>Hi Rex
>I've found 4 free install programs:
>www.gentee.com (free/$149)
>www.lindersoftware.com ($199)
>www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php (free)
>www.nullsoft.com/free/nsis/
>
>I've downloaded the Gentee freeware but haven't tried it out yet. Am hung up trying to learn about windows installer. I got started on this quest by reading a tread from Agnes Beste (Berlin) to you on Feb 17, 2002.It talks about a SDK for ms WI. Downloaded some info from ms web site, but when I tried to download the sdk got blown off the site. Can't find any info on WI in any of my books either.
>I guess what really bothers me about this whole fire drill is that it almost never was this tough before to build .exe's and associated files for testing on other machines or installing on client sites. I say almost because Access97 had around 15 steps to build a run-time plus 10 diskettes. I don't use Access anymore.
>Thanks for listening to my blowing off steam. Bill
Hi Bill,

Thanks for the information about the install programs. I am still looking into them and will let you know how I got on. I spent some time last night just trying to determine WHAT files (besides my own app) that I need to distribute. I am not sure if the freeware install programs will handle the .msm files.

I thoroughly agree with you last comments about it being so tough to build exe's. I was under the impression that getting the 'Professional' version of VFP gave you everything that you needed and made it easy AND seemless. However, there doesn't even appear to be a list of files required in the distribution! There are a number of threads out there hinting at what is required. And imagine MS promoting Installshield as the "be all and end all" for distributing your software, but making it difficult/dangerous for users to upgrade!

The one redeeming feature about out current angst is that we are trailblazing for many of the other VFP7 users who currently are not aware of this issue.

Regards...Rex