The Major BBS Forums (Archive)

I'm a software developer and I have developed a new installation method for WorldGroup Manager that allows it to run on WinXP and 2003 with no user modifications or fixes of any kind (even works on 32-bit versions of Vista and 2008). So far so good.

It's a full 32-bit, single EXE, InstallShield install file, very polished and professional. The install file weighs in at just over 8.5MB and contains all Windows Installer engine necessities for all Win32 versions. It also sets up telnet and web links to the BBS in the Start Menu group, not just the client app and help file. It can have menu options for anythign else as well. And then there's that beautiful Uninstall option right there in the Start Menu that makes a very welcome addition to WGM.

To clarify, this new installation method of Worldgroup Manager does not run in any strange way on your computer. No hoops to jump through such as funky patches, graphics modes or containerized environments that have a bad habit or reorganizing your desktop when they fail to properly restore video resolution.

In a nutshell, it's the original 16-bit app you're installing with a nice new 32-bit InstallShield installer. This one, however, automatically adjusts itself depending on what OS you install it to so it will run properly, which has proven to make it solid as a rock. It's the real deal, and like I said, it's already up and running under XP, 2003, Vista and 2008 on my test boxes. No strange utilities or user fixes required, no unnecessary re-invented wheels. What has been re-invented, however, badly needed it and now looks like a million bucks.

Now here's the catch: it is a pre-configured InstallShield installer of WGM - it is not end-user configurable. Therefore, it will be released in two different flavors. One will be the free, no-frills, generic public version of the WGM client installer. It will install a plain, unconfigured version of WGM that runs under all Win32 environments. It will have web links to Gcomm.com, NetVillage.com, TheMajorBBS.com and Worldgroupware.com in the start menu along with help file, readme file and Uninstall option.

And then there's the made-to-order custom version. This version of the new WGM installer would be customized for any specific or individual BBS. Not only is it visually stunning and very specific to the BBS itself (graphics, EULA, text, everything), it will also contain any specific web and telnet links to the BBS along with the preconfigured WGM clinet. This version will have to be custm built manually for a small fee. A GUI BBS product of the past (PowerBBS) had a service like this, in which the GUI client was custom configured, recompiled and repackaged for specific BBSes for a minimal fee, anywhere from $25-$50 depending on what options are to be customized. I might have to take that route just because of the time involved as well as my interest in my hobbies paying for themselves if at all possible. Though this is far more of a custom client configuration than what PowerBBS offered, I would still keep it that cheap. When you see the additional features and configuration options of the BBS-specific demo, I think you'll agree it's worth the price of a typical video game. Regardless of what direction I take with this, it all works perfectly so far, so at least it's something new to offer to the Worldgroup/MBBS world as something that will soon be available.

I will be releasing the generic version in two weeks along with a fully customized version demo for everyone to try out. Hopefully they will be well received.

The WG/MBBS community really deserves a usable, updated GUI client. It's been way too long of a wait.

Highwinder

Ok, I lied.

The free generic beta is ready for you to download and try out as of right now (link below). It has so far tested out to be very stable, I have yet to have anyone tell me about any problems with it.

Important Specifics:

1. This is the beta version of the free Generic Public WGM Client.

2. This free generic version is a public service release to the Worldgroup community simply because I feel like contibuting to the coolest piece of software ever written (and the community that is still very much engaged in supporting it).

3. The full-scale, customized demo version will be released in all its glory in the next day or two. This is the one that I'm hoping everyone will take an interest in. It will be hard not to drool over it when you see it. It can all be yours.

4. Should you want a customized WGM client built for your specific BBS, here's what it will cost: For the first initial build, it will cost $50(US). This is because I have to build your WGM client to your specs from the ground up, menu options and all, and then build a custom installer for it, complete with graphics and menu options of your chooice, as well as customized operating system compatibility enhancements. Should you ever require future changes after that, repeat builds will cost only $25.

5. This free generic version will install to C:\WGMAN. It's hardcoded, so if you already have a WGM installed there, it is not recommended that you install this over the top of it, results may be unpredictable.

6. A customized, BBS-specific version can install to whatever path the Sysop specifies on the order form. However, Sysops should remember the nature of the 16-bit WGM client and choose a traditioal "8-dot-3" (C:\example.bbs).

7. Windows Vista: Yup - runs under Vista32!. However, Microsoft has finally dropped the hammer and discontinued 16-bit application support in Vista64. To continue using 16-bit applications under Windows Vista, such as the WGM client, you must be running the 32-bit version of Windows Vista and also be making use of a compatibility-enhanced version of WGM client such as this one. I think this might be the last hurruah for 16 bit apps without having to use virtualization products such as Virtual PC or VMware. This is where a true 32-bit rebuild version of the WGM client is truly needed.

