Click Team Installer

Created August 2004

We will assume that you have already downloaded and installed Click Team installer and have all your maps files structured in the proper format. This tutorial will show you how to create a map installer that will read the user's registry for the install path for Raven Shield. To download the installer, click here.

The first window you see after launching the Install Creator™ wizard is:

Step 1 - Click "Next" to continue. Do NOT check the box on the screen.

Step 2 - Prepare to browse for the folder that contains your files. Make sure
that "Include sub-directories" is checked.

Step 3 - Browse for the folder that contains your map file THAT ARE ALREADY structured correctly in sub-folders. All the map files MUST BE in their correct folders if you want the map installer to work correctly. You may have more or less files than what this image shows. That all depends on how your map was made. If you used "stock" textures and static meshes you do not need to include them as everybody with the game installed already has them by default if the game is installed.

Step 4 - Verification step - The path you chose in the previous step is displayed.

Step 5 - Choose your language and name your map something meaningful.

Step 6 - Choose "Small" or "Full Screen". This step doesn't matter too much. Just a matter of preference. Choose either one and select the "Preview" button to see what you like better. You can also experiment with solid or gradient colored backgrounds.

Step 7 - Select the default template. Here again is a matter of choice. The default template allows you to specify images in your installer on the left side and on the top. You can define the images to something custom you have, leave the stock images there, or choose a empty template so there are no images at all. It's up to you. Select and experiment by using the "Preview" button.

Image Size Option for Custom Images (Must be in BMP format)

  • · Left Side Large: 140 x 316 Pixels
  • · Left Side Classic: 96 x 240 Pixels (Dimension from the previous version of Install Creator ™
  • · Top: 57 x 57 Pixels

    • Step 8 - Include your "ReadMe" information. Yes I know you think this is tedious to complete and you're wondering why it is necessary. It is necessary because we cannot read your mind. We want to know this information so you can be contacted. We also want to know what game play modes are supported in case you messed up your map's ini file (which occurs more often than not).

    Step 9 - Include a EULA if you feel the need.

    Step 10 - The default installation path for Raven Shield is C:\Program Files\Red Storm Entertainment\RavenShield. However, by entering this information, the installer will read the users registry for the installation path of Raven Shield. Just because you installed the game to C:\Program Files\Red Storm Entertainment\RavenShield, that doesn't mean everybody did. Many people install games to other directories and even physical drives. This takes all the guess work out of where to point the installer to.

    Remember, you should have structured your map file directories as they would appear under the "/RavenShield" directory so it is imperative that you have the users point the installer to their "/RavenShield" directory. People have gotten used to this and it's a nice feature.

    Enter #Program Files# in the top box if you want. You can also leave this blank as the path is going to be read and displayed from the users registry. Next click the "Registry" button.

    Step 11 - Select "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

    Step 12 - Enter the Key and Subkey and click "OK". As the picture indicates the key is "SOFTWARE\Red Storm Entertainment\RAVENSHIELD" and the subkey is "InstalledPath". Double check your spelling as it won't work if you make a typo. After you click "OK" you will see the entries in the window. Just click "Next".

    Step 13 - Leave it blank. Default icons are fine and there is no use or need for any desktop icons for a map.

    Step 14 - You can leave this information blank as you have already posted your "ReadMe" in the previous screen. However if you wish to allow the option allowing the user of launching a file at the end you can click "Browse" and select your readme file. Although you can use any format you wish for a readme file it is recommend that you use plain text files (.txt). Using programs such as Word, Works, or other rich text editor editor is not a good practice to use because people will need to have the program installed in order to read your ReadMe file.

    Step 15 - Uncheck. There is NO NEED to create a map uninstaller. You may think it's needed, but if you look at the big picture it isn't.

    Step 16 - Check "Do not build the Install program" Why? Because we want to verify all entries are correct. Click "Finish".

    Step 17 - Click on the "Options" tab and DOUBLE CHECK your registry read entries for spelling errors. Also be sure that you DO NOT check any of the three boxes in this window.

    Once this information is correct and you're ready to compile your installer you can re-evaluate your need to have an uninstaller. If you really, really, really, really think you must have an uninstaller for your map then you need to do it

    Step 18 - Not recommended, but if you must. Enter a custom name for your uninstaller. Uncheck the "Add entry in Control Panel" box. Note from Odedge: I believe a basic uninstaller should be made. If some one decides they don't want the map on their computer, having one would make it easy for them to remove. The file names you used may not match exactly with the Map name. I think it's wrong to make one in the control panel.

    Step 19 - Verify that your map files are listed on the screen and click "Build" and your installer will begin to compile.

    Step 20 - Save your installer somewhere. It is recommended that you name your map installer something meaningful and do not include silly clan ASCII characters. Typically, web servers and browsers can easily interpret underscores "_", dashes "-". It is also recommend that you DO NOT uses spaces in the name of the file.

    Example:

      · Bad: My Map Setup.exe

      · Bad: -- = = My Map Setup = = --.exe (Don't laugh, I've seen crap like this many, many times)

      · Good: MyMapSetup.exe

      · Good: My_Map_Setup.exe

      · Good: mymapsetup.exe

    Here ends the tutorial. I hope you found this useful.

    Written by Autoload (A few lines added by cwv_Odedge in gray)
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