inside the AppnamePortable/Other/Source folder
"What about Love?" - "Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate." - Al Pacino in The Devils Advocate
Thanks Simeon. I will try experimenting more and looking at various apps to see how it has been done before. Will definately ask more questions if needs be.
Much appreciated,
Mark