Mdcf Sonicstage 3 & Mdsb Installer Project

[zerodB]

MDCF SonicStage 3 & Simpleburner 2.0 Installer Project

UPDATED: 4/3/2005

INTRODUCTION

An all too common request on this board as of late has been for a standalone offline install package of SonicStage. Too many users are frustrated with having to wait to download from Sony's network of websites, and if a problem occurs with either the installation or downloading of the software, they need to restart the download again. Not to mention the other problems that occur when people need to install the software on a program not connected to the internet.

If a user finally manages to get SonicStage installed on their machine, the problems don't always end there. Few users, if any, seem to follow the the reinstall instructions in the HiMD/NetMD Software FAQ Thread, and this will, on most occasions, cause problems when SonicStage or other OpenMG compliant software have been installed (or have attempted to have been installed) on previous occasions. Other problems occur with conflicting software, such as certain service packs, and libmp3, to name a few.

I have therefore deicided that we need to take matters into our own hands, and create our own full-packaged installation of SonicStage 3.0 and MD Simpleburner 2.0. An example of what the end product might look like is shown below.

Kurisu has been enthusiastic about the prospect, as am I, but I need all of your help, thoughts and discussion in order to make this a success.

SO WHAT WILL SUCH A CUSTOM-BUILT INSTALLER DO?

You're probably thinking: SonicStage is allready available on the web, why on earth would someone go to the effort of making their own installer?

Aside from not having to download an SS install package from Sony every time you need to perorm an SS installation, our own custom-built installer would be able to automatically perform a clean up the relevant files and registry entries as detailed in the HiMD/NetMD Software FAQ Thread prior to installation, solving many errors associated with prior installations of OpenMG software.

In addition the installer could warn the user when attempting to install SonicStage where there are known compatiblity issues.

The end user would be able to select which components to install. For example, those not fond of SonicStage may wish to just install the OpenMG Modules and MD Simpleburner. (Previously, one had to install SonicStage to obtain the OpenMG Modules required to get SB to function, then install Simpleburner, before finally uninstalling SonicStage). There might be other cases, the end user may only wish to install the MD Drivers.

Also, Connect support (US/EURO/MORA JAPAN) could be made optional

We would be able to tweak such an installer to our own needs - add links to the MDCF support forums in the SonicStage Help menu, add our own custom backgrounds, in addition to links to other related resources such as Marc's Hi-MD Renderer, etc.

FURTHER INFORMATION

- For the time being, the installer will be in English, and contain the English versions of SonicStage and Simpleburner. The setup, however, will not be limited to English only versions of Windows.

- On Windows XP/ME/2000, the installer will require you to be in Administrator mode.

- According to the SonicStage readme, SonicStage will only support Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, and all versions of XP. The installer will therfore warn the user when attempting to install on a non-supported OS.

- Prior to installation, the installer will attempt to warn the user of any potential software conflicts.

- Where the user is performing a re-install of SonicStage and the OpenMG modules, the installer will remove all previous files and registry entries associated with SonicStage and OpenMG in order to ensure a clean, sucessful installation.

- The installer will contain the OpenMG Secure Module, SonicStage 3.0 (with CD Burning & optional Connect Support), MD Simpleburner 2.0 (version with PCM support) and the HiMD, NetMD and Network Walkman Drivers. DirectX version 9.0c is required for the applications to run successfully, and the setup program will check for this.

- The DirectX 9.0c files WILL NOT BE INCLUDED (however you can download this seperatley)

- The total file size for the setup is estimated to be just under 30MB.

SKINS

Just a short note: remember the old skins from SonicStage 1.5?

The good news is that they're fully compatible with SonicStage 3.0! These skins will be available in seperate install package available shortly.

Edited March 4, 2005 by zerodB

[kontikichile]

MDCF SonicStage 2.3 & Simpleburner 2.0 Installer Project

INTRODUCTION

"An all too common request on this board as of late has been for a standalone offline install package of SonicStage 2.3...

...

Thank you for your time in order to read through this info! I hope that this project can be a success!  "

←

If you need any help translating to spanish... let me know!

Edited February 10, 2005 by kontikichile

[Christopher]

Powerful, and definitely pinned to the top of the forum.

Please use these backgrounds instead: http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=7173

What about adding marcnet's utility as an option to install? I also think that if the user has XP, it should check for Service Pack 2. If there is no SP2, then no install. I know this is harsh, but to be honest it's necessary. It will eliminate the need to check versions of MDAC, JET, etc.

[atrain]

good point about the sp2. just don't limit it to prebuilt branded pcs ... or something

[Christopher]

I could make any additional images if you'd like, zero, or any other sort of assistance..

[zerodB]

Hmm, this thread is strangley quiet.