DOWNLOAD
OK, here it is. I REALLY need as much feedback as I can get from anyone on general impression, functionality, and if any problems are experienced. Please post your gushing comments here if they make me look good, or if you have problems or complaints, skewer me in private via email at bobh at whidbey.com.

Download: http://www2.whidbey.net/bobh/wgmanxp200 ... .10.21.exe


Important: Please understand that I am not re-selling WGM, and no legal barrier is being crossed. All I'm charging for is my time, knowedge and resources to produce custom installers for an outdated software product that customers have already paid for.

Also, I still have to put up a web site for this, so it will probably be soon. I have to get scrambling.

Well, this file's been posted here for a few days now and I notice over 80 reads. Anyone downloaded it and tried it out yet?

Really interested in any feedback anyone would care to give.

Sont worry, it's virus free, no spyware or any crap like that. 100% clean, installs Worldgroup Manager files and Worldgroup Manager files only.

Highwidner

Highwinder wrote:Well, this file's been posted here for a few days now and I notice over 80 reads. Anyone downloaded it and tried it out yet?

Really interested in any feedback anyone would care to give.

Sont worry, it's virus free, no spyware or any crap like that. 100% clean, installs Worldgroup Manager files and Worldgroup Manager files only.

Highwidner

After I installed it my computer would not boot. I don't think the installer had anything to do with it but you asked. I have not tried it on a different computer yet.

Joe

After I installed it my computer would not boot. I don't think the installer had anything to do with it but you asked. I have not tried it on a different computer yet.

Joe

When you say "would not boot", could you be more specific? What kind of system was it installed on? In what way did it not boot?

Just to clarify:

There's nothing that gets installed that would effect a system booting - it's just Worldgroup Manager with an InstallShield installer, nothing more. Software utilities that monitor and track installations can verify this. I'm quite confident any booting problems you had with your system were not caused by or related to Worldgroup Manager.

I have tested this software extensively on over 20 different XP, 2000 and 2003 systems both at home and at work, so far with zero problems whatsoever. I confess, however, that I'm not done with the testing on the Win9x systems, but I haven't had any problems yet.

I assure you that this software is clean and has nothing in it that should be there. It's 100% pure Worldgroup Manager files only. Nothing is installed to your computer with this installer that the WorldGroup Manager doesn't install on it's own, and to the exact same file locations as well. I was very meticulous about this. I knew that if I didnt get that right, it would be flatly rejected by everyone, and rightly so.

If there's one thing that entirely ticks me off is when people let software out the door that either isn't finished, buggy or doesn't install properly. I am not one of those people. I have spent a great many days blasting such individuals in tech support forums for not getting their ducks in line before going live with a software release.

If I might be so bold in asking your trust, could you try it on another computer and give it a try? The reason I'm asking this of you is that I had intended on building you a custom WGM for free. You were the very first person to state you wanted one. That's why I asked for confirmation if you were truly interested.

Highwinder

I did not think that the installer crashed my computer but after a clean install I tried the installer again and wham crash durring reboot.

Something is wrong. I will try and post an error message soon.

Don't give up on this project because I would love to see it work!

Joe

Highwinder wrote:

After I installed it my computer would not boot. I don't think the installer had anything to do with it but you asked. I have not tried it on a different computer yet.

Joe

When you say "would not boot", could you be more specific? What kind of system was it installed on? In what way did it not boot?

Just to clarify:

There's nothing that gets installed that would effect a system booting - it's just Worldgroup Manager with an InstallShield installer, nothing more. Software utilities that monitor and track installations can verify this. I'm quite confident any booting problems you had with your system were not caused by or related to Worldgroup Manager.

I have tested this software extensively on over 20 different XP, 2000 and 2003 systems both at home and at work, so far with zero problems whatsoever. I confess, however, that I'm not done with the testing on the Win9x systems, but I haven't had any problems yet.

I assure you that this software is clean and has nothing in it that should be there. It's 100% pure Worldgroup Manager files only. Nothing is installed to your computer with this installer that the WorldGroup Manager doesn't install on it's own, and to the exact same file locations as well. I was very meticulous about this. I knew that if I didnt get that right, it would be flatly rejected by everyone, and rightly so.

If there's one thing that entirely ticks me off is when people let software out the door that either isn't finished, buggy or doesn't install properly. I am not one of those people. I have spent a great many days blasting such individuals in tech support forums for not getting their ducks in line before going live with a software release.

If I might be so bold in asking your trust, could you try it on another computer and give it a try? The reason I'm asking this of you is that I had intended on building you a custom WGM for free. You were the very first person to state you wanted one. That's why I asked for confirmation if you were truly interested.

