[New Tool] Mod downloader and installer [V0.02 04/01][Beta]

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Tue, 17. Apr 12, 12:37

I created it on win7 x64 so I do know it works so that is strange. Do you have .net 4.0 installed ? Only think I can think of that would prevent it from installing but that should of been installed by the installer if it is not already on your pc.

There are direct download links but I no longer post them up but if you look though the thread for the mod someone should off.

apricotslice · Post by **apricotslice** » Tue, 17. Apr 12, 15:36

I've just seen this thread for the first time, so feel the need to make an observation.

I tried this for the BSG mod, but aborted the instalation.

The instalation process MUST check for the existence of .net framework 4 before it tries to do anything, and if it exists, it MUST leave it alone.

At the moment, the installer wants to force load .net framework 4, regardless of if its already loaded or not.

Having had prior experience of what happens when .net framework gets stuffed up (6 weeks it took a tech to get the computer working again, he had to unload it completely and then load every version of .net again, and every patch, in the correct order.), I simply wont let any program try to do anything with it.

If your program installs an older version of any part of .net on the computer, it could seriously impact windows, to the point of corrupting it completely.

There is no way I will use a program which tries to mess with .net.

Either it tests for .net (which ever part of it it needs) and finds it exists on the computer and leaves it alone, or its not useable.

It can install when it doesnt find it already installed, but it shouldnt just try to install it on the assumption it wont be there.

My computers have visual studio 2010 installed, so .net framework 4 is not only loaded but completely upgraded.

The last thing I want is a program trying to instal it again with an older version. And at some point, unless you update the program every time a .net patch comes out, it will be an older version its trying to instal. At the least, that will stuff up the upgrades. At the worst, it renders the computer unusable.

.net framework is just too important to windows to stuff around with.

Hence the program needs to test if its already there, and leave it alone if it is. If the program wont run as a result, then it needs to generate a warning message that .net framework 4 is not up to date and let the user do the needed updates.

Sorry to be so hard on this, but experience wont let me use something that blindly tries to update something that critical to windows.

Jack08 · Post by **Jack08** » Tue, 17. Apr 12, 23:48

The instalation process MUST check for the existence of .net framework 4 before it tries to do anything, and if it exists, it MUST leave it alone.

At the moment, the installer wants to force load .net framework 4, regardless of if its already loaded or not.

Lets put it this way, .Net4 App trys to load, .Net4 App cant load because .Net4 isn't installed, therefor .Net4 app cant check for .Net4's existence because it cant load as .Net4 isn't installed, this kind of circular issue is the reason things install the .net4 re-dist all the time.

Installing the .Net and VC++ redists at installing is a very common thing, have you not installed anything recently, at all?... a game?... perhaps steam?.. Anything?

if it was as dangerous as you say, then it would corrupt peoples windows installs every 5 seconds...

apricotslice · Post by **apricotslice** » Wed, 18. Apr 12, 02:11

Jack08 wrote:.Net4 App trys to load, .Net4 App cant load because .Net4 isn't installed, therefor .Net4 app cant check for

I dont see the problem. You run a small piece of code that requires .net4 to run. If it cant run, then it isnt there. Thats a check, the program handles it and install or ignores as a result. Maybe that means the check has to be written in something different, like C++, and be a pre-launch program.

Installing the .Net and VC++ redists at installing is a very common thing

C++, yes. And quite frankly I have the same issues with that, only not as importantly. I'm pretty sure that old versions of the C++ distributable have been overwriting my up to date version, and windows then updates them again.

I've not seen any program use .net before. If they are updating it, then it isnt being stated.

.net framework is one of the shakiest house of cards I've ever seen in programming. As soon as 1 update fails to load, the whole thing becomes progressively more and more unstable as following updates fail. And since windows cant run without it, its not something you mess with. Even with windows updates, doing them in the wrong order can be fatal.

As far as I'm concerned, if a program needs .net to run, then it needs other code around it. Set a flag. Run program, check flag. If the flag indicates the program failed to run because .net4 wasnt there, then initiate distributable installation, and then rerun program.

Thats basic logic for job control that runs programs.

QWERTY7654321 · Post by **QWERTY7654321** » Mon, 5. Nov 12, 22:49

Here are the direct download links for the BSG mod so you don't have to use the terrible down-loader
http://www.killerog.co.uk/ccount/ModFil ... Mod_P1.zip
http://www.killerog.co.uk/ccount/ModFil ... Mod_P2.zip

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Wed, 7. Nov 12, 20:53

Seemed to have missed this reply (no email).

Why is this tool terrible? Lack of feedback is amazing no wonder I cant be bothered with doing stuff here any more

dispostableatheist · Post by **dispostableatheist** » Thu, 8. Nov 12, 17:06

killerog wrote:Seemed to have missed this reply (no email).

Why is this tool terrible? Lack of feedback is amazing no wonder I cant be bothered with doing stuff here any more

Well, lemme help you out. I know where most people come from. Here's why:

Why do you need yet another tool to install just to deliver content when you just can download it as *.zip/.7z packages?

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Thu, 8. Nov 12, 17:19

Here's a nice blunt answer.

Because people are stupid and don't read instructions leading to mods not being installed correctly leading me to waste my time trying to bug fix problems that don't exist.

This tool stops that.

Sam L.R. Griffiths · Post by **Sam L.R. Griffiths** » Thu, 8. Nov 12, 19:19

I agree with killerog on the general point of "mods not being installed correctly" so something like this his tool is really a boon (if enough people use it).

Just because people do not use it does not make it a bad tool necessarily.

