XLS Padlock includes a Web Update feature that can automatically download and install new versions of your application. This allows your end-users to easily upgrade your workbook app whenever you release a new version.
No third-party software is required, but you must have a web server or web hosting space to host the update files.
How the Web Update Works #
The application first downloads a small control file (.inf) from your server. This file tells the application if a new version is available. If there is, the application downloads the necessary update files (.cab), closes itself, installs the update, and restarts.
Checking for Updates #
You can configure your application to automatically check for updates at startup or add a “Check for Updates” button to the welcome screen. When a new version is detected, users are guided through a Web Update wizard.
Users can also initiate an update via the command line switch -webupdate.
How a New Version is Detected #
The File Version number, specified in the EXE Version Info page of XLS Padlock, is used to determine whether an update is necessary. You must increase this version number every time you release an update.
Configuration #
- Base URL: The URL on your web server where the Web Update files will be hosted (e.g.,
https://www.yourwebsite.com/myfolder). HTTPS is recommended. - Web Update INF Control Filename: The name of the control file that contains update information.
Local Destination Folder: A local folder on your computer where XLS Padlock will generate the update files. You must then upload the entire contents of this folder to your web server.
Warning
The destination folder should be empty. XLS Padlock will ask to delete its contents if it is not.
“What’s new” text (optional): Text to display in the update wizard, informing users about the changes in the new version.
Generating Web Update Files #
Clicking Generate Web Update Files in XLS Padlock will create the necessary files (a .inf control file and a .cab compressed file) in your specified local folder. You can then upload these files to your web server.
Note
If the application is installed in a restricted Windows folder like Program Files, administrator privileges will be required to install the update, which will trigger a UAC prompt.
Troubleshooting #
To troubleshoot the web update feature, enable the “Enable WebUpdate Log” option in Advanced Options. This will create a WUPDATE.LOG file in the user’s Documents directory with detailed information about the update process.