Highwinder

ccs wrote:I did not think that the installer crashed my computer but after a clean install I tried the installer again and wham crash durring reboot.

Something is wrong. I will try and post an error message soon.

Don't give up on this project because I would love to see it work!

Joe

I was just able to produce the error on a Windows 2000 workstation that does cause a blue screen at bootup. So far I cannot tell what's different about this machine, but I think this might be the problem. I'm running down the stop error and status codes to see what this is all about, maybe it's the problem you're describing.

Just to be safe, I'm pulling the file so it can't be downloaded by anyone. Consider this beta bad until I find out more information.

Found the problem, it has been fixed.

Give this one a try.

Download:
http://www2.whidbey.net/bobh/wgmanxp200 ... .10.26.exe

Highwinder

Yup this looks like the fault!

Highwinder wrote:

ccs wrote:I did not think that the installer crashed my computer but after a clean install I tried the installer again and wham crash durring reboot.

Something is wrong. I will try and post an error message soon.

Don't give up on this project because I would love to see it work!

Joe

I was just able to produce the error on a Windows 2000 workstation that does cause a blue screen at bootup. So far I cannot tell what's different about this machine, but I think this might be the problem. I'm running down the stop error and status codes to see what this is all about, maybe it's the problem you're describing.

Just to be safe, I'm pulling the file so it can't be downloaded by anyone. Consider this beta bad until I find out more information.

ccs wrote:Yup this looks like the fault!

The problem is fixed if you want to try the new one.

Highwinder wrote:

ccs wrote:Yup this looks like the fault!

The problem is fixed if you want to try the new one.

I just got my PC fully restored. I am almost ready with a devolpment computer. I will try it there first.

Joe

ccs wrote:

Highwinder wrote:

ccs wrote:Yup this looks like the fault!

The problem is fixed if you want to try the new one.

I just got my PC fully restored. I am almost ready with a devolpment computer. I will try it there first.

Joe

ill post the new worldgroup manager completely redone.
didnt know anyone had an interest in c/s anymore. we been using it fine
without patching as well.
it will be a free download and will be the only WG module ill support
all win32 o/s's.
i stopped supporting non server os's for wg since well if its not a server o/s shouldnt be running a server <grin>

lemme test this with wg2 and let ya know.
the non WG4 build was used for legacy support using the 3.12 manager.

i hired a visual basic developer about a month ago to begin upscaling all VB wg API and applications for use with vb6 (.net support wont be used for pre 3.20)
they sent me some updates so far and it looks really good, lemme get with them on the client.

I once read that some files were being re-written in 32-bit, but hadn't heard anything. Is it true recompiles of the originals that will work with the same command line options, etc?

If so, I have some fun ideas I'm looking forward to trying out.

Highwinder

Highwinder wrote:I once read that some files were being re-written in 32-bit, but hadn't heard anything. Is it true recompiles of the originals that will work with the same command line options, etc?

If so, I have some fun ideas I'm looking forward to trying out.

Highwinder

yeah 32 bit vers have been talked about for a while and i never even considered it until i had some users request it.
so i began to look into it. as long as you have the VB3 enviroment setup and do some tweaks with some error messages YOU WILL GET
it will work fine.
something i've noticed with alot of the wg source packages is none of them work properly.
some say its b/c of the dev enviroment WRONG
when you got command line options completely missing you could tell most source kits were throw togethers.
i played hell getting the wg2src.zip to compile, played even more hell getting the wg2 manager o compile.
the 3.xx stuff works pretty good you'll encounter some errors on compile even using vb3 which is what they used (shrug)
i'm not a vb developer by far but ill try and help if ya get some errors.

dspain wrote:
yeah 32 bit vers have been talked about for a while and i never even considered it until i had some users request it.
so i began to look into it. as long as you have the VB3 enviroment setup and do some tweaks with some error messages YOU WILL GET
it will work fine.
something i've noticed with alot of the wg source packages is none of them work properly.
some say its b/c of the dev enviroment WRONG
when you got command line options completely missing you could tell most source kits were throw togethers.
i played hell getting the wg2src.zip to compile, played even more hell getting the wg2 manager o compile.
the 3.xx stuff works pretty good you'll encounter some errors on compile even using vb3 which is what they used (shrug)
i'm not a vb developer by far but ill try and help if ya get some errors.

I've been a VB developer since the beginning, and have all versions of VB all the way back to version 1 for Windows. My prized collector's piece is Visual basic Pro for DOS, which I've actually used to do some DOS work before. Most of my work has been in VB5 and especially VB6. Like a great many developers out here in VB Land, I never did adopt the new DotNet crap. Vast numbers of developers are still clinging to VStudio6. Microsoft is STILL trying to figure out how to get people away from Visual Studio 6.

