Runtime Installation Tester

This is a simple Access program that uses a standard install procedure to ensure that all the usual Miami components are installed and working, before installing or testing an actual Miami application. It is also helpful if you want to install the Access 97 Runtime on Windows Vista, or Windows 7, since the old Access 97 runtime installer doesn't work correctly on these newer systems.

Download the

full install program (24749kb).

The idea is that you install the Runtime module and test it with this test program. Successful installation means that:

The Visual Basic 6 Runtime libraries are installed and working;
The MyWeb OCX is installed and working. This allows you to display HTML content on a form;
The MouseWheel library is installed and tested. The enables Miami applications to behave correctly when the mouse wheel is used;
The Date and Currency settings required for a Miami application can be tested and verified;
The Microsoft Calendar Control used by the "miCalendar" form is in place and working (MSCAL.OCX version 8);
The minimum screen size is at least 800x600;
The required locale settings for date and currency have been tested;
The references to required Access, Office, runtime and other libraries are correct and working;
The user logon libraries are working correctly;
The menu pictures are being displayed correctly;
The (optional) MyMail.ocx file is installed;
DS Clock 2.40 is installed and set up (optional);
The libraries required for the Custom Reports Toolbar can be tested; and
You can be sure that Access97 (Runtime) is working as intended.

Using this standard installation means that you can install and test your own application without having to create a specific install program for each Miami app. Just use the standard one and then copy your application files into a suitable directory. By doing the tests using the standard test application you can be sure that the basics are in place before trying to debug anything specific to your particular application.

The user logon screen has an additional purpose: in the case of WindowsXP machines where there is no domain controller, you can specify all the user names and passwords that should be allowed. These are stored in an encrypted format in the registry, allowing the users to log in if they provide the correct information.

This program has been updated to use the fantastic Inno Setup install program, so that a single install file does everything required. See my blog entry for more information on where to get the various components. The complete ISS script can be downloaded and modified as required, and/or you can download the full install program (24749kb).

Note: To run your own program.mde file, do the following after installing the Runtime tester and rebooting:

Right-click on the mde file once it has been copied to the client machine
Select "Send to Desktop (create shortcut)"
Right-click on the shortcut and choose Properties
Insert the following at the beginning of the "Target" field: "C:\dev\office\msaccess.exe" followed by a space.
Change the "Start in" filed to "c:\dev"
Save this modified shortcut, and then test it.

You may need to run the installation tester "As Administrator" the first time you use it, to allow Access to make changes to the registry. If your application uses "SendKeys" then read this blog post.

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This program is part of the Miami distribution CD, which uses the AutoRun.exe program provided by Tarma Software Research Pty Ltd, and includes the autorun.exe program, readme and usage instructions as a PDF file, as well as a suitable icon for the CD.

FMS Reference Tester
Also, many thanks to FMS Inc for granting permission to use its really useful reference testing page. This is from the FMS Power Pack 8.0 for Access97. If you haven't got it already, download it now. FMS is one of the leading Access development companies, and their products are world class. Their web site also has useful resources, links, and utilities.

On a separate note, if you are battling to get the Access97 SR2 service pack to install on Windows Vista or Windows 7, try this version: SR2 Setup program (25646kb). It's the update only, so you need to install Access97 first.

Please note: This program is not to be sold, and will remain freeware in the future. You can't make it available for download anywhere else either. All downloads should be made from this page only. You may not list this software elsewhere without written permission. All links should point to this page, not directly to the download file.

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