Subpackage

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from WinCustomize Forums
Ok I have all my icons made and the pack, but I'm having trouble adding a subpackage. I created a second pack then added it as a subpack
and it worked on the computer I created it, but when I zip it for distribution and installed it on a different computer the subpack didn't work. So I tried to edit it in the subpack button and it shows but is looking for the file path or in other words a second Pack wich is kind of dumn if you need to have both packs for the subpack to work. I created the two packs on my home Computer then I just added it 1 as a subpack and works on there but it didn't work on another computer.
Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong. or is there a tutorial on how to created subpackages.
iconpackager
14,134 views 25 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm running into the same thing. I can't believe this post has sat for 5 days with no response. Maybe this bump will get it going.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Here is the history from the latest IconPackager build. Maybe it is what you need.

3.10 release
----------------
-Updated translation support for sub-packages.
-Updated previews for Vista-style icon resources in IP, Package Builder,
and IconExplorer.

This build is necessary to support the sub-packages included with
Mormegil's new premium Apogee icon pack.
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You will probably need to create a new package by copying the icons you want to use in the package from the Apogee folders in the IconPackager\Themes sub-directory to a holding folder.

Then start IconPackager > View menu > Package Builder > drag-n-drop into builder from your holding folder > use the Save or Save As button to name and save the package.

This will create an IconPackager theme file with the IconPackager icon, which you should be able to double-click to install on any computer with the correct version of IconPackager installed.

Note - if you install the Apogee pack from SDC, you are forced to install "Apogee" before being allowed to install the sub-packs, so this may or may not indicate that they are tied together - thus the issue you experienced.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top


I'm confuzzled.

Do I have to install the Apogee Icon Package in order to create my own Icon Package with a subpackage? (Install Apogee and then re[lace it's icons with mine and save as new package?)

It seems kind of odd, if that is the case, that they would add such a feature for one Icon Package and make anyone who wants to make a subpackage go through all that to do it. Not being sarcastic, I'm just not sure I understood you.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Maybe someone from stardock could write a tutorial on how to create subpackages as no one is sure how this new function of the latest iconpackager works.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Maybe someone from stardock could write a tutorial

That would be nice, since the 'help' info that comes with it is lacking. I'm sitting on an Icon Package that really needs this feature, or I will end up making 2 Ip's, which I thought this feature would prevent me from having to do.

I'm hoping I don't have to install the Apogee pack, since it's a premium pack. I can't believe they would install a feature that you might end up actually having to buy something more in order to use it?
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Bump
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Confused 2Confused 3Hitting Head Against Wall 2YawnSleeping At Computer
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have been wanting to release this pack since before X-mas. Wich will have four colors, but so far I've been holding it's relase because of this issue. And I don't want to buy the Apogge suite just to use this feature. This is a preview of some of those icons
http://danielflaco.wincustomize.com/Preview.aspx?Source=DanielFlaco/screenshots/14055.jpg
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I feel for you. I have an Icon Pack as well that I need the Subpackage option for. I emailed SDS on Monday and they replied yesterday they received my email and they would respond within 48 hours. Still waiting. If I find out anything before you, I will pass it on to you asap.

hang in there.

p.s. Nice icons, by the way. If you want...should we get this worked out...I'd be willin' to do a swap to test each others icon's with this subpackage feature. I ran into the same thing you did with it working on my computer but not on a different one.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Do I have to install the Apogee Icon Package in order to create my own Icon Package with a subpackage?

Sorry to confuse.

Having the Apogee pack installed does not help with creating sub-packages.

I have not found a way to create sub-packages that have the ".subpackage" file in the sub-package folder.

With the Apogee pack, the main folder "Apogee" has the full set of icons, a ".iconpackage" file, and a ".packages" file.

The sub-package folders have the sub-set of icons (the different colored folders, My Computer, Recycle Bin, etc. without any icons that are used from the "Apogee" folder), as well as a ".subpackage" file.

I am not sure how this was accomplished, nor if it can be accomplished with the current public version (stand-alone, or Object Desktop).

Hopefully someone will be able to clear this up.

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
".packages" file.

I have gotten as far as creating the second file...but somehow erased all the icons from the parent file when I put them both in one zip. I realize this may not make sense, I don't understand it myself.

I can create a parent file...then a subpackage. The sub shows up in my drop down window of the parent. However...when I try to zip them into one package...I lose the parent.

