Windows 7 RC and SketchUp 7 PlugIns

DaveS

I'm testing Windows 7 RC and SketchUp 7. I had a problem with a plugin and thought it was related to the installation directory for SketchUp. It turned out to be an operator error.

But, the experience raised a question. Does it matter to plugins what directory SketchUp is installed in? I ask because I have WIndows 7 RC 64 bit version. With the 64 bit version, 32 bit applications are installed in a directory called
\Program Files (x86) instead of C:\Program Files. Could this dircetory name change have an impact on a plugin?

I'm a novice when it comes to Ruby scripts, but in other programming languages I know there are ways to reference installation directories without hard coding the directory name. I think Ruby scripts can do the same. But, if a plugin has the installation dircetory name hardcoded, would that lead to problems running the SketchUp plugin under Windows 7?

Thanks for any info.

Dave

fredo6

@daves said:

Does it matter to plugins what directory SketchUp is installed in? I ask because I have WIndows 7 RC 64 bit version. With the 64 bit version, 32 bit applications are installed in a directory called
\Program Files (x86) instead of C:\Program Files. Could this dircetory name change have an impact on a plugin?Dave

This is already the case with Windows Vista 64 bits. It does not matter as long as the scripts do not make any absolute reference to the path or use Sketchup_find_support_file to locate the Plugins directory.

The main issue is rather with security. On Vista, you may not be allowed to copy files to C/Program Files (x86) unless you are administrator (and even so). Windows uses a shadow directory to store the files and then you may have some problems with the plugins. The security is such a hassle under Vista that even the most reasonable user would deactivate it at the end. I hope it is better done in Windows 7.

Fredo

thomthom

I've not had any problems with SU and plugins under Windows7 64bit.

The path should not matter either. Though, if there's a plugin that assumes "C:\Program Files" it would be the plugi that doesn't check to the proper path. At work we use Norwegian XP and the "C:\Program Files" is called C:\Programfiler" - I have experienced some applications that has failed because they made assumptions to the path name instead of doing the proper checks.

I run as admin with UAC turned of. I have heard of issues when running Vista as a normal user with the UAC on, as Fredo mentioned. Windows7 could exhibit the same issues since it's built upon Vista.

DaveS

Fredo6 and thomthom,

Thanks for your replies. You both make good points and provided useful insights. I'll keep testing.

Thanks again (for the info and the great plugins you develop).

Dave