Thanks to anyone who has had any input so far. Dex and bug have had some results testing out the FDDShow codecs, it appears that there may be a problem with mp3lib, and I eagerly await confirmation of these results.

I'm still giving some thought into the issues that need to be resolved. You have a good point about SP2 kurisu, but there should be no real reason why SonicStage can't happily exist on SP1/SP0. I see no real reason to restrict users, however I can see the installer harshly warning a user against installation if SP2 or other required components are missing.

More thoughts on this within the next 24 hours...

[Christopher]

People usually don't stir up until there are results, unfortunately. Just being honest..

But I am very excited about this venture. I believe that if this spread around the internet, it could be an invaluable tool for the community. And yes, the SP2 warning will suffice. I may also compose a small FAQ or perhaps add the Hi-MD faq to it, and virus-removal tips and a few other things in the help files. Let's max this installer out and make it the best.

[MDfreak]

People usually don't stir up until there are results, unfortunately. Just being honest..

But I am very excited about this venture. I believe that if this spread around the internet, it could be an invaluable tool for the community. And yes, the SP2 warning will suffice. I may also compose a small FAQ or perhaps add the Hi-MD faq to it, and virus-removal tips and a few other things in the help files. Let's max this installer out and make it the best.

←

I would love to help but the problem is that SonicStage always seems to work normally so I cannot give any input about possible problems with SonicStage exept those that are already known.

I would suggest to keep the installer as "clean" and "small" as possible so not to much extra backgrounds that probably nowone uses. For such things I would create an additionional installer.

[StEaLtH]

I can help with skining. Actually, i am making one right now.

[zerodB]

Hi again! I've edited my original post for clarity, as I now have a better idea of what I'm doing now!.

I need assistance in the following areas:

(Note that the install script I am using is capable of both scanning the system for the existence of a particular file(s) as well as scanning the registy for the existence of a paticular key(s) and obtaing the value(s) of registry keys.)

- (EDIT: found Control Panel Add/Remove Registry Keys)

- (EDIT: found DirectX Add/Remove Registry Keys)

- Finally, a list of potential software conflicts, and any files/registry entries that can be used to identify them. At present all I can think of is the libmp3 codec, and the Windows 2000 update issue. If we can provide a detailed list of these issues, and ways to identify them, I can allow the installer to warn the users of potential problems, and ways to get around them.

This area is fairly important - I need your assistance with this as SS runs without a glitch on my machine! (WinXP Pro SP2). I don't have any libmp3 or any other conflicting software that may cause problems - so all help would be appreciated!

As mentioned before, Windows XP users will be warned by the setup program to update to SP2, if they haven't already!

Looking foward to some fast replies!

Edited March 1, 2005 by zerodB

[Christopher]

edited

[atrain]

Hi again! I've edited my original post for clarity, as I now have a better idea of what I'm doing now!. 

I need assistance in the following areas:

- Finally, a list of potential software conflicts, and any files/registry entries that can be used to identify them. At present all I can think of is the libmp3 codec, and the Windows 2000 update issue. If we can provide a detailed list of these issues, and ways to identify them, I can allow the installer to warn the users of potential problems, and ways to get around them.

←

off the top of my head the other weird problem is skinned desktops or odd colour resolutions can cause black screens, unresponsive buttons & other crap like that.

sorry not too brilliant this morning... yet

[Christopher]

Sonicstage plays nice with Windowblinds. Additionally, I've heard issues revolving around people not having updated drivers for their video card, but that seems few and far between - still noteworthy, I suppose.

[burnsie17]

Hi zero, i think that this is a great idea but, unfortunately, i don't know too much about such things as to be of any help, sorry:(.

I also do not have any problems w/ SS or SB except for one:

After i installed both i only used SS for a while and then thought it would be a lot easier going right from my CD>MD but when i tried to open SB it would not open, no matter what shortcut or method I tried. I finally had to uninstall all of it and reinstall it. It has worked fine ever since.

Don't know if this helps or why it happened, it's just my experience.

Edited February 28, 2005 by burnsie17

[zerodB]

Apparently the uninstall information for the various programs is located in the following keys:

MD Simpleburner:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{47E09785-B2FB-11D5-B8EE-00B0D0D26B88}

SonicStage:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{71D6CE84-B7DC-4166-8E0D-56C1C37BFB5A}

OpenMG Module:

KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{BB92E35A-F5B8-4D59-90F3-CF863871BCF3}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\InstallShield_{BB92E35A-F5B8-4D59-90F3-CF863871BCF3}

OpenMG Hotfix:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\OpenMG HotFix4.0-04-11-01-01

Windows Media Format Runtime

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Windows Media Format Runtime

Can anyone please confirm this?