VB4 is the "magic" vesion of VB I'd be trying to compile the client in if I decided to take on a full WG client rebuild. VB4 contained both 16 and 32 bit versions of VB, and is only one version above VB3, so code similarities should be high and conversion errors should be low. Though VB4 doesn't compile to native code executables (the EXE files are p-code), the main advantage with VB4 is that that it will take things to 32-bit with few conversion hardships.

Just an opinion, but I would consider taking a complex 16-bit VB3 app all the way up to a complex 32-bit VB6 app in one single jump an absolute nightmare (unless you've got a really good VB programmer who really knows his stuff).

Really wishing you luck, would love to see all of this come together.

Highwinder

I use Visual Studio 6, Visual Studio 2002, Visual Studio 2003 and Visual Studio 2005. To be quite honest, I slacked off Visual Studio 2002 and Visual Studio 2003 platforms. I was also starting to slack from Visual Studio 6, but going back to it slowly.

Because of running Run of the Mill BBS, and starting to write code for Worldgroup BBS, I am going back to C/C++ again, though a lot I have to remember again. I forgot a lot of C?C++, sigh. But either way, I like .NET and older technologies, depends on who uses what to be quite honest.

Highwinder wrote:

dspain wrote:
yeah 32 bit vers have been talked about for a while and i never even considered it until i had some users request it.
so i began to look into it. as long as you have the VB3 enviroment setup and do some tweaks with some error messages YOU WILL GET
it will work fine.
something i've noticed with alot of the wg source packages is none of them work properly.
some say its b/c of the dev enviroment WRONG
when you got command line options completely missing you could tell most source kits were throw togethers.
i played hell getting the wg2src.zip to compile, played even more hell getting the wg2 manager o compile.
the 3.xx stuff works pretty good you'll encounter some errors on compile even using vb3 which is what they used (shrug)
i'm not a vb developer by far but ill try and help if ya get some errors.

I've been a VB developer since the beginning, and have all versions of VB all the way back to version 1 for Windows. My prized collector's piece is Visual basic Pro for DOS, which I've actually used to do some DOS work before. Most of my work has been in VB5 and especially VB6. Like a great many developers out here in VB Land, I never did adopt the new DotNet crap. Vast numbers of developers are still clinging to VStudio6. Microsoft is STILL trying to figure out how to get people away from Visual Studio 6.

VB4 is the "magic" vesion of VB I'd be trying to compile the client in if I decided to take on a full WG client rebuild. VB4 contained both 16 and 32 bit versions of VB, and is only one version above VB3, so code similarities should be high and conversion errors should be low. Though VB4 doesn't compile to native code executables (the EXE files are p-code), the main advantage with VB4 is that that it will take things to 32-bit with few conversion hardships.

Just an opinion, but I would consider taking a complex 16-bit VB3 app all the way up to a complex 32-bit VB6 app in one single jump an absolute nightmare (unless you've got a really good VB programmer who really knows his stuff).

Really wishing you luck, would love to see all of this come together.

Highwinder

Highwinder wrote:

dspain wrote:
yeah 32 bit vers have been talked about for a while and i never even considered it until i had some users request it.
so i began to look into it. as long as you have the VB3 enviroment setup and do some tweaks with some error messages YOU WILL GET
it will work fine.
something i've noticed with alot of the wg source packages is none of them work properly.
some say its b/c of the dev enviroment WRONG
when you got command line options completely missing you could tell most source kits were throw togethers.
i played hell getting the wg2src.zip to compile, played even more hell getting the wg2 manager o compile.
the 3.xx stuff works pretty good you'll encounter some errors on compile even using vb3 which is what they used (shrug)
i'm not a vb developer by far but ill try and help if ya get some errors.

I've been a VB developer since the beginning, and have all versions of VB all the way back to version 1 for Windows. My prized collector's piece is Visual basic Pro for DOS, which I've actually used to do some DOS work before. Most of my work has been in VB5 and especially VB6. Like a great many developers out here in VB Land, I never did adopt the new DotNet crap. Vast numbers of developers are still clinging to VStudio6. Microsoft is STILL trying to figure out how to get people away from Visual Studio 6.

VB4 is the "magic" vesion of VB I'd be trying to compile the client in if I decided to take on a full WG client rebuild. VB4 contained both 16 and 32 bit versions of VB, and is only one version above VB3, so code similarities should be high and conversion errors should be low. Though VB4 doesn't compile to native code executables (the EXE files are p-code), the main advantage with VB4 is that that it will take things to 32-bit with few conversion hardships.

