I have a VB6 app and want to use the SETUP.exe as a shortcut to download my app from the web.
I dont want to zip up the package for a complete download, as this will contain the SETUP.exe files. Can this be done? My browser may stop me and ask where to download to.............Can anyone explain HOW to set this up??
Can someone please indicate HOW I might accomplish this task. A Step by Step procedure would be very helpful. If this task cannot be done, then please let me know that too. My experience in this area is very limited and I am relying on the great expertise I have seen given to other problems posted. I was hoping for the same kind of assistance.
Thank you everyone for trying to help me with my problem.
Are you sure that something like ZIP 2 Secure EXE won't be adequate? In your case you wouldn't need the encryption part.
The user can download a single EXE, then execute it to unzip the contents to a temp folder and finally execute one of the designated files (such as Setup.exe).
To make it really "clean" one has to get a little tricky and do a "temp cleanup" process at the end. I won't go into this because it is often considered one of those things that malware uses to cover its tracks, and thus perhaps inappropriate to discuss here.
No a secure Zip file is not *really* the problem. I don't want the end user to have the Setup,exe files at all.
All I want them to have - after download is the *single* cab file [or program]. That is all. NOT the *entire* package that I would create in VB6 and then zip up.
I would like them to *initiate* the setup.exe on the website ONLY and have the download take place from there.
Can you help me with a Step by Step process to do this????
I guess I'm still clueless what you're after then.
For that matter it isn't as if "single EXE" installers don't extract individual files for deployment anyway.
The self-extracting ZIP/EXE that runs setup from a temp folder isn't much different from anything else you're going to find. There is no way to avoid downloading and then running some sort of installer package. Even if they click the "run" button after your download link the browser downloads a package to a temp location first.
A CAB file is just a sort of archive, like a ZIP file. It can't be run or installed by itself.
Thank you for responding......... I greatly appreciate your HELP.
I want some members of our group - who have a members area on our site - to download some software.
1) I don't want them to download a Zipped up file, as this will contain the Setup.exe file (Icon) - See Word file on Forum.
2) To place this entire file somewhere on the web page [as the Zipped file would be placed], only unzipped.
3) to make a *short cut* to the Setup.exe file [contained in those files] and placed on that web page, or other
4) to HIDE that Unzipped file now, so that it can't be seen. All the member will see the the *short cut* ICON for the Setup.exe file.
5) now, when the member goes to download this, they press the Setup.exe ICON, which in turn will ACCESS the files in the hidden Unzipped folder.
6) the down load process begins.
This is basically the idea. Can you comment on EACH step and say if this is OK, or not. If not, then a) WHY not and suggest a work around, and b) if OK, how to acieve this on the web page.
Not going to happen... No one is going to attempt that and even if they did it would not work. The browsers, internet and VB do not work in that manner. You will have to download a file then have the user execute it or have an app download the file and auto execute it.
Maybe I might understand this better if I knew the purpose.
Is the goal here to prevent the user from having a full setup package they might store off? Something that would let them reinstall offline later or even copy to another computer?
It is certainly possible to have an EXE that gets downloaded from a link ("shortcut") on the web page that doesn't have the rest of the package. That EXE would get downloaded and run on the user's machine. It could then download any additional files itself and do an installation.
As for "hiding" the "unzipped file" (the rest of the setup package?), the bootstrapper EXE could store them locally in some temp folder with random looking names and then remove them after installing is complete.
I suppose a clever enough bootstrapper might even download each file required for installation directly to its final location. Then there wouldn't even be a temp copy of a CAB, etc. file. This would be a custom job though, normal installer technologies don't work this way. If you roll your own nothing prevents your setup bootstrapper EXE from decompressing the other downloaded files on the fly, to save download bandwidth.
I may be wrong, but I think even ClickOnce uses something like a CAB-style archive that gets downloaded and then processed.
Maybe I might understand this better if I knew the purpose.
The purpose is *member* related on our site and this program is not to be shared with other *non members*. This is the simple reason. I hope this helps.
