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How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 5:36 pm
by Jaypee Dippel
Is there a tutorial or a utility out there for assembling a cab file? I have edited xml files and BMPs ready to go but I don't know how to compress them into a cab file. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 6:03 pm
by CAFedm
CabDIR found at the bottom of this page:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555857

Just copy & paste the provided link and you will be prompted to download. Once installed, I think all that needs doing is to drop the required files/folder onto cabdir.exe which will create a .cab output file.

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:11 pm
by Opa
You need to download the CabDir SDK from Microsoft:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/ ... _setup.exe

Then the way I do it is to create a work folder and place the cabdir.exe file (which comes in the SDK) and the bmp and xml file in that folder.

I then use a simple batch file (created with Notepad) which I have named Make Cab.bat to actually do the work.

This is the syntax of the batch (bat) file:

cabarc n mycab.cab *.bmp *.xml
Pause


When executed, the batch file will compile any and all bmps and xml files it finds in the work folder into a cab named mycab.cab

That of course can be renamed as you so desire and then be placed in the panel folder or gauge folder etc.

If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me directly -

opaflightsimadddict at verizon dot net

I am currently working on a Tutorial showing how to create an icon and cab file to display pop-up windows in the cockpit.

Hope this helps.

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:33 pm
by Jaypee Dippel
Thank's CAFedm, Opa, I'm downloading CabDir SDK. I'll report back.

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:55 pm
by Opa
I made a "slight" mistake.

The program which I use to create cabs is called CABARC.EXE and it is also from Microsoft and you can get it here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310618

The batch file I detailed in the previous message works with this program.

Sorry about that.   [smiley=bigsad.gif]

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:22 am
by microlight
Or use CabPack, which has an easy-to-use Windows GUI bolted onto the front of Cabdir - much simpler. Available here (http://www.softpedia.com/get/File-manag ... Pack.shtml)

Happy new year, all!

Martyn
;)

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:40 am
by Opa
Or use CabPack, which has an easy-to-use Windows GUI bolted onto the front of Cabdir - much simpler. Available here (http://www.softpedia.com/get/File-manag ... Pack.shtml)

Happy new year, all!

Martyn
;)


Thanks for the GREAT tip !!

That is indeed a sweet interface to use.   [smiley=bigsmile.gif]

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:00 am
by microlight
Pleasure. Happy new year!

;)

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:46 pm
by Jaypee Dippel
I did it! I assembled a cab file using CabPack. I'm on a roll again. Thanks for the help and Happy New Year! :)

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 8:22 pm
by Opa
I did it! I assembled a cab file using CabPack. I'm on a roll again. Thanks for the help and Happy New Year! :)


You might also find this tutorial useful:

http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?Ca ... LID=132531

Happy New Year!

Re: How do you assemble a cab file?

PostPosted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:10 pm
by Jaypee Dippel
Thank's Opa, that's a great tutorial. ;D