Just an opinion, but I would consider taking a complex 16-bit VB3 app all the way up to a complex 32-bit VB6 app in one single jump an absolute nightmare (unless you've got a really good VB programmer who really knows his stuff).

Really wishing you luck, would love to see all of this come together.

Highwinder

thank you, gonna need it, <<grin>>

If someone would like to do a new WG Manager in VB .NET, let me know...

Questman wrote:If someone would like to do a new WG Manager in VB .NET, let me know...

Just my 2 cents, but I strongly recommend using VB6, if not for the VB language version differences alone. Originally written in VB3, porting it to .Net would be a nightmare. Far easier to port it to VB6, which is much closer.

Additionally, not everyone is a fan of the .Net structure, which basically brings back the poor performance of the "old days" of VB. The .Net engine is just as clunky and grindy as Java (built on the same principle), which has to fire up in the background entirely before the .net app is able to run. Still trying to figure out what Microsoft was smoking for breakfast when they decided to rip off Java, considering they just got VStudio perfected when they abandoned it for .Net. Visual Studio 6 is still extremely popular despite Microsoft's efforts to kill it. Embarrassing situation for Microsoft, especially in light of the Vista fiasco.

But if you want to crank it out in .Net, feel free. Let us know when you're done. Might want to stock up on painkillers first.

Highwinder wrote:

Questman wrote:If someone would like to do a new WG Manager in VB .NET, let me know...

Just my 2 cents, but I strongly recommend using VB6, if not for the VB language version differences alone. Originally written in VB3, porting it to .Net would be a nightmare. Far easier to port it to VB6, which is much closer.

Additionally, not everyone is a fan of the .Net structure, which basically brings back the poor performance of the "old days" of VB. The .Net engine is just as clunky and grindy as Java (built on the same principle), which has to fire up in the background entirely before the .net app is able to run. Still trying to figure out what Microsoft was smoking for breakfast when they decided to rip off Java, considering they just got VStudio perfected when they abandoned it for .Net. Visual Studio 6 is still extremely popular despite Microsoft's efforts to kill it. Embarrassing situation for Microsoft, especially in light of the Vista fiasco.

But if you want to crank it out in .Net, feel free. Let us know when you're done. Might want to stock up on painkillers first.

been hearing too much of that as of late.
seems nobody is a .net fan.

im gonna be compiling all the vc 4.2 stuff to v6 soon and adding all the gcomm libraries in a vc structure as well.
i think ill stop at vc6 and let someone else play in .net
i did it from 2003-2006 working on an ultima online server in c# and dont think i will go that route anymore.

MajorBID is my most complex module (ebay like interface for wgnt) and i have been critisized already for not using .net or mysql database handlers.
as you said too much of .net is clunky and laggy in communicating.

I'm actually a Java guy myself. And I think you're correct - whoever wanted to port up the VB stuff would have to do VB3-> VB4 -> VB6 -> VB .NET 2007.

But I'd hesitate to stop at VB6 because it is end of life from Microsoft this year.

Questman wrote:...I'd hesitate to stop at VB6 because it is end of life from Microsoft this year.

I think the goal is simply to get the WGM client up to 32-bit (thus ensuring it's continuity even under 64-bit Windows), so I dont think too much blood needs to be spilled trying to get it up to the latest version of .Net, which is Microsoft's stab at their own proprietary JRE.

True, Microsoft is pulling the plug on VS6 this next year. But that doesn't mean the product is no good anymore and can't still be used long into the future. I have never needed Microsoft tech support for Visual Studio 6, so I'm not worried about them pulling the plug on support at all.

Highwinder wrote:

Questman wrote:...I'd hesitate to stop at VB6 because it is end of life from Microsoft this year.

I think the goal is simply to get the WGM client up to 32-bit (thus ensuring it's continuity even under 64-bit Windows), so I dont think too much blood needs to be spilled trying to get it up to the latest version of .Net, which is Microsoft's stab at their own proprietary JRE.

True, Microsoft is pulling the plug on VS6 this next year. But that doesn't mean the product is no good anymore and can't still be used long into the future. I have never needed Microsoft tech support for Visual Studio 6, so I'm not worried about them pulling the plug on support at all.

yeah end of life isnt all that bad, hell point in theory, worldgroup addons are written still in bc 5.01 and for wg2 bc 4.52, still heavily used

Questman wrote:I'm actually a Java guy myself. And I think you're correct - whoever wanted to port up the VB stuff would have to do VB3-> VB4 -> VB6 -> VB .NET 2007.

