How to make Pro:Gen-Filesize smaller

Panzerfather · 06-22-2003, 06:45 AM

Hi Dee,

why do you always include the Windows Installer runtimes in the Setup ? Therefor you can save up to 3.5 MB of the current filesize, when you separate them in a extra file !
Nobody using Windows 2k or XP needs them anymore, but must download it every time, because it's included in the Setup !

So, what do you think ?

DeeZire · 06-22-2003, 07:44 AM

The problem is that there are several different versions of the MSI installer engine, depending on whether you have 2K, XP, ME or 9x. Then there are other versions depending on whether you have a Service Pack installed or not.

The MSI package that ships with ProGen is the very latest, meaning that if your system has an outdated Windows Installer MSI then it will also be updated in the process.

Were that not the case, then a surprisingly large number of people would have to be diverted to Microsoft to get the latest runtimes and download/install those before they could continue with the ProGen installation, so by shipping it here they avoid that frustration. The idea is get everything thats needed into a self contained package.

This is something I learned from Red Alert 2 DeeZire where users were invariably frustrated at the fact that after downloading the mod, they then had to go and get the latest VB6 runtimes and in some instances the latest version of MS Help too.

Panzerfather · 06-22-2003, 08:27 AM

Ya, that's right ! There are 4 Versions of the Windows Installer Runtime 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 2.0 !

But you can also make an "Upgrade Version" or and "Advanced Version" in the Download-Area, for those people how know they have the latest Version of the MSI Installer ! Like me for example !

PS: And I also know about the frustration and errors, because I'm a software developer !

IceHunter · 03-29-2006, 11:54 PM

I'd say dump installers intirely and make it a zip file. (Or us a non bloat ware installer like NSIS)

03-30-2006, 01:29 AM

It's much easier if you make it a download because,

most people download more and do it them self

+++thats what I think+++

--->>>other people may also reply to this or the poll! :dead:

The End 007 · 03-30-2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceHunter";p=&quot

I'd say dump installers intirely and make it a zip file. (Or us a non bloat ware installer like NSIS)

The reason for the installer is:

A) To ensure proper file structure and that all the required components are in the right place.

B) It makes it easier to install/uninstall.

C) It looks more proffesional.

03-30-2006, 10:07 AM

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jonwil · 01-07-2008, 08:45 AM

I concur with the suggestion of using Nullsoft Installer for the installer, it is much more lightweight vs Microsoft Installer or Installshield or other such installers.

The End 007 · 01-07-2008, 11:47 AM

To be perfectly honest I think the amount of filespace saved by not including, or changing the installer software is negligable in this day an age. I don't know of anyone with less then a 1MB internet connection in the UK anymore, well none who would be downloading Pro:Gen anyway. We're at the point where several gigabytes of data is accessable to most anyone connected to the net.

Komataguri · 01-08-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceHunter

I'd say dump installers intirely and make it a zip file. (Or us a non bloat ware installer like NSIS)

Do I detect a " zomg macro$oft r ruining teh wurlds zomg linuckz 4 lief " overtones in this post.

Its a few megabytes, big whoop. Everyone has broadband, who cares. If you are still on dialup you shouldn't be online, you are slowing it down for the rest of us.