Is the goal here to prevent the user from having a full setup package they might store off? Something that would let them reinstall offline later or even copy to another computer?
My goal - in simple terms please, as I do not have the level of skill you have and would be *very grateful* for *simplistic answers* - My goal is to basically down load a program from the NET, as one would Normally do when they themselves received the SETUP.exe. My goal is to do this, so they do not have this file with them - after downloading. Is this possible a) If so HOW, b) if not a *simple* workaround I can understand.
It is certainly possible to have an EXE that gets downloaded from a link ("shortcut") on the web page that doesn't have the rest of the package. That EXE would get downloaded and run on the user's machine. It could then download any additional files itself and do an installation.
Yes, this is what I want. The only file then that would run on their machine would be the *single Cab*.exe file. They would have no others. So if they moved that CAB to another system, it would not work - since the VB6 executables would not be there. This is the idea.
As for "hiding" the "unzipped file" (the rest of the setup package?), the bootstrapper EXE could store them locally in some temp folder with random looking names and then remove them after installing is complete.
Sorry, this was *only my lame suggestion* being a novice. If stored in a temp file then it would already be hidden wouldn't it? I only said this so the *short cut* would access these files.
I suppose a clever enough bootstrapper might even download each file required for installation directly to its final location. Then there wouldn't even be a temp copy of a CAB, etc. file. This would be a custom job though, normal installer technologies don't work this way. If you roll your own nothing prevents your setup bootstrapper EXE from decompressing the other downloaded files on the fly, to save download bandwidth.
I may be wrong, but I think even ClickOnce uses something like a CAB-style archive that gets downloaded and then processed
What is *click one*? Sorry for my ignorance here.......Would this do what I am asking? If so HOW? and If so HOW to I get it? and use it?
Thankyou for your kindness in understanding a) my request, and b) my level of understanding as not being at your level. Your HELP and direction are GREATLY appreciated.
Can you please be more *specific* and state WHY this will NOT happen?
No one is going to attempt that and even if they did it would not work.
Can you explain WHY this will not work?
The browsers, internet and VB do not work in that manner. You will have to download a file then have the user execute it or have an app download the file and auto execute it.
When you say the brwsers do not work in this manner, can you EXPLAIN with reference to my proposal?
You will have to download a file then have the user execute it or have an app download the file and auto execute it.
How exactly might this be done, with respect to the problem I'm trying to solve. Can you please explain. Thank you.
Maybe I might understand this better if I knew the purpose.
Yes, simply put......Our members are downloading software we don't want anyone else to use....
Is the goal here to prevent the user from having a full setup package they might store off? Something that would let them reinstall offline later or even copy to another computer?
Yes, basically that is correct
It is certainly possible to have an EXE that gets downloaded from a link ("shortcut") on the web page that doesn't have the rest of the package. That EXE would get downloaded and run on the user's machine. It could then download any additional files itself and do an installation.
Thank you for letting me know it is possible. Can you please explain HOW I could set this up to work? This would be a great help thank you.
As for "hiding" the "unzipped file" (the rest of the setup package?), the bootstrapper EXE could store them locally in some temp folder with random looking names and then remove them after installing is complete.
Thank you. My inexperience in this process prompted this siggestion. I assume if it is UNZIPPED in a temp folder it would be hidden. Is that correct?
I suppose a clever enough bootstrapper might even download each file required for installation directly to its final location. Then there wouldn't even be a temp copy of a CAB, etc. file. This would be a custom job though, normal installer technologies don't work this way. If you roll your own nothing prevents your setup bootstrapper EXE from decompressing the other downloaded files on the fly, to save download bandwidth.
I may be wrong, but I think even ClickOnce uses something like a CAB-style archive that gets downloaded and then processed.
Can you please tell me what *Click Once* is? As I stated this is not my field of expertise. I would be grateful for this. Will this solve the problem I have posed??
We're not trying to be stubborn about this, we just don't have an answer for you.
The most simple case would be a program that is self-contained: a single EXE. This would be downloaded to a user-writeable folder location and run from there. However anyone could copy it to another machine.
