Quicktime/Realplayer Alternatives & Firefox

[lylo]

Ok, I have my unattended disc installing Firefox 1.0 and then Quicktime Alt. and Realplayer Alt. in that order. One thing I've noticed though, is that Firefox never seems to work with any embedded media that would use either Quicktime or Real, it'll always give me the missing plugin error, and try to link me to the downloads for their respective programmes, which I obviously dont want.

I managed to solve this problem when I realised that the Firefox plugins and components folders were missing vital dll's and other files that it would need to display content in pages. These files were actually found left in the Quicktime Alt. and Realplayer Alt. folders, and needed to be copied over to firefox for anything to work.

First of all, has anyone else had this problem? Secondly, does anyone know why these files might not have been copied, even though I'm positive the installer for the alternative players install browser support as well by default?

Wub, Lylo

[Dobby]

Yes I've had this problem too. What's even more interesting is that the Quicktime Alt installer tells me to shutdown Firefox before continuing.

It's probably some reg key it looks for when installing. I've included these keys in my Firefox install which fix issues with Flash and Shockwave not installing properly but haven't checked Quicktime/Real player Alt installers (I'm trying a different method to these. I want everything to play in Winamp).

It's possible that the alt installers might also look for these keys but I can't be sure.

[HKLM\Software\Mozilla\Mozilla Firebird]
"GeckoVer"="1.0.1"

[HKLM\Software\Mozilla\Mozilla Firebird\bin]
"PathToExe"="<path_to_firefox>\Firefox.exe"

[HKLM\Software\Mozilla\Mozilla Firebird\Extensions]
"Plugins"="<path_to_firefox>\plugins"
"Components"="<path_to_firefox>\components"

[HKLM\Software\mozilla.org\Mozilla]
"CurrentVersion"="1.5"

Appologies if there are errors in these keys but I use a different install method (Nullsoft Installer).

.Dobby.

[Yzöwl]

How about installing the Alternatives before Firefox.

The installers should not be looking in the Mozilla specific keys, they are not browser dependent.

If you are interested in the keys changed for a clean install of both QT and Real Alts, without the Media Player Classic or Start Menu Shortcuts, download the attachment below.

<Edit>

Please note the file below is for information purposes, not for installation. All settings in it will be performed during the installation of both Real Alternative and QuickTime Alternative.

</Edit>

<Edit2>

Attachment removed due to lack of interest, and the fact that my global attachment limit has been reached

</Edit2>

Edited April 8, 2005 by Yzöwl

[durex]

All you need to do is install the plugins (using Yzowls sugesstion- use Real and QuickTime Alternatives) then save your 'plugins' folder and simply copy that in, along with your profile, during your unattended install.

[lylo]

Ok, thanks for the replies so far but I must admit that being new to the whole unattended thing the advice you've given is slightly confusing lol. Are you saying that I should A: Put the alternatives BEFORE firefox in my batch.cmd, and B: After installing the alternatives, silently run that registry entry?

[durex]

Well the 1st thing Id say is to read up on Simonsays Unattended Firefox install method. I also recommend using Astalavista's method of implementing your themes and extensions (also covered in the same thread).

Then, when your create your profile.exe, simply include the plugins folder as well, in addition to your defaults folder... This will make more sense once you read that thread, trust me.

[Yzöwl]

No, please don't run the registry file, I posted. It was for information purposes only.

All the settings in there will be made when you install the 'Alternatives'. It was simply there to prove that firefox has no bearing on the install, and for knowledgeable users to peruse.

Installl the two apps, (with your preferred options), then perform your FF install.

If you have an existing installation you can follow durex' advice, or do a forum search for further information.

Hope this helps clarify it somewhat!

[lylo]

I remember trying to read the FF guide but there was so much it got a lil overwhelming lol, I remember then jus skimming through it to be honest, although the installer I am using from that guide is one that when extracted gives an .msi, it installs FF without any themes or extenstions (sometimes I just like a clean start with programmes you know) along with flash for it. But I'll make sure to try and read the whole thing sometime lol, thanks for the help anyway guys, I do appreciate it

[durex]

You should only have to read the 1st post by simon and the link he mentions in that 1st post about asta's method of implementing extensions and themes...

Just download the 1st exe he has a link for, use that as your installer, uninstall firefox if you have it installed already, "remove the mozilla firefox" , then install using this installer. Goto the Prog Files\mozilla firefox folder, launch the default profile shortcut thats in there and install your extensions and themes you want and configure your settings how you want... once thats done, simply save you 'defaults\profile' folder... and copy that and your plugins folder to your UA CD and have it copied back to its original location once the install has run on your UA install (or create an SFX that will extract to the folder instead)