SendToLayer 1.3 (beyond Nirvana)

Capture an executable to a new SVS layer with only 3 mouse clicks. Simple, elegant, and efficient -- traits we all look for in a, er, system utility. [Updated to support drag-n-drop and autostart (see update history for a complete list).]

Select a program to be installed and choose to send it to a new SVS layer, all currently active layers will be deactivated (if possible), the capturing starts and at the end the previously active layers will be activated again. Hence a new layer is only 3 mouse clicks away. In the case that some layers are active 2 additional mouse clicks are needed. Isn't that simple? Nothing to worry about, quick and easy.

Click to view.

Why:

Since I download quite a lot of large and small programs from the Internet for testing, it always gave me trouble to install them, test them and uninstall them when they weren't worth worth keeping. Now with SVS I do not worry about this any more. They are gone in seconds -- without a trace.

But the process to capture the installation of a program was not automated enough for my needs. So I searched and found some apps/scripts, using the SendTo in the windows explorer, see further below. After testing, I decided to write my own utility; Thin, efficient and user friendly were the goals. Judge for yourself.

usage: ThisApp.exe <FullPathOfFileToCapture>

Where:

Place this app anywhere you like in the base of your system (not on a layer). To get the best out of it, place a shortcut to this app (a link file) in "C:\Documents and Settings\<UserName>\Send To" and name the shortcut to your own preferences. A suggestion for the shortcut name: "New SVS Layer"

Click to view.

How: Workflow of this app

It checks, if ...

• user is admin (required by SVS)
• file to be captured exists and is an executable (exe or msi)
• SVSCMD exists in the path
• some layers are activated

If some layers are activated it asks to deactivate all active layers automatically, otherwise it doesn't start capture process.
It then ...

• checks if the file still exists, i.e. it is not on a layer
• derives the new layer name from the selected file name: "<FileName> (via SendTo, <CurrentDateTime>)"
• starts capture process for selected file to new layer via SVSCMD
• waits for capture process to end
• gives feedback (tool tip) that the installation process has been captured and mentions the new layer name
• If there have been active layers deactivated, it asks if the previously active layers should again be activated automatically (Yes/No)

If anything doesn't work as expected the app will show a tool tip or message box to inform the user.

This app consists of only a single executable. It doesn't change the system nor has it dependencies, besides an installed SVS with SVSCMD available.

Then:

I hope this utility will lower the threshold for beginners to start with SVS and to automate and simplify the workflow to install a program to a layer.

Capturing programs can't be much simpler then this.

Tested on: WinXP Pro SP2 with SVS 2.1 Beta 1 on a local system only

Script language: AutoHotkey, Version 1.0.46.03, www.autohotkey.com

There are other apps/scripts, with the same purpose, e.g.

• the app "SendTo SVS" by Thunder-man. It offers more options. But if you want to install a program quickly, it is less hassle (typing and clicking) with this app, since you are only asked for really needed information and the workflow should suite to most program installations.
• the VBS-script "SendTo Scratch Layer.vbs" by tperkins. Unfortunately it crashes on non-executable files and uses a fixed layer name.

History of Changes

Version 1.3

• gui supports drag and drop to add more files.
• gui can be resized.
• New button to remove a file.
• "Start Automatically" flag can be set via checkbox.

Version 1.2 (aka Nirvana)

• added command file (*.cmd) to be allowed for capturing. (thanks Jordan)
• multiple selected files (exe,msi,bat,cmd) get captured via temporary batch file into single layer. (thanks rajat)
• a gui askes for layer name and order of the files (only for multiple files).

Version 1.1

• added batch file (*.bat) to be allowed for capturing (thanks rajat)

Version 1.0

• initial release