Windows install

[jazper]

Hello all

Have just re-installed newLISP (Win 7 pro 64 bit).  When I try running programs from the IDE, I get:

run-shell

Could not start C:Program Files (x86)newlisp/newlisp.exe -C -w "C:UsersMyUserName"

I have java installed, and the IDE loads ok and loads files ok.  It just won't run them.  Will be grateful for any help.

[HPW]

Maybe this thread can help:



http://newlispfanclub.alh.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3768&p=18864&hilit=c%3A%5Ctemp#p18864">http://newlispfanclub.alh.net/forum/vie ... emp#p18864">http://newlispfanclub.alh.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3768&p=18864&hilit=c%3A%5Ctemp#p18864

[rickyboy]

Hello jazper,



I'm taking a blind shot at this, especially since I don't run Windows (and I don't run the IDE), but your message reads as if you installed the 64-bit binaries, but the IDE is looking for newLISP under the 32-bit binaries directory (namely, "C:/Program Files (x86)").  I think your newLISP might be located under the 64-bit binaries directory (namely, "C:/Program Files").  You might check to see (1) where newLISP is actually located on your machine and (2) if the IDE is, or can be, configured to find it in the right place.



Again, this may not be the problem, but worth a check.

[Lutz]

Actually the IDE doesn't care what kind of newLISP you run. You can mix and match both 64/32 to your liking. If the temp directory situation is ok, I would de-install Java and reinstall it taking an installer JRE (Java Runtime Environment) directly from the Oracle website. The same thing happened to me two weeks ago after a Java update on a Windows 7 64bit laptop, I am using. After reinstalling Java and the IDE everything, was fine, as it was just before the Java update.



Ps: for the temp situation, you can check (env "TEMP") in newLISP. If it shows anything, you are fine.

[jazper]

Thanks for all the quick responses.  After another few attempts, including installing in C:Program Files rather than the (x86) equivalent (because I found java in C:Program Files, but not in the other, though I doubt that made any difference), I am back to where I started.



I still get the same error when running

Code Select Expand

newlisp newlisp-edit.lsp - the IDE loads, but immediately gives the error message, as it does whatever I load and try to run.  Loading from the Desktop shortcut does the same thing, as does loading from the Start Menu.



However, the demos run:

Code Select Expand

newlisp [demo_name]-demo.lspfrom Command Prompt.  They just won't run from the IDE itself.  There must be some config error somewhere, but I can't find it.  All the "env" tests work fine, producing predictable results: they appear correct.  I guess I should make some change to newlisp-edit.lsp - will have to come back to that ...

[jazper]

Java 7 update 21 breaks my newLISP install :(

[rickyboy]

jazper, do you mean you can't install newLISP because some Java update somehow breaks it or prevents you from successfully installing newLISP?  Or do you mean that newLISP is installed OK, but now you can't interact with Java (e.g. newlisp IDE/guiserver seems broken)?



I don't mean to make light of your situation with the following dictum, but one of the reasons I work with newLISP is so that I can actively avoid languages like Java. :)



So, my ignorance of Java to that extent does not allow me to help you properly -- sorry. :(  I hope someone else can though.  Good luck.

[Lutz]

He can start the demo programs using the Java guiserver. The problem is with the IDE.



After newlisp-edit.lsp starts running and established a connection with the Java based guiserver, the guiserver starts an extra newlisp process communicating with the lower monitor area in the IDE.



The message:

run-shell

Could not start C:Program Files (x86)newlisp/newlisp.exe -C -w "C:UsersMyUserName"

happens in the runShell() calling setupShell() methods in guiserver/TextAreaWidget.java.



So what happens is, that Java cannot shell-out other processes, probably the Java update is a security fix, and the whole problem is permission related.



One of the things I did last month, when this happened to me, was reinstalling Java and newLISP, but also - and this may be important - removed the C:Program Files (x86)newlisp directory. The newLISP uninstall removes all files inside that directory but leaves the directory itself and perhaps with wrong permissions.



