Desktop Errors

[SteveRBW]

Hi, I have just bought Setup Factory after reviewing a number of competitors, including Installshield Express. So far, it has worked very well and I have tested it using a VB 6 application on Windows 95, 98, NT and ME with very good results.

However, I sometimes get an unusual error where the desktop is lost and the computer must be rebooted for it to be restored. This repeatedly occurs on Windows 95b when uninstalling the software. Also, I have had a client who experienced it when installing on Windows ME.

Any ideas what might be causing it?

[Lorne]

Re: Desktop Errors

It sounds like you might be trying to uninstall files that shouldn't be uninstalled, or uninstalling them in an incorrect way. Or it could be an unrelated problem on those 95B and ME systems. (Does it happen on all 95B and ME systems? Or just those two specific computers?)

Sorry I can't be more helpful than that; hopefully someone with experience creating installers for VB programs will have better suggestions. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[SteveRBW]

Re: Desktop Errors

Thanks for your response. I have only tried the uninstall on one 95B system, which was a clean Windows install. This gives the same error every time - the whole screen goes grey leaving only the task bar. Clicking anywhere, including the start menu, gives the error message that the desktop has been moved or deleted. The only way out is CTRL+ALT+DEL and selecting Shut Down.

My concern is with my client's ME system during install. I was not present during the install, so I do not know the details, only that it affected the desktop and the PC had to be rebooted. I cannot replicate this on my own clean ME system.

All dlls etc. are set as do not uninstall and the uninstall is performed using the icon for the Setup Factory uninstall.

Everything works fine once the PC is rebooted, but it is very disconcerting for the user to see this unexpected error.

[Lorne]

Re: Desktop Errors

This gives the same error every time - the whole screen goes grey leaving only the task bar. Clicking anywhere, including the start menu, gives the error message that the desktop has been moved or deleted.

Are you inadvertently installing (and thus uninstalling) any hidden files? Like a desktop.ini file or something? (I wouldn't expect that to cause any problems, but you never know.)

I don't imagine you'd be trying to delete or rename the desktop folder on purpose. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Maybe try giving that user a setup that has logging enabled, and then get them to send you the log.