But I'd hesitate to stop at VB6 because it is end of life from Microsoft this year.

oh yeah, do you have the 2 java versions for compiling the wg-java stuff?
i just finished with the vc stuff, so the only thing lacking in my kit is the 2 java versions.

i think its 1.10 and 1.13

Hehe, no. You can get them from Sun's site - java.sun.com - click Previous versions on the JRE link, and then there's a link for "developer support" or something that lets you download any prior release.

Questman wrote:Hehe, no. You can get them from Sun's site - java.sun.com - click Previous versions on the JRE link, and then there's a link for "developer support" or something that lets you download any prior release.

ok kewl, have you ever did a 'MAKEWGS JAVA WNT' ?
i wonder if 1.4 will compile it all, im unfamiliar with suns product so i dont know if they changed it alot from ver to ver.

1.1 is ANCIENT. It likely will NOT compile.

Questman wrote:1.1 is ANCIENT. It likely will NOT compile.

i think ill leave java to you guys im a C developer
if i ever find a legacy 1.0 and 1.1.3 ill tinker with it.

Questman wrote:1.1 is ANCIENT. It likely will NOT compile.

1.4 isn't that much newer is it? It might compile, maybe with a little tweeking.

They're on 1.6 now...

But there were serious differences between 1.1 and 1.2. Major major differences.. 1.2 to 1.3 had a bunch to. 1.3 to 1.4 wasn't too bad, and 1.4 to 1.5 wasn't too bad.

What happened to this thing, I wanted to try it the link is broke.

Toyduck wrote:

Questman wrote:1.1 is ANCIENT. It likely will NOT compile.

1.4 isn't that much newer is it? It might compile, maybe with a little tweeking.

yeah i have since found the original java compilers gcomm used.
1.0 and 1.1.2

awaiting the guy with the java sources to kick em my way so i can try em in the server compile, ill let ya know how she goes

is this file still available?

Same question - anyone?

I totally apologize, some web site maintenance by my ISP had removed the General Release (Public) version fo the Worldgroup Manager installer. I'll put it back up this weekend. It is the final release (bug-free) version I completed last year. It works for All 32-bit versions of Windows, including XP, 2003, Vista and 2008. Will install but will not run under 64-bit versions of Vista or Server 2008.

Great, I look forward to it. Thanks.

Worldgroup Manager Generic Public Release 2007.11.07

Compatibility Enhanced for Win9x, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista32 and Server 2008(32)
Will install but will not run on Vista64 or Server2008(64)

Main Features:

Complete Worldgroup 3.3 WGM Client Installation, All Features

Full, Clean, Uninstall Support

Compatibility-enhanced for Windows XP/2003/Vista32 & Server 2008(32)

Enhanced Windows Start Menu Group

Note: This is not a 32-bit version of WGM - it is the 100% original 16-bit WGM client that has been re-packaged as described above into a professional 32-bit InstallShield self-installer.


DOWNLOAD (8.6mb, Full Installer)
http://www2.whidbey.net/bobh/wgmanxp200 ... .11.07.exe

- Highwinder

Loaded it and it worked GREAT,

many thanks and is it fully functional ?


Al

Highwinder wrote:Worldgroup Manager Generic Public Release 2007.11.07

Compatibility Enhanced for Win9x, 2000, XP and 2003
Will install but will not run on Vista

Main Features:

Complete Worldgroup 3.3 WGM Client Installation, All Features

Full, Clean, Uninstall Support

Compatibility-enhanced for Windows XP/2003

Enhanced Windows Start Menu Group

Note: This is not a 32-bit version of WGM. It is the 100% original 16-bit WGM client that has been re-packaged as described above.


DOWNLOAD (8.6mb, Full Installer)
http://www2.whidbey.net/bobh/wgmanxp200 ... .11.07.exe

- Highwinder

Ve2Tyj wrote:Loaded it and it worked GREAT,

many thanks and is it fully functional ?

Al

Yup - fully functional. Enjoy.


- Highwinder

Also Available: Customized, BBS-Specific Builds of Worldgroup Manager

As stated in my original post in this thread, I also offer completely customized professional versions of the WGM Client specifically built and tailored in great detail for your BBS.

Nearly everything can be customized. Here is a short list off the top of my head:

1. Windows Start Menu - Would be "Your BBS Name" instead of "Worldgroup Manager". This can also include custom names, icons, links, shortcuts, extra folders and documents, pdf files, whatever you want added to your BBS's custom Windows Start Menu group.

2. WGM Client Itself - Pre-named groups/icons in the WGM client for your specific BBS, custom icons, your BBS already entered with any pre-configured settings for connections, IP address, usernames/passeords, graphics, etc. It would be very customized to your specific BBS. The coolest part is the "direct connect" Start Menu items, which provide rapid instant connection to your BBS via Client, telnet or web. No having to manually open and poke around in the client app to connect (but you can if you want). Ultra slick!

