[enGrid 1.3] Building the final installer for Windows with NSIS

These instructions describe how enGrid's installer script is structured and how to update relevant information. Also, there is a list of implemented solutions and from where they came from.

Table of Contents References Description Scripting Solutions Implemented solutions Not yet implemented solutions Solutions that didn't work

References

Here is a list of important references:

• NSIS Users Manual
• NSIS Modern UI
• NSIS Wiki

Description

In this chapter it will be explained how to update the enGrid script files for NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System).

Currently there are only 5 files that are being maintained:

• The main script is the file engrid.nsi and it contains the main details for the procedures to install and uninstall enGrid.
• install_libraries.nsh and uninstall_libraries.nsh list the instructions for installing and uninstalling library files necessary for enGrid to properly operate.
• install_files.nsh and uninstall_files.nsh list the instructions for installing and uninstalling additional files that may or may not be necessary for enGrid to properly operate.

The location of these files depend on the git branch you are working on:

• For the branch windows-1.2.0, these files are on the folder engrid/src.
• For branches windows and windows-1.3, these files are on the folder engrid/src/misc.

TODO: finish writing this section

Scripting Solutions

In this chapter are listed the scripting solutions that were implemented, not yet implemented and those that didn't work.

Implemented solutions

• UAC handling retrieved from VLC http://repo.or.cz/w/vlc.git/blob/HEAD:/extras/package/win32/vlc.win32.nsi.in.
• Shortcuts removal fails on Windows Vista
• File properties/description of the installer
• Refresh shell icons - don't forget to add the respective header.
• Add icon to desktop option on the last install page

Not yet implemented solutions

• Add uninstall information to Add/Remove Programs - MultiUser Installer
• Adding additional options, such as optional icon on desktop (source: CMake): NSIS.template.in NSIS.InstallOptions.ini.in
• Ability to pick components we want to install, including start menu and desktop links, as well as registering extensions: https://svn.blender.org/svnroot/bf-blender/trunk/blender/release/windows/installer/00.sconsblender.nsi

Solutions that didn't work

• Uninstall all dirs and subdirs created by your installer

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