Hello: Based on this post I have a couple questions to confirm proper understanding of the process. https://portableapps.com/development/beginner_packaging
1. The function of the portableapps.cominstaller is to just package up into a .paf.exe file which in turn load my app onto my device?
2. Do I still need to create a 'custom'.exe with NSIS to be added into my files which is packaged by portableapps.cominstaller? In reading different posts I thought at first I needed to use NSIS as noted in the beginner packaging step 4, (couldn't really figure that out.) Other post lead me to believe the portableapps.cominstaller took care of step 4.
Well I got myprogram 'packaged' and it install via the .paf.exe file. When I run the normal start.exe which is in macroportable, it is looking for _prog.exe which in the normal install start.exe sits in the same directory as _prog.exe.
Now that it's 'portable' start.exe cannot find _prog.exe as it sits else where.
I hope I'm explaining clearly. I think I need pointers to creating what some may have termed 'create a launcher EXE? So far I do not understand how to do this and any additional pointers or example is appreciated.
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1. yep!
2. yes, you'll need to create a "custom" exe - that's the launcher which is responsible for doing a lot of stuff, including moving registry entries, redirecting the path, etc. etc. etc. Use NSIS (or NSIS Portable or NISEdit) to compile the launcher. (btw, helpful tip: use an existing launcher, like the Firefox launcher, as a template)
3. I don't think you did it correctly. start.exe should still be in the same directory as _prog.exe; startPortable.exe, the launcher, should be in a separate directory and should launch start.exe
I'm not that good at NSIS coding, so hopefully one of the more experienced members will come along and offer some wisdom...
"The question I would like to know, is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. All we know about it is that the Answer is Forty-two, which is a little aggravating."