More complicated cases would have an EXE and several dependencies such as DLLs/OCXs. There might be data files too. In these cases if you had a "setup" downloader/installer it still puts the files somewhere on the hard drive. It might need to register ActiveX libraries, but otherwise it is once again just writing the files to disk. These could also be copied to another machine, and the components registered there if need be. So once again you haven't prevented anyone from "borrowing" a copy.
No matter how fancy you get about delivering the raw files to a legit user's machine, after the fact everything will be there and capable of being copied.
In the end I suppose all you can do is what everyone else does: use some sort of "installation key" that must pass validation when the installer is run. Then during the install process create some file that contains a form of that key and a "fingerprint" of the machine it was installed on (hard drive serial numbers, etc.). When run, the program would read this information, possibly decrypt it, and verify that hardware fingerprint before operating normally.
Sometimes this is augmented by an online "activation" process where the program or the setup process accepts the key and validates it with your server, getting back something to store that the program checks against on subsequent runs.
If you have a setup EXE that gets downloaded, it could in turn download additional files itself by using the Inet control or FTP or something. If it installs using these from the temporary folder it puts them in, and then removes them afterward... is this what you want to do?
Of course after installing you still have the problem of the actual installed files being on the user's machine.
We're not trying to be stubborn about this, we just don't have an answer for you.
Sorry I never indicated that. If I did I am sorry.
The most simple case would be a program that is self-contained: a single EXE. This would be downloaded to a user-writeable folder location and run from there. However anyone could copy it to another machine.
Yes this is an acceptable solution but HOW will it work on the End User computer? Don't they require the VB6 runtime files? I can have them download the SINGLE cab, but can they obtain the VB6 runtime files from the net? By invoking the SETUP.exe icon? If so, HOW??
More complicated cases would have an EXE and several dependencies such as DLLs/OCXs. There might be data files too. In these cases if you had a "setup" downloader/installer it still puts the files somewhere on the hard drive. It might need to register ActiveX libraries, but otherwise it is once again just writing the files to disk. These could also be copied to another machine, and the components registered there if need be. So once again you haven't prevented anyone from "borrowing" a copy.
Sorry, I understand. Since I'm not as talanted as you in this area, could you explain HOW to do this? There are NO data files. Where would I get this SETUP/Down load Install? This sounds good. I need more direction. Thank you
No matter how fancy you get about delivering the raw files to a legit user's machine, after the fact everything will be there and capable of being copied.
Oh, yes, I full understand this. This is WHY I only want them to have the SINGLE cab.exe [program], as this will not work without the VB6 runtime files will it? and these files are installed via the setup are they not? So that is what I am trying to do....
In the end I suppose all you can do is what everyone else does: use some sort of "installation key" that must pass validation when the installer is run.
You mean a key sent with the software? Yes I have thought of this. This is a great deal of work. Thank you very much. I believe there is a way to run my setup.exe from the web, I just need someone to explain HOW???
Then during the install process create some file that contains a form of that key and a "fingerprint" of the machine it was installed on (hard drive serial numbers, etc.). When run, the program would read this information, possibly decrypt it, and verify that hardware fingerprint before operating normally.
Sometimes this is augmented by an online "activation" process where the program or the setup process accepts the key and validates it with your server, getting back something to store that the program checks against on subsequent runs.
If you have a setup EXE that gets downloaded, it could in turn download additional files itself by using the Inet control or FTP or something.
How would this work?? Sorry for my ignorance here. Can you explain this/
If it installs using these from the temporary folder it puts them in, and then removes them afterward... is this what you want to do?
Yes this makes sense......But can the End User give this setup.exe to someone else? and if so can they do the same thing? If so, then this does not seem like a practicable solution to my problem........ I don't want them to have the setup file at all. Only on the NET this can be downloaded, this is what I am seeking.
Of course after installing you still have the problem of the actual installed files being on the user's machine.
Yes of Course. The SINGLE cab.exe is OK. They can copy this. The VB6 run time files can not be copied *easily*......
