Any auto solution for ISDEV fatal error -1014 due to target release folder pointed by win explorer?

Question

My installshield project build gave such error:

"ISDEV : fatal error -1014: Cannot rename directory *\Release to *\Release.Bak. Windows Explorer or a DOS prompt may be pointing to a subfolder of the release output folder (Disk1) or to the Interm folder, locking it. Change the current directory. Close any open files in the Disk1 folder. Close Msidb.exe if it is open."

The reason is because before I started the build I got a win explorer opened which was pointed to that release folder. And somehow ISDEV consider this as locking the folder, so it refused to proceed with the renaming.

Now, is there a way, like add some sort of script, to forcefully close all opened win explorer instance to release the socalled "lock" before the build script starts?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I know this is an old thread, but the problem is still around.

It seems the error is nothing to do with another process having the folder locked. I think InstallShield is fighting with itself by trying to rename a folder where IT still has some files open. That's why many of the traditional approaches such as closing explorer and even rebooting sometimes don't work.

I found a fairly simple solution is to delete the folder tree \Express from the Setup project folder before doing a build. InstallShield just recreates it and everything is OK because the rename was not needed.

Answer 2

This issue has been around as long as I remember working in my first IntallShield.

Don't try to beat the locking. Just make sure you don't keep explorer open on the release folder prior to the build. You can however navigate to its parent folder or better yet: define a post build distribution event.