+
+
+
+ The ExperienceUI's Patching System
+
+
+ Like all computer programs, the ExperienceUI has its bugs. Since version 1.02, however, the ExperienceUI has included a patching
+ system that can update any file that is related to the ExperienceUI or any NSIS component. The patch files are simply ZIP archives
+ with a special file, CONTENT.DAT, that tells where everything goes. This method of distributing updates allows for very small files;
+ files that do not require a setup program, just a shell extension in the Registry. The patching system also allows installation of
+ new components, such as extra features or skins. There is even a separate format made just for skins!
+
+ Installing a patch or skin is very easy. All you have to do is click on the file in Windows Explorer, and the installer handles the rest.
+ You can also write your own patches or skins. See the next section for more information.
+
+
+
+ Writing patch files
+
+
+ Writing an ExperienceUI patch or skin is very simple. If you have WinZip® or even Windows 98/ME/XP's integrated ZIP features and a
+ basic text editor, you have the tools required to build a patch or skin for the ExperienceUI. Here's how:
+
+
+ - Gather up your files.
+
+ Make a new ZIP file, and put all of the files you want to install into the archive's root directory.
+ - Create a CONTENT.DAT information file.
+
+ Create a new text file, call it CONTENT.DAT, and open it in Notepad, WordPad, emacs, or any other text editor.
+ - List your patch's files.
+
+ Type [EUI-Patch] or [EUI-Skin] (including the brackets) at the top of your file. Hit enter.
+ Now type NumFiles=# and replace # with the number of files in your patch, not including CONTENT.DAT.
+ Make a few more new lines, and then type File1=<filename> and replace <filename> with the first file
+ in your patch/skin. Hit Enter.
+ Type in File1 Path=MyPath for the folder to extract the file to. If you are extracting the file to the ExperienceUI's
+ installation root directory, create this field, but leave it blank. Hit Enter one more time.
+ If you're writing a patch, type File1 Desc=My Description String and replace My Description String with a description
+ of the file. This key does not apply to skins.
+ Now, add one more File1/File1 Path/File1 Desc section to the install script file (aka CONTENT.DAT) for
+ each file in your patch/skin, each time replacing the 1 with a number one higher than the previous file entry.
+
+ When you're done, the file should look somewhat like this:
+
+
+ [EUI-Patch]
+ NumFiles=3
+
+ File1=XPUI.NSH
+ File1 Path=
+ File1 Desc=ExperienceUI main script
+
+ File2=English.NSH
+ File2 Path=Language Files
+ File2 Desc=English Language string table
+
+ File3=Plus.bmp
+ File3 Path=Readme\Images
+ File3 Desc=Documentation section expand button, mouse out
+
+
+ - Add the CONTENT.DAT file to your ZIP archive.
+
+ This next step should be a little easier. Fire up your zip utility, and
+ add the CONTENT.DAT file you just created to the ZIP file.
+
+ - Rename the file.
+
+ Open up Command Prompt, usually done by going to Start > Run, typing CMD, and pressing Enter, and change to the
+ directory where your ZIP file is. Type in the command REN <file>.zip
+ <file>.eup for a patch or REN <file>.zip <file>.eus for a skin.
+
+ That's it! To test your skin/patch, just double-click it. After testing it, you'll be ready to distribute it over
+ the Web.
+
+
+
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