The only way you can stop people from running the software is for the software to check against your server for the proper key and hardware on the clients machine. If they do not match the program will not run and will shut down.
ANY kind of setup program can be given to another user and it installed with or without a key. The only way to stop is for the external server check for the proper license.
And the VB runtime file can be copied/installed very easy...
Last edited by randem; Feb 21st, 2008 at 07:47 PM.
The only way you can stop people from running the software is for the software to check against your server for the proper key and hardware on the clients machine. If they do not match the program will not run and will shut down.
Yes, I fully understand that. But how does this answer my question? I am wanting to run the startup from the web. Can you indicate how to do this?
ANY kind of setup program can be given to another user and it installed with or without a key. The only way to stop is for the external server check for the proper license.
Yes I fully understand this. How can I run the setup. from the web? Can you please indicate how?
And the VB runtime file can be copied/installed very easy...
Oh, I wasn't sure about that. Of course if they had the setup file this makes sense. Can you explain HOW they can copy the files are are transfered to their system?? This would be helpful to know. Thank you. I don't want them to have the setup file and want this done from the web. Thank you I await your kind reply.
why not force them to register the app with you and in return you transmit back a hardware hash key that will "unlock" your app so it can run? You can have your app generate the initial hardware hash and then transmit that upon sucessful activation.
VB/Office Guru™ (AKA: Gangsta Yoda™ ®)
I dont answer coding questions via PM. Please post a thread in the appropriate forum.
The Vb Runtime file are distributed with the OS since XP (maybe even Win 2000) or can easily be downloaded from the web so you gain nothing there.
If this is true. I'm sure you are right. Then why cant the VB6 Single Cab.exe run without the setup file?? This seem like a lame question, but I would like to know?
If I downloaded the LATEST VB6 runtime files and ran these on my XP OS, would this update my old VB6 program? If so, which files from the NEW setup file would then be needed abobe the VB6 runtime supplied on the OS, as you stated?
You can't run the startup from the web.
Can you explain why? It will prompt the user where to download the files won't it? If not WHY? I believe you, I just want to understand it. Your kind explaination will help me with a workaround.....
All you can do is download the file and run it from the clients computer.
why not force them to register the app with you and in return you transmit back a hardware hash key that will "unlock" your app so it can run?
Very good point. I have a KEY, but it's too complex to explain the legal problems with it's distribution here. Let's just say, it's not an option at this point....... I need a way to download the setup from the web.......
You can have your app generate the initial hardware hash and then transmit that upon sucessful activation.
Yes, but I don't understand how to do it. You will say to research this and I have in the past - ie: my HARD Key, but had no luck. Can you suggest how to do this? If you don't want to give steps, or code, then can you direct me to papers etc. that describe how to do this? Thankyou
Why not just use a different installer package that provides only one exe file. That would be a much simpler approach.
What other package would do this and *exactly* how is it different from the PDW - meaning that this will deploy a SINGLE cab.exe.......Are you talking about the same thing?
One this ONE exe is deployed from this different installer, is it LIKE the single cab from a PDW?
This single file - Does it come with its OWN runtime files, or are these deployed like SETUP.exe with PDW package?
Can this single file now be moved to another computer and work OK?
When this file is deployed ONCE, can it be deployed again if given to someone else, or does this package only provide it once for one person???
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. I am grateful....
You can use code like this that will retrieve the hard disk serial number and not the volume number. This is easily found with a search of our Forums.
If you check MartinLiss's signature you will find a link "A program registration scheme" that you can use as a template in generating your own.
almost anything you could possibly need for programming can be found wth a search of our forums.
Thank you for this. I unzipped his program and did not see the file he says to *read first*. Also I tried running this and it gives me compiler error? h is apparently Dim wrong? What could I use here to get it to work? You may be right in that this may be a possible solution.
Yes, I understand almost anything can be found by searching the forums.....I agree......I am not really a forum user, therefore I'm still fumbling around. Your help is appreciated. I would like to run this file and test the code in my app.....
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Re: VB6 App Downloaded From Web
