How to check and update the end-user system.

Sample1

This sample includes default.asp file that does the test and a sample db (test97.mdb) used to perform a simple test query. Also it is assumed that subdirectory updates contains the required updates - self installing redistributtable packages from Microsoft. This sample is applicable for applications running from a CD (using ALPFrame for example). Also it can be used if the applciaiton is installed from a CD. In this case you can start this page after finishing the installation (see ALPInstall configuration in the ALP documentation) in ALPFrame or the browser.

Page uses VBScript and On Error statements. It determinses if the required components are createble and usable and if a problem occurs it shows the configured URLs. See the comments and change the constants to meet your needs if you want to use the sample page without changing it. Pay attention to the update URLs - they can be local file URLs and this will be thecase if the update files are included on your CD. This allows the user to start their installation just clicking the presented links. Of course you can change the page so to start them without asking the user, but remember some of the experienced users will not be happy with such behavior . You are able to set there URLs to Internet pages or downloads, but this will be appropriate mostly if your applciation is downloaded from the Internet.

The sample assumes the following files in the updates directory - mdac_typ.exe (MS DB components) and ste51en.exe (scripting engines). If you need these versions (newer versions can be obtained from the Microsoft's site) - use this link:

http://www.newobjects.com/update.asp?update=MSDAC&update=SCRIPT

The page pointed is the page used in the next example - parameters are used to specify which updates to show.

Online

Online sample contains a little modified version of the previous one and directs the user to a special page on the newObjects site - sontaining the updates.