7z SFX Modified Module

version 1.2 RC1 (build 715)

Hi All!

I am excited to finally present the modified 7z SFX module and accompany tools to the English speaking audience. I know some of you already got a hold of the module and used it a little. Now you can take full advantage of all feature thanks to fully translated documentation. I do encourage you to read the docs, because the module development was driven by Russian unattended community. You'll find a lot of features regular users would never think of . I'll list just a few of them here:

- select between interactive, silent and hidden extraction
- control the appearance of dialog prompts and text
- consequently run several files (.exe, .msi, .reg and so on) after the extraction to install configured applications
- replace .bat and .cmd files and eliminate the need in supplementary utilities like "StartX.exe", "msistub.exe" and so on
- create shortcuts for programs with the icons of your choice

There's a lot, and you may want to start with usage examples to see some pics



You may also want to download 7z SFX Tools to see the installer in action.

I truly hope you like the module and start using it in your PC tasks. As you become familiar with its features, please share your experience with your peers through this thread. Although I understand written English relatively well, my writing skills are not that good and I may not be able to answer some questions with the level of detail they require (Honestly, I got a lot of help with this post )

You're welcome to leave any thoughts or suggestions in this thread - I'm subscribed to it. Feel free to conact me by e-mail, but keep in mind that often you can get techincal help through the forum faster

Thank you!
==========
Latest version look at here (1.2 build 861)
==========
To do:
GUI (but it's been todo for quite some time )
Feel free to develop GUI, but make sure it can be easily localized to other languages.

Hey thanks man!
I know many of use were waiting for this

I will test it now

First: variable9 is used but not set here

My Config.txt



Hi,
I've converted my working CMD to your SFX. If I opens my created installer I get this error:

%Var5%\%%i"" is also not working.

What I'm doing wrong?
Thanks

Inferi0r

i.e. this line should look so:


I may be wrong, but you config file should be:


It's easer to do these tasks in a batch file and call it from the config file

TNX Oleg_Sch,

Yr Home page http://7zsfx.solta.ru/en/ is simply a complete BLANK page.
No access to a documentation May you remedy to this?

In the other hand, the download and examples links works

Regards
coucou

Sorry!
During today's update i made a mistake
Fixed!

Again, sorry

P.S. It is necessary to FORCE update page by Ctrl+F5 in browser...

Hi,
The access to page is OK for me.
And very thanks to translate the informations about the options in your SFX module, this will help me a lot to create advanced silent install.

0d

good english information

Hey Oleg_Sch! Nice to see you're promoting your module here!
I gave info about it a while ago in the other 7z topic, especially because msistub and startx isn't needed anymore. Very nice!
All my installers use your module, in the -? or -h part I have put a thankyou note to you
(have to update them...)

Hi oleg,

Very nice tool... All my installers use yr module too.
What about extarcting SFX archive and creating a shortlinks (winrar like)? (see here bellow)
The problem by using winrar, the shortlinks can be created only in %UserProfile% folder.

It is possible to creat e an SFX archive and shortlinks in %AllUsersProfile% with yr module a shortlinks? If so, Thanks to show me an example.

Regards
coucou

coucou
But what about help ?

Parameter 'Shortcut':

Configuration file in you case should look:

Change 'GUIMode' as you like ( see http://7zsfx.solta.ru/en/parameters.html#GUIMode ) or delete it (this is the same that GUIMode="0")

Or this dosn't working ?

TNX Oleg for the info

The links are created but does NOT pointing the files. In other words, by clink on the created links, Nothing hapens

It works ONLY if i add the path for each link

Is there anyhow to avoid adding the path for each link?

Regards
coucou

Oh, sorry. i mistaked
You CAN NOT exclude path to the source file of the link , but you can set extract path in shortcut parameters, for example:

In this case %%T always point to the extract/install folder (even if user will change it in ExtractPath dialog)

TNX Oleg,
Wowww it works like a charm


BTW, again comparing with winrar, is it possible to add, delete file inside the SFX archive. Do yr SUPER module allow that too???

Regards
coucou

coucou
Sorry, but I have not understood completely a question.
Please, explain more in detail...

Sorry Oleg,

Here a good example. I made silent istall "Symantec Client Security Corporate Edition v3.1.6.6010" with yr module, the archive name is SCS_316.6010.exe.
This archive include "VDefHub.zip" file which is the Virus Definition Updater Package.
As with winrar (can do), i'm looking for open the archive, delete the old "VDefHub.zip" then add the updated "VDefHub.zip".

I "7-zip/File/Open Inside" the arcive SCS_316.6010.exe and,
if i try to delete"VDefHub.zip" file, 7-zip return message Error deleting file or folder. Not implemented;
If i try to add any file, 7-zip return message Compress operation is not supported for that folder.

