Control Panel File Maker Instructions

Topics:

CPL and CPI files

A .CPL file is a specialized DLL that windows recognizes as a file to be accessed/run from the Windows Control Panel. This specialized DLL has a specialized interface defined by Microsoft. This utility takes care of all of the specialized criteria for you, and allows you to develop in an environment you are familiar with.

The .CPL file that this utility generates works in conjunction with a .CPI (Control Panel Information) file. The .CPI file contains the icon and other information that the .CPL file needs. For this reason both files must be present in the Windows system directory.

Additional support for this product can be located at http:\\www.jspayne.com\CPLMaker

Note: This utility generates both the .CPL file and the .CPI file.

File/Command Line, Browse

This is where you enter the name of the executable file you wish to be run when your control panel icon is clicked on. You can also enter any command line parameters you wish to pass to your executable file.

You can click the Browse button to locate your executable file.

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Specify Path

This is where you can specify the path to the executable file you entered via “File/Command Line.” This is the path to the executable file as it will be when your setup/configuration program is installed on your client’s machine.

Note: Unless you can be certain where your setup/configuration program will reside on your client’s machine, It is recommended that you use the “Windows Directory” or “System Directory” options for the location of your setup/configuration program.

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System Directory

If you select this option the, your .CPL file will look for your setup/configuration program in the Windows System directory. You must ensure that your setup/configuration program is installed/resides in the Windows system directory.

Windows System directory is typically:

Win 95/98: “C:\Windows\System”.
WinNT: “C:\Winnt\System32”.

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Windows Directory

This is the preferred location for your setup/configuration program. If you select this option the, .CPL file will look for your setup/configuration program in the Windows directory. You must ensure that your setup/configuration program is installed/resides in the Windows directory.

The Windows directory is typically “C:\Windows” for Win95/98 and for “C:\Winnt” Win NT..

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Icon from Executable

If you select this option the icon that is displayed in the Windows Control Panel will come from the executable file you setup to run from the Windows Control Panel. If there is more than one icon in the executable file, you will be presented with a dialog box that will allow you to select the icon you wish to choose.

Note: Files used to select icons must be 32-bit files and not in use at the time an icon is being selected.

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Icon from .ICO file, Choose

If you select this option the icon that is displayed in the Windows Control Panel will come from an .ICO file you select. If there is more that one icon in the .ICO file, you will be presented with a dialog box that will allow you to select the icon you wish to choose.

Click on the Choose button and you will be presented with a dialog box allowing you to select an .ICO file.

Note: Files used to select icons must be 32-bit files and not in use at the time an icon is being selected.

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Icon from Other file, Choose

If you select this option the icon that is displayed in the Windows Control Panel will come from a .DLL or .EXE file you select. If there are more that one icon in the .DLL or .EXE file, you will be presented with a dialog box that will allow you to select the icon you wish to choose.

Click on the Choose button and you will be presented with a dialog box allowing you to select a .DLL or .EXE file.

Note: Files used to select icons must be 32-bit files and not in use at the time an icon is being selected.

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Icon Text

This is where you specify the text that is displayed below the icon that represents the program.

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Icon Description

This is where you specify the text that is displayed with the "detailed" view of the icon that represents the program.

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Generate CPL File

After you have entered all the required information, click this button to generate your .CPL file and the .CPI file that goes with it.

Note: These files must be installed into the Windows system directory on the target machine.

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Enter Project Name

This is where you enter the name of your project. You should make this name unique and something that is representative of your software/application. The resultant files will have this name. Note: do not enter a file extension here.

Example:

XYZViewer Project Name
XYZViewer.CPJ Project File
XYZViewer.CPL Control Panel File
XYZViewer.CPI Control Panel Information File
XYZViewer.ICO Control Panel Icon File

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