(FYI, all uninstall info for the add/remove programs control panel applet is located in: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall)

EDIT: Have found DirectX now too!

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectX

Version = 4.09.0000.0904 - that value corresponds to DirectX 9.0c

If anyone can provide the values for older versions of DirectX 9.0, that would be great. SonicStage should function with 9.0b and 9.0 fine, but I think there should be the usual "you do not have the latest version" warning...

Edited March 1, 2005 by zerodB

[Christopher]

You know, I hate to be a thorn in your side, but Sonicstage 3 is coming out very soon. Is this still a worthwhile endeavor or should we wait till that's released and then make an installer for that?

[zerodB]

Good idea kurisu. I'll wait.

And it's really no problem, anyhow. I'm more than happy to do this. At least now I know where the SonicStage registry keys are located, and have had a chance to play around with the install builder I'm using.

In the mean time, I'll still put together the skins pack. Cheers.

[zerodB]

Wowee! Version 3.0 out allready!

Currently downloading on my good ol 56K connection.

I'll have a play around with it, when it's done, and see what I can do.

As far as I can tell, for the moment, the install routines for 3.0 are similar to version 2. I'm sure an install pack will still be possible.

I wonder just how fast I can get it out? Will aim to do it as soon as I can.

Stay tuned people!

[zerodB]

EDIT: Info found thanks to Daijoubu

Edited March 6, 2005 by zerodB

[Ishiyoshi]

Also, if someone can save a copy of the contents of the (Your Drive)\Documents and Settings\(Your User Name)\Local Settings\soniclauc\install.txt

←

No problem. Check you pm.

[zerodB]

Thanks a bunch, Ishi, but I see you're running XP like me, and the installer log doesn't have the switches or commands for the directx, or the mysterious msc.zip module which I don't have yet. Though it probably would be too different I imagine. Thanks again! The build should come out shortly after I get the files together...

[Ishiyoshi]

Thanks a bunch, Ishi, but I see you're running XP like me, and the installer log doesn't have the switches or commands for the directx, or the mysterious msc.zip module which I don't have yet. Though it probably would be too different I imagine. Thanks again! The build should come out shortly after I get the files together...

←

That's too bad. I guess we already have those files installed upon our upgrade to WinXP SP2. Nonetheless, good luck.

[zerodB]

Actually, Ishi, there may be something you can help me with.

I'm looking for the SSAddonOpt.ini files for the various distributions of SonicStage - (CONNECT US, CONNECT EURO UK, etc.).

I have the Connect US one but that's all.

Perhaps you could help with the Japanese Mora one? In that case I could add optional japanese MORA store support (even though the SonicStage will be in English). What do you think?

BTW, is it Mora or "Moira". I keep thinking Moira for some reason...

[Ishiyoshi]

Actually, Ishi, there may be something you can help me with.

I'm looking for the SSAddonOpt.ini files for the various distributions of SonicStage - (CONNECT US, CONNECT EURO UK, etc.).

I have the Connect US one but that's all.

Perhaps you could help with the Japanese Mora one? In that case I could add optional japanese MORA store support (even though the SonicStage will be in English). What do you think?

BTW, is it Mora or "Moira". I keep thinking Moira for some reason...

←

Sure. I will try and locate the SSAddonOpt.ini file.

Edit: I have located the SSAddonOpt.ini file [sonicStage 2.3 JE] - however, I can't locate version 3.0 JE's SSAddonOpt.ini yet; likely due to a reboot upon installation. Should this suffice your needs, let me know. Otherwise, I will try and reinstall SonicStage 3.0 JE and attempt to locate the required file.

I am not sure if you can "create" an option to view MORA from a Connect version of SonicStage - having both or more Music Service option. But it is certainly possible provided you know how to fiddle with the correct file in question.

And to answer your query, it is Mora.

[Christopher]

I would like to play a big role in the graphics. I've noticed alot of images can be toned down a bit and it would probably make the interface even faster. Is this cool?

[Ishiyoshi]

zerodB, check your pm. You shall find SonicStage 3.0 JE's SSAddonOpt.ini information.

[Daijoubu]

I suggest your guys to use NSIS

http://nsis.sourceforge.net

Low overhead (34KB), high compression (LZMA/BZip2) and powerful

You can even make it download missing components only when needed with the HTTP plugin (ex: for DirectX)

And the best of all, it's free!

I used to use WinACE's SFX Factory, not as versatile but had the best compression ratio compared to RAR or Zip with SS1.5/2.0

Edit: Here's the installer INI

DlFileSetup.ini

[zerodB]

I would like to play a big role in the graphics. I've noticed alot of images can be toned down a bit and it would probably make the interface even faster. Is this cool?