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Thu, 8. Nov 12, 21:25

Think some people may explode when I release my new version where you have to sign in.

But then again I might just not bother, really cant get motivated to work on these games anymore

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Mon, 19. Nov 12, 01:55

As I could be bothered and had already started work on my next version of this tool I thought I might make a post about some of its new features see if it gets any interest of the good or angry kind.

Tool is now using an SQL database to host basic mod info and login information which is/will be connected to my website as well.

This tool now allows someone that I have given access to the ability to upload mod information to the master SQL database but also the files for that mod to either my web server or there own via FTP. Meaning that with a few minutes work the mod will appear in my tools mod list allowing it to be downloaded and installed by anyone using the tool.

[ external image ]

The downloading and installing of the mod has also been improved, with the main new feature being the backing up of any files that will be overwritten when a mod is installed. These backed up files can then be reinstalled when ever the user feels like again via this tool.

[ external image ]

Still got a few bugs and features I want to add, plus some some spelling mistakes up then Ill release a beta of a beta and see how it goes from there. I need to work out how much the SQL database hosting is going to cost me as well.

apricotslice · Post by **apricotslice** » Mon, 19. Nov 12, 02:04

Sounding good.

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Thu, 22. Nov 12, 01:22

Decided to move away from forms and into WPF finally allowing me to style the tool, allowing me to get it matching the look of my website. Also fixed a few bugs in the process and added the ability to logon as anonymous for those that don't want to sign up.

Got one screen and a few menus left to move over to WPF and then I will release it as a beta so the few people who might be interested in giving it a go can.

Heres a few pictures of how it looks at the moment.

[ external image ]
[ external image ]
[ external image ]

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Thu, 3. Jan 13, 21:43

New version released. This is a separate install to the old tool so they shouldn't effect each other.

This is a beta so would like peoples views on it (and not the normal why do we need it stuff). Also if anyone wants to test out the mod uploading side of it with a mod they have made please let me know

Improvements over the last version:
Able to have multiple installs of each game instead of just one of each
New fake patch system that allows multiple mods to be installed at the same time.
Lots of other GUI / under the hood improvements I cant remember

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Fri, 4. Jan 13, 19:03

New version released. This one includes a working auto updater

Uninstall the old version and download the new version from my site. Also includes a few other fixes that should of been included in the first version.

blazermick · Post by **blazermick** » Wed, 9. Jan 13, 07:09

Feedback as requested.

Mod tools are fine as long as they work. If the registration process fails then we are stuck wasting time, waiting for someone/something to register us. We can still be waiting months later after repeated registrations.

The "Tool" however will get the blame simply because its "another" program/script/file (or whatever it will get called) that has to be 'worked on" before we even get to the mod itself.

I myself prefer the tools because of the EXACT reasons you made this. I use specific tools on every game i have ever played, except X series and from Nexus.

Nexus Mods have a mod tool also but works for only about 50% of those who download mods. They however still release a NON Tool file for those who CAN'T get the downloader to work (for whatever reason exists)

As to the X series, this game is very hardy and can handle the issues. If someone uses a Killerog Non-DL Version then they get no support .. simple.

I have followed your mods since X2 and have loved your ships from those eras. I have actually modded one of your old versions of x2 ships into a mod that works as a false patch in AP. Its got its quirks but i'm fine with it.

Now, as to your mods, i havent been able to get one since you introduced your tool. The earlier versions could not be made to work and yes you did help me try. The latest version loaded fine but i was a member, have tried to re register since and everything else needed to try get access to your mods.

And guess what ?? Square one .. and what gets the blame ?? Frustration has to be accepted as people prowl these forums hoping for a fix to their issues, and apart from the idiots some are very justifiable.

I personally would like you to release a NoN downloadable Zip file for those who ARE experienced and would like to be able to appreciate your latest works ... however if you don't that is entirely you prerogative and i and many others miss out on the pleasure of your work.

Either way, i wanted to give you feedback from a fan who CAN'T play your modern mods .. and who doesnt blame the tool ... technology isnt perfect.

Thanks and keep up the good work (Pics are good for my screen saver

)

garrry34 · Post by **garrry34** » Sun, 20. Jan 13, 21:16

trying to register with the site so I can download the mod installer but after I hit the register button I'm getting a blank white screen with the address of "http://www.sbmod.co.uk/register.php", I was looking to give your mining mod a whirl after a bit of absence from X3AP...

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Mon, 21. Jan 13, 17:29

You don't need to register to use the tools. Its only there for future features. At the moment you can not get the tool as I have decided to not pay for the extra service I need to run the new version. I will update my site with the zip files for all mods and release a cut down installer as part of my mod merge tool.

The new tool will just install any ZIP files you have downloaded. So people can install manually or with the tool.

Just updated the Mining mod topic OP with a download link for the mod. Ill update my website when I get a bit of spare time.

Nelethill · Post by **Nelethill** » Mon, 21. Jan 13, 19:55

Hey,
I have a problem, I'm not able to download the SB mod downloader, cause I can't locate the download button! I Had testet it with all browsers but it doesn't matter.

Here a screen of the website:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Tss ... /sbmod.png

Greetings Nelethill

Edit: removed img-tags. Please note forum rules: Images posted should not exceed 640 x 480 and 100kb in size. X2-Illuminatus

killerog · Post by **killerog** » Mon, 21. Jan 13, 20:00

Check my post above yours. The downloader can no longer be gotten.

egosoft.com

egosoft.com

[New Tool] Mod downloader and installer [V0.02 04/01][Beta]