3. The InstallShield single-exe file installer package itself - Custom name, titles, graphics, banners, XP/2003/Vista32/2008(32) compatibility enhancement, EULA/License, ReadMe, etc.

There are TONS of configurable items that can be added to a custom installation for your BBS.

Disclaimer: I am not re-selling WGM, and no legal barrier is being crossed. All I'm charging for is my time, knowedge and resources to produce custom installers for an outdated software product that you are already using/have paid for.

This demo is for a non-existant BBS called "GalactiCool BBS". It will not actually be able to connect, obviously, but it will try to do so.

DOWNLOAD THE CUSTOM "GALACTICOOL BBS" DEMO (9mb Full Installer)
http://www2.whidbey.net/bobh/wgmanxp200 ... .10.13.exe

PRICING:

Initial Build - Custom Stand-alone single-EXE InstallShield installer of your WGM Client: $50
Additional Rebuilds - For any changes/modifications you may desire/require in the future: $25

Payments via PayPal.

All yours for the price of a pizza and some movies. Just send me a private message from this thread if you're interested.


- Highwinder

I am Interrested please email me directly nutz@videotron.ca


Does not the HPE editor work if we want to make our own menus ?....


Do you have examples of whats available so i can make up my mind of what i want ( smile )...

Thanks in Advance

Al Barnes

Highwinder wrote:Also Available: Customized, BBS-Specific Builds of Worldgroup Manager

As stated in my original post in this thread, I also offer completely customized professional versions of the WGM Client specifically built and tailored in great detail for your BBS.

Nearly everything can be customized. Here is a short list off the top of my head:

1. Windows Start Menu - Would be "Your BBS Name" instead of "Worldgroup Manager". This can also include custom names, icons, links, shortcuts, extra folders and documents, pdf files, whatever you want added to your BBS's custom Windows Start Menu group.

2. WGM Client Itself - Pre-named groups/icons in the WGM client for your specific BBS, rename of the WGM application itself, Custom icons, your BBS already entered with any pre-configured settings for connections, IP address, usernames/passeords, graphics, etc. It would be very customized to your specific BBS.

3. The InstallShield single-exe file installer package itself - Custom name, titles, graphics, banners, XP/2003 compatibility enhancement, EULA/License, ReadMe, etc.

There are TONS of configurable items that can be added to a custom installation for your BBS.

Disclaimer: I am not re-selling WGM, and no legal barrier is being crossed. All I'm charging for is my time, knowedge and resources to produce custom installers for an outdated software product that you are already using/have paid for.

PRICING:

Initial Build - Custom Stand-alone single-EXE InstallShield installer of your WGM Client: $50
Additional Rebuilds - For any changes/modifications you may desire/require in the future: $25

Payments via PayPal.

All yours for the price of a pizza and some movies. Just send me a private message from this thread if you're interested.


- Highwinder

Ve2Tyj wrote: Does not the HPE editor work if we want to make our own menus ?....


Do you have examples of whats available so i can make up my mind of what i want ( smile )...

Thanks in Advance

Al Barnes

You can make whatever menus and features you want for your BBS, of course. That is a BBS feature you implement yourself, the WGM client automatically downloads them as it accesses them. What I offer is simply a very customized, compatibility-enhanced version of the WGM that is wrapped in a very customized installer package that are beyond the scope of the on-screen content you actually create for your BBS yourself.

I'll finish up the demo vesion and get that up so everyone can drool over it.



- Highwinder

Highwinder wrote: I'll finish up the demo vesion and get that up so everyone can drool over it.



- Highwinder

I edited the main post above. The demo version of the custom WGM client ("GalactiCool BBS") is now available for download and inspection.

It is for Windows 9x, Me, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista(32) and 2008(32). Will install but will not run on Vista64/2008(64).

See http://www.themajorbbs.com/bbs/viewtopi ... =8180#8179

- Highwinder

I await your demo..............put me on the mailing list for it when it is ready . I presently run WGM under Vista with the capatability fix and it works fine......


Again Thanks for reviving the WGM and after i just finished making a Excellent front end for my web based side......have a lok at inovative thought ( smile ) www.mwc.middlewarriors.com/mwweb/mwweb.zip


If any one wants a front end for their web based site , send me an email.....

Al nutz@videotron.ca

Ve2Tyj wrote:I await your demo..............put me on the mailing list for it when it is ready . I presently run WGM under Vista with the capatability fix and it works fine......


Again Thanks for reviving the WGM and after i just finished making a Excellent front end for my web based side......have a lok at inovative thought ( smile ) www.mwc.middlewarriors.com/mwweb/mwweb.zip


If any one wants a front end for their web based site , send me an email.....

