New Launcher with GUI - Alpha testers needed

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Hi
I'm currently working in a new launcher with far more features :
- a better Graphical User Interface based on HTML templates
- a deck manager to let you choose what deck you want to use in Magic.exe (no more naming convention )
- a config.txt editor to let you choose your option
- links to the wiki and this forum
- a deck analyzer (like in Magic Workstation) : planning to add graphs, mana curve and maybe some sort of "first hand preview" (I think it'll be complete around 2012 )
- maybe a entirely new deck builder with better stabilty, filters and the possibility of adding 20 lands in one click (estimate release 2015 )
- I didn't test it yet, but I'll try to add a sort of SideBoard option (you'll have to switch between launcher and magic , but you'll be able to make side for your opponent too )
- all other features you can think (and I can make of course )

So this is the first alpha release
For the time being, it can only run Draft, Challenge and Normal Mode with an ugly view. But before adding features, I must check if the core engine works good and on all systems (in fact, it's the most difficult part).

I need Alpha Testers to make only two tests (only about 5-10 minutes per tests) :
1) extract the Launcher in your Magic folder and double click on the new LauncherGUI.vbs to run a Challenge or Draft Mode. Crush your opponent or just concede and run again the LauncherGUI.vbs in Normal mode.
2) Delete the previous LauncherGUI.vbs and this time extract it EVERYWHERE else : just your choice, it could be your "Desktop", "My documents", windows temporary folder, "c:\new\folder\just\created\for\alpha testing\". Again double click on LauncherGUI.vbs to make a Draft or Challenge Mode and after that a Normal Mode
THE LAUNCHER CAN'T HARM YOUR FILES : IT DON'T USE THEM AT ALL, IT JUST CONFIGURE YOUR GAME BEFORE LAUNCHING IT. DON'T WORRY, IT'S 200% SAFE.

For reports, just use this thread or PM me. I need to know :
- your Operating System and language
- if the launcher runs without bugs and your AntiVirus annoying you (they usually don't like scripts)
- if the launcher automatically have fund your Magic folder or did he ask you where it was (if you see this screen, try to close the window or to hit cancel) ?
- if you enjoy it and if you have suggestions

I really thank, in advance, all that will help me with alpha testing

PS : Unfortunately, I'm not a web designer and not very good with photoshop . So I'll will really appreciate that someone help me finding awesome background image and buttons for the HTML templates (maybe mathusalem ? ). Thanks again in advance.

PS 2 : I again uploaded a new VBS file with (I hope ) bugfix. Thanks again to jatill

[jatill]

I get this error as soon as I run the exe:


I am using winXp Pro.

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Sorry but I can't read very well the error (the picture is a little small).
I suspected my compiler is in fault. I updated the first post with the original VBS file. Can you try with it, please ?
And thanks for the quick report.

[jatill]

Sorry but I can't read very well the error (the picture is a little small).
I suspected my compiler is in fault. I updated the first post with the original VBS file. Can you try with it, please ?
And thanks for the quick report.

You can zoom in on the picture Anyway, I get the same error with the vbs. Basically it's a file Not Found at line 37. Makes sense, since the launcher.ini file is never getting created for some reason.

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Just a silly mistake of mine : it only happen when LauncherGUI.exe is extracted in Magic folder.
I quickly updated the files.

Edit : File updated, check the first post. And thanks jatill for your help.
(when I zoom your picture, I can't read the text but it doesn't matter anymore)

[jatill]

Step 1: success.
Step 2, from my desktop: Error on line 40, Input past end of file

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Did the launcher create the launcher.ini file ? (I don't think so but it's to be sure...)
Can you try again from a random folder please ?

[jatill]

Did the launcher create the launcher.ini file ? (I don't think so but it's to be sure...)
Can you try again from a random folder please ?

Yes, but it was empty. Same thing from c:\random_dir

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I don't understand why
It works good under Seven tough...
I made a little tweak but I don't think it'll change anything...
Just a silly question : do you have rights to write in your folder (administrative rights of course) ?
It will help a lot if someone esle could try the launcher, thanks.

[jatill]

The tweak didn't help. Yes, I have rights, since the .ini file is getting written.

I don't think it's a big deal if it can't run out of c:\magic, though. I can just create a shortcut to put on my desktop if I want.

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Of course, you're right : it's no big deal.
But I just can't stand when my script don't work well without me understanding why...
Just a little thing to add : did the launcher ask you for folder or did it find it alone ?

[jatill]

Of course, you're right : it's no big deal.
But I just can't stand when my script don't work well without me understanding why...
Just a little thing to add : did the launcher ask you for folder or did it find it alone ?

It didn't ask me anything.

[Signatus]

lol:

"ok, try it!"
"error when launching..."
"ok, fixed!"
"different error when launching..."
"ok, fixed it, try again"
"doesn't even run at all now!"
"x.x"

[stassy]

That is why it's called alpha testing :p

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The most difficult part when you make an application is to have it run flawlessly on ALL different system and configuration : this is why I need some alpha-testing reports (like stassy has said).
So you say :

doesn't even run at all now!

Can you give me more information please ?
What happen ? What is the error message ? What is your Operating System ? Did you use the 0.21 version ?

I never said that this alpha launcher is perfect, but with everyone help, it will be bugfree (I hope).