I hope iwas more clear.

Regrads
coucou

coucou

But i'll try...

My module is DECOMPRESSION of fully created archives only... It can not update/replace files in archives, because don't have any compression functions This is the task of 7z.exe, 7za.exe or 7zfm.exe

Your problem, that 7z don't have support (still ) of updates SOLID archives.
You can go two ways:
1. Don't use solid mode (in this case 7-zip can update/replace files in archive), but you lose in compression ratio
2. Full repack of the archive (i.e. unpack to temp folder, replace your "VDefHub.zip" and then pack again all files from temporary folder in 7z archive)

But again... This is not a job of my module
All questions about this to Igor Pavlov http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=45797

Hi Oleg

Yeah, i knew that yr module is DECOMPRESSION of fully created archives only.
As i'm not very familiar with 7-zip, i though that 7-zip has a function allowing update/replace files in solid archives to avoid a full repack

Regards
coucou

Sorry for bothering you again Oleg,

I can't get success creating shrortcuts with special parameter (see config.txt here bellow).
In fact, i extract the solide archive content in C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3
then i install pdfMachine_FR.reg
and finally i create the shortcuts
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Star Menu\Programs\BroadGun Software\BroadGun pdfMachine options.lnk
Shortcut target C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\bgsview.exe -printer="BroadGun pdfMachine" -config

config.txt
I tried adding double braces {-printer={{"BroadGun pdfMachine"}} -config} without success
By launching the solid archive the bellow error message is returned
Error line 5 of configuration data:
BroadGun pdfMachine" -config}, {Utilitaires\\Edition\\BroadGun Software}, {BroadGun pdfMachine options}, {BroadGun pdfMachine options}"

TNX for yr help
coucou

This may be a complete `shot in the dark`, I have read none of this thread and know nothing of the application. I did however look at your example and I am guessing, that the " character(s) on that line could potentially be giving you your error!

<Edit>
Those should normally be escaped.
</Edit>

coucou

http://7zsfx.solta.ru/en/configinfo.html


i.e. yuor configuration file should look so:


I'm think that you mistaked in second line and meant "InstallPath"
Also remember that your reg file will be executed only in "auto install" mode, i.e. only if "-ai" command line switch present
Use "RunProgram" for normal mode

Many TNX Oleg
it works

coucou

Hi Oleg,

By dint of persever and Thanks to you i'll become a 7z SFX Modified Module Expert

It is possible to run a program installation (setup.exe) then to extract only 1 file (patch.exe) from the archive content to the folder where that program was installed (%ProgramFiles%\\MyProg\)???

Is this config.txt file is correct???

Regards
coucou

Oleg in holiday

Excuse for my bad English.

Yes. This should work, but problems are possible!
RunProgram = "setup.exe/s" to be started and will expect the process termination. But if setup.exe after start derivates "derived" processes and thus will close the main process setup.exe, RunProgram = "cmd/c xcopy patch.exe \" %MP %/y" it can be started earlier than the program folder %ProgramFiles%\MyProg will be created.

TNX gora for yr reply.

Well, is there any trick (sleep) to make RunProgram = "cmd/c xcopy patch.exe \" %MP %/y" waiting until RunProgram = "setup.exe/s" has finished the installation???

Regards
coucou

It is possible to try so:

And in setup.bat to make so:

Where filename substitute from installed applications.

off: the red-white-blue combination of flags is favo here

Hey Gora.

Thanks for you documentation on the 7z SFX site and your support here!
I see in the post above that you know everything about a 'wait' in 7z SFX.

Now I have (and many people with me) the following problem. I use this parameters:

There are are some (2 or more) *.xpi (can't know and use the exactly names of the xpi's).
The RunProgram could normally install every xpi which stored in the "ProgramFiles%\Mozilla Firefox\extensions" folder. But the problem is that there is not enough pause between each extension (xpi). So one or none extensions will be installed. The 'ping localhost methode' doesn't work at all...so do you know a solution?

Thanks in advance.

I do not see in your code %Var1%!? What is it?
Designs FOR/f %% i IN (' DIR/b/a-d "%Var2 %" ') DO "%Var1 %"-instal-global-extension"%Var5 % \%%i" should work only in the presence of command SETLOCAL ENABLEEXTENSIONS. Where at you it?
Publish a configuration file completely.
If you execute some commands in cmd.exe, and they are connected among themselves by variables all of them should be located in one parametr RunProgram. Parametres and variables remain only within one session cmd.exe.
If some commands cannot be written in one line in cmd.exe use bath a file and start it from RunProgram

TNX Gora
coucou

Sorry gora... i was thinking that it was better don't post unneeded information, but I make a fault.


Set local extension? Never heard about that. I'll take a look into it.

