When you select the Distribution File Installer, it “parses” through the dist files on your local PC, using the last source folder selected (Figure 17).

By default, the first time you use the Installer, the “backup” folder under the Niagara software location (!\backups) is parsed. If that folder does not exist yet (no backups have been made), then the “cleanDist” folder (!\cleanDist) is parsed instead.

At the bottom of the view, the Cleaning and Backups buttons provide shortcuts to these two folder areas. If needed, you can also click the Choose Directory button for a “Change Directory” dialog, and point the Installer to that location.

When parsing completes, a table of the found dist files appears, with the appropriate dist files available for selection in the table, as shown in Figure 18 (using default software location).

Dist files that are inappropriate, for example that are for a different target platform or have unmet dependencies, are dimmed—the Install button does not become active if you select such a file. For details on any dist file, double-click it for a popup, including a list of its dependencies (Figure 19).

To be able to restore a backup dist file, your Workbench installation requires the same versions of software, including modules, to be available in its “software database.” Therefore, it is recommended that you make and keep frequent backups as you upgrade JACEs.

After proceeding with Finish, the dist installation process appears in a dialog that tracks its progress as it continues, as shown in Figure 20.

After the distribution file (and modules, if selected) are installed on the JACE platform, the JACE is rebooted, and the progress dialog indicates complete. You must click the Close button to continue. You can then reopen a platform connection, perhaps to view output in the Application Director.