Topic: Innosetup and AcadInstall

[Conrad]

Hello all,

I was going over the custom application setup over at afralisp using ACAD 2014 to test it on. I am using acadinst 1.2 since it is the only version I can find. I realize that version maybe outdated. I created a partial cuix that I would like to load on other peoples machines. But, when I run it only 1 support path shows up and nothing else happens. I was wondering if anyone has gotten this to work with ACAD 2014 and if so, could you please point me in the right direction to get it working.

Thanks in advance,
Conrad

[BlackBox]

Hi Conrad,

I am not at all familiar with Innosetup, so please forgive my posing this question, but as I know nothing of your setup other than that you're wanting to make a custom CUIx available to all of your users, why not simply assign it as your Profile's Enterprise CUI (or a partial to same)?

Cheers

[Conrad]

Hello BlackBox,

Would this be something I would be able to automate or would I have to go and make these changes to everyones computers manually?. Also, I have support paths that need to be added, would doing it this way add the support paths?

Thanks,
Conrad

[snownut2]

You can utilize InnoSetup to create a Desktop ICON for initializing ACAD.  In the process InnoSetup will create the CAD initialization line with whatever switches you set.  You can specify the /p & /t switches and reference the appropriate .arg file and template file with the  paths set in the .arg file.

I prefer to use partial .MNU files instead of the .CUI as ACAD will create the CUI automatically from the MNU file.  Works for more versions of ACAD and also Bricscad just as well.

Bruce

[BlackBox]

... Or you can just bootstrap your deployment with a minimal .ARG file, which loads an Acad.lsp file which configures your profile, then you can maintain it (the Profile) on the fly, should support paths need to be added, etc.

This also is a lot simpler to maintain than re-configuring a new .ARG when changes are needed, and having to make changes to each-and-every-single user to via Batch file, etc. as the /P switch will not reload a Profile by the same name which is already defined in Registry. Just one Acad.lsp file per Profile on the network. Done.

As you probably already know, Acad.lsp is loaded once per session, at session start OOTB, and allows for a quick re-LOAD of same if any changes are necessary (again, on the fly - no user save, quit, reopen, etc.)

This will work fine for specifying Enterprise CUI at session start, as well... Just be mindful of CUI changes mid-session without Command calls.


While this works for my production environment, it may not for others, so take from this what you like.

Cheers

[Conrad]

@snownut2 I typically would of done an .mnu file but, I figured it would be a good time to play with the cui since I haven't really messed with it. 

@BlackBox So, does the computer always need to be connected to the network or just when wanting to updated the cuix?. We have laptops and aren't always in the office.

Thanks,
Conrad

[BlackBox]

@snownut2 I typically would of done an .mnu file but, I figured it would be a good time to play with the cui since I haven't really messed with it. 

@BlackBox So, does the computer always need to be connected to the network or just when wanting to updated the cuix?. We have laptops and aren't always in the office.

I haven't heard, nor seen anyone use MNU in lieu of CUIx since before I became a CAD user, so forgive my not suggesting this is that's all you're accustom to using.


I actually work on a laptop myself, and have no real issues performing most tasks away from the office, depending on the task at hand... Firstly, you need to have a solid understanding of your users work, and what their needs are, and compare/contrast that against what privileges/permissions you have and the management supported authority to carry any changes out.

You need a plan, of what you need, where you're keeping it (to minimize duplication of data where possible), and what technologies are available to you (and your users) in order to consume said data, be it project related, or application support structure.

So for example, the only thing(s) actually installed on our local disk is the application itself, and obviously anything stored to registry. Everything else either client, or internal standard is stored to the network in read-only locations for users, and all user custom data is stored to their personal network space which I and others do not have access to, but this data is structured, and mapped into our setup.

What this does, is allow us to have any user sit down at any computer, sign in, and automagically have their setup, their favorites, etc. in place (again, for the most part, obviously anything stored to registry like last drawing, etc. isn't available). This allows downtime to be a minimum, and makes it easy to configure Offline Files for making all of our enterprise, and user custom support structure available when we're not plugged into the network at the office, and precludes our needing to constantly be linked by VPN, and even when needed for email, etc. we simply enable 'work offline' and CAD essentially works from local disk (which can sometimes be faster than on the network at the office).

Just give your setup some thoughtful planning, and I'm sure you'll find what's best for you.

... More on Setting Support Paths via Acad.lsp

[Edit] - Also, Google something to the effect of "Robert Bell Bootstrap AutoCAD" :thumbsup:


Cheers

[Conrad]

Thanks I will look into it.

Conrad