There really need to be step by step instructions on how to save it all to one pack after you have created the subpackage. (Which, by the way, when I save the subpackage...at least for me...it is put into it's own folder 'OUTSIDE' of the parent files folder. I don't know a lot about programming and stuff, but I'm guessing it should be saved within the parent folder and I am doing something wrong.)
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So far no answer to my question. Stardock sould release a tutorial, otherwise what's the point of having the feature if nobody knows how to use it exept the people at Stardock.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I received 14 emails over a 15 hour period yesterday confirming they received my ONE email. If I go by that, it'll be 48 hours from the first/last one they sent me (?)..which will either be 7:38 Thursday morning or 4:27 that afternoon.

I'll wait the 48 before I take any further action. This is only the first time I have ever had a problem with any of the software.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I also have been successful in creating the ".packages" file, but no ".subpackage" file in the sub-pack folders.

The folders do exist outside of the parent folder with the Apogee pack. So you get the "Apogee" folder, "Apogee (Amber)" folder, "Apogee (Black)", "Apogee (Blue)", etc.

Mormegil uses the "Save package as individual icons" option in IconPackager\Settings category, which results in a folder with all icons available for copying to another folder (for say ObjectDock use).

The parent "Apogee" folder has icons, ".iconpackage" file, and the additional ".packages" file - while the sub-package folders have the icons that are different than the parent, and the ".subpackage" file only.

I have been able to create packages (which I save to the IconPackager\Themes sub-directory), and then assign them as sub-packages (and shows them in the drop-down list inside parent listing) - but this still leaves the packages which were added as sub-packages listed in the normal list as well. I have not found a way around this, nor how to create the ".subpackage" file - which I believe to be the key to the issue.

IMHO - An updated "Help" file is a must in this version.

Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well! thanks for trying to help. I had already done everything you describe runninig into the same problems. I guess we will just have to wait until Stardock decides to release a step by step tutorial.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
An updated "Help" file

Your version has a HELP file????

Is it like mine...



I've gotten more help in the forums and tutorial articles.

Patience is a virtue.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I've gotten more help in the forums and tutorial articles

Yes, I have the same one.....

I create documentation at work, and I must agree that this one needs serious work - ASAP.

One difficulty with releasing updates/upgrades, or making any changes for that matter, is the need for a dedicated documentation division to complete the process professionally. I have to assume that the current staff size at Stardock does not support this need, which I see in many products by other companies as well.

Microsoft relies greatly on authors who use their product to provide competent documentation outside of the Help files - though none of the them are volunteers, so obviously food can be put on the table while writing.

Hopefully, we will see something here at WC, or at the Stardock site to support the new feature.

Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is from another thread and explains the subpackage issue. It was posted my mormegil who is putting together the Apogee update.....

Po, All you have to do is make sure you have 3.1 then make your main pack. in package builder create your subpackages. Then create your parent package, in package builder you will see a ?????? button, I dont know why this is, named that way. I will yell at brain abou that. Anyway. Here you add new sub package. You can add as many as you want.

PS. If you want to just do it in the package file. There will be a, .packages file as text file and enter them that way. the format is.

[Apogee (White)]
File=..\Apogee (White)\Apogee (White).subpackage
LoadMain=1

You will not the subpacks are called .subpackage, this is the same as .iconpackage, except it hides them in the main list.

I am sure we need to get some UI tweeks in to make it a bit esyer to make these. But it is quite simple even now, once you know were to look.

I'll be trying it out. Let me know how it works for you.
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is exactly what I did before even posting this article for help. I created the main pack then the subapacks in packedge builder. But like I said it worked fine I had no problem adding the subpacks. The problem came When I tired to Zip it for distribution, I wouldn't include the subpacks in the packs.But I'll try it again may be it will work this time around.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is exactly what I did before even posting this article for help. I created the main pack then the subapacks in packedge builder. But like I said it worked fine I had no problem adding the subpacks. The problem came When I tired to Zip it for distribution, I wouldn't include the subpacks in the packs.But I'll try it again may be it will work this time around.
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think the bottom line...but DON'T quote me on this...is that the APogee Icon Pack has it's OWN installer?????....and probably the ability to do what we are trying to get IconPackager to do...but I am not sure. I have been posting back and forth with Paul(mormegil) about it and am waiting for a reply to my last post.

What I beleive you/we may have to do until IconPackager is tweaked is to put the parent file folder and subpack folders into one regular zip folder to upload it, with instructions on where to put everything.

The only thing I gleamed from his posts that I hadn't been doing was to change the extension on the subpackages from ".iconpackage" to ".subpackage" on the actual file and in the ".packages" document (which you may need to go into it's properties and set it to open with notepad).

Here's the link to the thread...you can see his comments and that I have tried to zip this stuff in every kind of arrangement possible with no luck. I am 'still' waiting for my response from SD Support and will probably resubmit the email.

Link
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks a lot that would be very helpfull. And from what I'm hearing sounds like Stardock hasn't figured out this subpack issue. But we'l just have to wait I guess.