So try uninstalling Java and newLISP and remove that directory. Then reinstall everything. Perhaps that directory then gets installed with adequate permissions.



Another possibility is, that it is firewall related. The newLISP shell is created with two pipes for STDIO and error I/O. Perhaps those pipes cannot be established.



To make it short: It's a security problem when Java is trying to shell out a process.



... also the fact that the machine, Jazper is talking about, is an office machine, points to security related stuff. Probably the machine is managed by some IT departement in that company and with special pernissions.

[jazper]

Sorry @rickyboy, that I never got a chance to reply.  Lutz's diagnosis is well reasoned, to do with Java.  I believe that's hit the nail on the head.  



Whether I can *do* anything about it is another question, if I am indeed up against permission problems.  Everyone loves to hate/hates to love Java these days, and sysads are at the head of that queue.



The next step - to remove C:Program Files (x86) is basically impossible - it would need wiping everything (that is to say, all 64 bit programs) on this pc, which is *all* programs on this pc, and then re-installing everything, preferably newLISP first.  The operative word is moron :) - as they joke in England,

moron my job is worth

since they have done two full installations for me in a week already, and I am not allowed access to the licences to reinstall everything myself.  Sigh.



Anyway. Thanks Lutz for the explanation:  I have been poring over newlisp-edit, trying to work out how and what it called, so you've saved me a lot of what would have been fruitless effort.  I will ask for help from a sysad, just in case they may be able to help, but I sure as hell am going to leave that to a day like Tuesday or Wednesday.  They are rather unapproachable on Mondays and Fridays!

[jazper]

Just another question on this:



I'm not familiar with the Newlisp HTML IDE.  Would that be an option?  In other words, would that allow me to side-step java?

[rickyboy]

Sounds like it's time to break out vi(m) or emacs. :)



Seriously.  I use emacs for my newLISP programming (on Windoze, OSX, Linuxen and BSD) and others here on the board have their favorite editor/platform (other than emacs) for the same purpose.  All of the ones I have heard about can do at least what newlisp-edit can do ... and no Java. ;)

[rickyboy]

(P.S. There are also http://sourceforge.net/projects/portableapps/files/Java%20Portable/Additional%20Versions/">ways to get portable* versions of Java before 7u21, but do you really want to go to all that trouble just to use Java for newLISP programming development? I think not. Java, ptoo!  Blech! :)

_________________

* "portable" = "self-contained, and install wherever you want without admin privs".

[jazper]

Java, ptoo! Blech! :)

Well, rickboy, you got a laugh out of me there.  I do like Emacs on my Ubuntu machine, though am not particularly good at using it, yet.  What you say makes perfect sense, of course, except that the last time I tried installing Emacs on Windows was only slightly better than waiting for the dentist to open on Monday after toothache for the whole weekend.  



I will give it another try.

[rickyboy]

I've had good luck with this on Windoze: http://ntemacs.sourceforge.net/">http://ntemacs.sourceforge.net/



The first download link there, "ntemacs24-bin-20120825.7z" is what you want -- it's a pre-built, portable emacs24.  I just unarc[1] it in any directory; then make shortcut to the "runemacs.exe" binary there.



But I use emacs also for other things (org-mode, IRC, mail, etc) so I have a truly "integrated" environment. :)  However, you should feel free to explore other editors, and I'm surprised nobody has chimed in yet on another editor.  Hmmm.

______________________

[1] -- you'll need an arc utility that understands the .7z format.  If you don't have one, try http://www.7-zip.org/">http://www.7-zip.org/ or even better (if you don't have admin privs): http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/7-zip_portable">http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/7-zip_portable.

[jazper]

Thanks very much, rickyboy.  



Btw, what about the available newLISP modes for emacs?  Have you used any of them, and is it difficult to get one working?



Org, email -- wow -- you sound like one of those "emacs as an OS" people :)