Allan, they're similar to the PostSetup .exe, only you can place them anywhere in your setup. They can also be functions in .DLLs. You can program any additional functionality that you need to add to your setup. For example, if you need to add a custom dialog box before you reach the end of your setup(where you could run a PostSetup .exe) or add a routine that checks on an application version and it has to run automatically, then you would probably want to use a Custom Action written in C++,VBscript. etc.
>Charles,
>
>Can you provide a quick primer on the usage of Custom Actions?
>Thanks in advance.
>
>>Allan,
>>We've been happy with Installshield Express since the 1.X versions. It's easy and it's flexible enough to do anything you want. Probably the main thing though is their partnership with MS which carries a lot of weight as far as interoperability and the future.
>>The free ISexpress with VFP 7 does pretty much everything the $350 version does except allow you to call your own Custom Actions at any point. You can still call a PostSetup executable from the freebie version.
>>So, you could purchase the new VFP 7, get ISexpress free, and build setups even from VFP 5 if you need to.
>>>We are interested in purchasing a installation utility for commercial distribution of our applications which will .EXE and encrypted in Refox. There will be .OCX, .DLL, applications files, etc.
>>>The apps themselves will be VPF5/6 intially and eventually VFP 7.
>>>The apps will running on W95, W98, W2000 and eventually XP workstations.
>>>We do not need any sort of licensing control, since it is build into the app itself.
>>>We would like the utility to create an icon in a program group and/or desktop.
>>>
>>>I have been to the WEB sites from both Wise and InstallShield and there seems to be a wide variation in their pricing and features. Of course, both companies state that their product is the best.
>>>
>>>Since we have not distributed an app in this manner before we really can not determine which features are important or when they would be used.
>>>
>>>Any advice on the above and even which utility to purchase would be greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>>TIA.