Al nutz@videotron.ca

Take a look at the post right before yours - the demo is now available, download link is provided. See what you think!

- Highwinder

Also Available: Customized, BBS-Specific Builds of Worldgroup Manager

As stated in my original post in this thread, I also offer completely customized professional versions of the WGM Client specifically built and tailored in great detail for your BBS.

Nearly everything can be customized. Here is a short list off the top of my head:

1. Windows Start Menu - Would be "Your BBS Name" instead of "Worldgroup Manager". This can also include custom names, icons, links, shortcuts, extra folders and documents, pdf files, whatever you want added to your BBS's custom Windows Start Menu group.

2. WGM Client Itself - Pre-named groups/icons in the WGM client for your specific BBS, custom icons, your BBS already entered with any pre-configured settings for connections, IP address, usernames/passeords, graphics, etc. It would be very customized to your specific BBS. The coolest part is the "direct connect" Start Menu items, which provide rapid instant connection to your BBS via Client, telnet or web. No having to manually open and poke around in the client app to connect (but you can if you want). Ultra slick!

3. The InstallShield single-exe file installer package itself - Custom name, titles, graphics, banners, All Win32 compatibility enhancement for 9x/ME/XP/2003/Vista32/Server2008(32) , EULA/License, ReadMe, etc.

There are TONS of configurable items that can be added to a custom installation for your BBS.

The order form, which contains a detailed features list, is found in the Start Menu group of this demo version (I chose not to pullute the generic release with advertising for my service - I'm a "purist" on such things and hate it when people do things like that).

Disclaimer: I am not re-selling WGM, and no legal barrier is being crossed. All I'm charging for is my time, knowedge and resources to produce custom installers for an outdated software product that you are already using/have paid for.

This demo is for a non-existant BBS called "GalactiCool BBS". It will not actually be able to connect, obviously, but it will try to do so.

DOWNLOAD THE CUSTOM "GALACTICOOL BBS" DEMO (8.6mb Full Installer)
http://www2.whidbey.net/bobh/wgmanxp200 ... .10.13.exe

PRICING:

Initial Build - Custom Stand-alone single-EXE InstallShield installer of your WGM Client: $50
Additional Rebuilds - For any changes/modifications you may desire/require in the future: $25

Payments via PayPal.

All yours for the price of a pizza and some movies. Just follow the order form in this demo if you're interested.

- Highwinder

Ve2Tyj wrote:...I presently run WGM under Vista with the capatability fix and it works fine......

You know, your post reminded me of something and made me feel incredibly stupid. I run Vista x64, which is the version with no 16-bit app support. I need to clarify in the documentation for this product that it does in fact work under Vista32 and Server 2008(32).

- Highwinder

I am not doing much better LOL i missed the link....should have had my wife look for it .........I know ur a busy guy but any idead why the old Lord and other games dont work or show up in the menu tree ? ( using Win 2000 server ).....

Al

Highwinder wrote:

Ve2Tyj wrote:...I presently run WGM under Vista with the capatability fix and it works fine......

You know, your post reminded me of something and made me feel incredibly stupid. I run Vista x64, which is the version with no 16-bit app support. I need to clarify in the documentation for this product that it does in fact work under Vista32 and Server 2008(32).

- Highwinder

Ve2Tyj wrote:I am not doing much better LOL i missed the link....should have had my wife look for it .........I know ur a busy guy but any idead why the old Lord and other games dont work or show up in the menu tree ? ( using Win 2000 server ).....

Al

Hmm, not sure what you mean here. Could you elaborate?

- Highwinder

Highwinder wrote:

Ve2Tyj wrote:I am not doing much better LOL i missed the link....should have had my wife look for it .........I know ur a busy guy but any idead why the old Lord and other games dont work or show up in the menu tree ? ( using Win 2000 server ).....

Al

Hmm, not sure what you mean here. Could you elaborate?

- Highwinder

Sure,

I am running WG 3.2 on Win 2000 Server and i load the GREAT New WGM and go to menu ....LORD is a dos based game for WG so i unclick the choice in the menu and try to locate the game......its not listed OR any other game i tryed ti install .

Now i did get a install error when trying to install LORD V1 but the yatchzee game loaded ( WG Cient game ) and i cant find it in the menu setup to make it available.........

If you are running WG 3.2 and have games running i am curious on what operating system ? . Now UPDATE i tryed to install WG 3.2 on XP Pro and it installs fine.......but the games will still not load OR of they do i cant see them in the menu design program ( weather Ansi or Not ).....

I hope i have explained it better

Al