←

Feel free. If what you can come up with works, then why not! It could always be made into a seperate installer anyway.

zerodB, check your pm. You shall find SonicStage 3.0 JE's SSAddonOpt.ini information.

←

Try again. It's not there.

I suggest your guys to use NSIS

http://nsis.sourceforge.net

Low overhead (34KB), high compression (LZMA/BZip2) and powerful

You can even make it download missing components only when needed with the HTTP plugin (ex: for DirectX)

←

Thanks. I'm using Setup Factory. The overhead is claimed to be fairly low. I don't know about the compression. The idea is to create is package that will function on all OSes, so I think I will include all of the components, except for DirectX which is heavy enough to begin with. Should be about ~30 MB. I could always build self-extracting WINACE files into the installer to squeeze out some space if need be.

[Daijoubu]

Setup Factory cost 395$, is yours legit?

The overhead is about 450KB

And I though I was really wrong with WinACE's 29$ SFX-Factory...

I guess I may make my own "Lite" edition again

[leenuss]

Thumbs up!

I just bought the NH-700 with SonicStage 2.1 and can't get the software to run.

I just guess we need your Installer package now!!

[zerodB]

Setup Factory cost 395$, is yours legit?

The overhead is about 450KB

←

It's legit - I have a mate in software development who has lent me his copy for a while. (I hope that's legit!!)

Oh, and check your PM...

[Ishiyoshi]

Try again. It's not there.

←

Check you pm.

[bigchristiaan]

Is the install package almost done? I'm looking forward to it

[atrain]

It's legit - I have a mate in software development who has lent me his copy for a while. (I hope that's legit!!) 

Oh, and check your PM...

←

legitimate copy, illegitimite usage, luckily your friend will do all the work for you, right?

[zerodB]

aah no, I'm doing the work...

But I'm sure that's ok - I believe under the terms of the EULA you can transfer your licence to another user, provided you uninstall the software from your PC, etc, blah, blah, blah.

Bear in mind though, that what we are doing is kind of shady legally to begin with. Although SonicStage is available freely on the web, we will be making Sony's software available without their consent.

The Sony EULA is a little vague as to whether this is permittable or not. It states that you may not distribute the software over an internal network. It also states that we must not disassemble or decompile the software.

Note that we are not decompiling the software, just tweaking the install routines to our needs.

[atrain]

fair enough. i was going to report you

wish there was something i could do to help, however my skills are more of a nuisance in this instance.

[zerodB]

Thanks atrain. I would really appreciate being reported to the authorties any time!

EDIT: Have edited my sig as it may or may not be appropriate for me to discuss ethics at this point in time.

EDIT 2: Note to self - stop mucking around on the forums and go and do some real work.

Edited March 8, 2005 by zerodB

[Christoph]

Thanks atrain. I would really appreciate being reported to the authorties any time!

EDIT: Have edited my sig as it may or may not be appropriate for me to discuss ethics at this point in time.

EDIT 2: Note to self - stop mucking around on the forums and go and do some real work.

←

Hello,

attached is the MSC.exe (american version), I can't send the DX.exe as this one is 33 Mb. Do you have an gmail account?

Best wishes

Christoph

msc.zip

[Daijoubu]

I though about something, the SS installer assume we all have english operating system

Even though it's destinated to Americans and Canadians, there's a part of Canada which speaks french...as in where I live

How about making an multi-language installer?

Well, at least french/english

My NSIS script is progressing well (was in my spring break last week, but school started yesterday and I now have bunch of homework/projects to finish ), I got ahold on how to get the DX, MDAC version as well as a function someone wrote for comparing version strings, it's awesome!

The installer now weight 22.3MB, without MSI, MDAC, WMF nor DX...

If we add these, the download will be about 13MB bigger

[zerodB]

I though about something, the SS installer assume we all have english operating system

Even though it's destinated to Americans and Canadians, there's a part of Canada which speaks french...as in where I live

How about making an multi-language installer?

ell, at least french/english

←

Well the installer I'm making will be in English. I don't think there is a French version of SS 3.0 online yet.

Later when Sony releases the German, French, Spanish, etc. versions of SonicStage 3.0 I might considered doing some other installations. A multi-language installer will be too big at this stage, and pointless.

I know how to find the DX Version info, but not MDAC.

The point of our installler is to perform a "clean" installation of SonicStage (with SimpleBurner included), via a file that can be executed regardless of the OS, or end user configitation. I think I'll include the WMF and MDAC, but not DX. (DX is ~ 80MB, no?)

In anycase, it a simple matter for Win 98 users to install the MSI, and for everyone to have the latest version of Dx - they are pretty standard components anyhow.