Edit: I read here:

So I don't understand why use SETLOCAL EnableExtensions, because I haven't disabled them.

Inferi0r

Excuse, I was not right. Sorry...

In the module it is not provided what means for the organization of delays. But your problem in delay use in cmd.exe. You can use any known ways of the organization of a delay in .bat files. For example so:Where * - code 07H (beep).
Or so:But it is necessary to add the freeware utility nircmdc.exe in archive. It is a lot of variants .

It will be possible to you better to unite all your commands in .bat file (the big flexibility since is not present necessity to unite some commands in one line) and then to start it from RunProgram, but.... To solve to you

Successes to you.

Hey gora,

Thanks man for this helpful information.
I test this first then I report.

See You

For me it works perfect for both Firefox and Thunderbird. Adding '& ping localhost' sets a pause of 4 seconds in between each xpi installation and is exactly the same as using e.g. 'sleep.exe' or some other comparabel tool with a 4 second setting in between each xpi install, but just saves you the space off adding an extra tool to the SFX installer. I first tried with '& ping -n 1 localhost' and it didn't work. Then again with '& ping -n 2 localhost' and still not working. Then '& ping -n 3 localhost' and still nothing. Then finally with '& ping localhost' it worked and for both Firefox and Thunderbird('& ping -n 4 localhost' is the same as '& ping localhost'). I have made about 20 installs of Firefox and Thunderbird by now with '& ping localhost' and had success with every single installation.

Have you removed the 'Command-line tools' component with nLite without defining 'ping.exe' to be saved i.e. can you run 'ping localhost' from a command-prompt without getting an error message ?

Sorry for the off-topic'ness

Hi Oleg!

I build a package with this config.txt:


But, in icon properties on Target field appear this:

Is posible to appear this:

Or better this:

Thanks!

Hi, radix.
In a configuration file do not have parametre 'InstallPath'. In the Help it is written:

and


Therefore the module also adds to you a way to a temporary folder. At you should be so:

Hi!
I use a config.txt file like this:

;!@Install@!UTF-8!
RunProgram="setup.exe"
GUIMode="2"
;!@InstallEnd@!

The temporary folder where the sfx archive is extracted is not deleted after
the installation of the program.
Is this correct?

Hi, radix.
YES. All depends on your file setup.exe. If his process does not branch, the temporary folder should remove.
If the file setup.exe starts child process and closes the basic, the module tries to remove a temporary folder, but child process can continue to use files from a temporary folder and does not allow to remove it.

Thx Gora!
Anyway I use CCleaner frequently to empty the TempDir.

I released new version of the module. It's based on 7-Zip 4.57 sources.
Only updated modules are available now. I hope to finish working on the web site, help files and other stuff by the end of the next week. That's why only the direct links to the files are available at this point. You'll find them below:
7zSD build 861
7zSD_extra build 861

I got a problem with the icon of the exe when the size of the archive is bigger than ~700mb.
The problem is that the icon gets replaced to the boring "white rectangle".

Is this a bug with 7zSD?
If it's a known bug, is there any way to prevent it?

dll32
Some questions:
Are you changing icon in module? If "yes" - what program you use for that ?
Are you compress module by UPX or other programs?
I.e., give me full details...
I will try to repeat the situation and provide a more precise answer.

I'm not changing the icon of the module, or using any kind of compression except for 7-zip.

I got a question now to:
is it possible to specify two archives when creating the exe?
eg.
copy /b 7zs.sfx + config.txt + archive1.7z + archive2.7z (Installer_Name).exe

No. It's not! Only ONE archive can be active/used in one time. (in your example this is the archive1.7z, i.e. first)
I think it is better to go to the PM about icon's problems.
When we will decide our problems, we will inform all...

Would be nice if someone made a little GUI so no need to manually write text files and use command prompt. Like winrar SFX window

To heffalump:

Sorry, not enough time to do this

GUI for write config file (interface Russian only)
Creation of a config file Online service (interface Russian only)
Creation 7z SFX archives in Total Commander (interface Russian and English, Help - Russian only)

All on the basis of modified module Oleg_Sch

Hi there

There is an other Guy (Georg Wittberger) who mod the SFX modules, with a really "eye-candy" user interface.

So, if both can combine together, it would be perfect!
Is this possible?

Regards.

Georg Wittberger Homepage

Click to view attachment

I made some experiments and found that it is not a bug of the module.
I found a description of such problems for Inno Setup. Read this
I do not know how to solve this problem

Thanks for the clarification and thanks for trying, now I at least know what's causing it.

By the way...
I just got an idea, i might just put the installer within another installer, that extract the installer silently and then executes it.

// dLL32

Hy,

Your module is under GNU LGPL but i don't find the sources code on the douwload page. Can you give me the link please ?

THANKS