Line Change Indicator Plugin

Alan Kilborn

pasted between squiggly triples (three tildes alone on a line),

I love the nomenclature. Absolutely <3 it!

but the LocationNavigate.dll loaded just fine

Peter, keep it, go to Plugins > Location Navigate > Mark Changed Line …and tick it. It won’t be long before you can’t live without this feature in your N++.

Peter, in general you are an amazement, to go to such support lengths…

Rahul Jha

Thanks @Peter Jones for a detailed reply.

Here is all the info you requested:

Debug Info:

Notepad++ v7.7.1 (32-bit)
Build time : Jun 16 2019 - 21:14:50
Path : C:\Notepad++\notepad++.exe
Admin mode : OFF
Local Conf mode : ON
OS : Windows 10 (64-bit)
Plugins : CustomizeToolbar.dll mimeTools.dll NppConverter.dll NppExport.dll NppFTP.dll

 Directory of C:\notepad++\plugins

08/13/2019  10:16 AM    <DIR>          .
08/13/2019  10:16 AM    <DIR>          ..
07/11/2019  09:05 AM    <DIR>          Config
07/04/2019  04:24 PM    <DIR>          CustomizeToolbar
06/17/2019  12:27 AM    <DIR>          doc
07/18/2019  10:17 AM    <DIR>          HexEditor
08/13/2019  10:14 AM    <DIR>          LocationNavigate
07/04/2019  11:53 AM    <DIR>          mimeTools
07/04/2019  11:53 AM    <DIR>          NppConverter
07/04/2019  11:53 AM    <DIR>          NppExport
07/04/2019  11:58 AM    <DIR>          NppFTP
               0 File(s)              0 bytes
              11 Dir(s)  176,997,498,880 bytes free

 Directory of C:\notepad++\plugins\LocationNavigate

08/13/2019  10:14 AM    <DIR>          .
08/13/2019  10:14 AM    <DIR>          ..
08/13/2019  10:14 AM           110,592 LocationNavigate.dll
               1 File(s)        110,592 bytes
               2 Dir(s)  177,002,864,640 bytes free

If I missed anything, please feel free to ask again.

Thanks again for your support.

dinkumoil

@Rahul-Jha

I guess you downloaded the ZIP file of the plugin and unpacked it with Windows Explorer ZIP folder feature.

Because the ZIP file has been downloaded from the internet it is flagged as unsecure. You can verify that by reviewing the file’s properties in Windows Explorer.

If you unpack the file with Windows Explorer’s ZIP folder feature, all files of its content with executable code (*.exe, *.dll) will inherit the “unsecure” flag.

To overcome this, navigate to your folder C:\Notepad++\plugins\LocationNavigate and open the properties dialog of your LocationNavigate.dll file. If you see a text block like in the image above click the Unblock button and close the dialog by clicking the OK button. Now you should be able to use the plugin.

Rahul Jha

Thanks @dinkumoil. I checked the properties of the .dll and it was in fact blocked. I unblocked it as you suggested but it still didn’t work.

Any other ideas ?

dinkumoil

@Rahul-Jha

You restarted Notepad++ after unblocking the file?

PeterJones

@Alan-Kilborn said:

Peter, in general you are an amazement, to go to such support lengths…

says the author of this :-)

back on topic:
@Rahul-Jha said,

I checked the properties of the .dll and it was in fact blocked. I unblocked it as you suggested but it still didn’t work.

It may be that more of the files and/or folders of your Notepad++ install have that same issue. You could manually check, especially the LocationNavigate and plugins folders. @dinkumoil, is there a way to recusively unblock it for everything in c:\notepad++ ?

Actually, a quick google led me to https://www.404techsupport.com/2016/06/24/unblock-files-powershell/, which says that if you launch powershell, you should be able to do this using

dir -Path c:\notepad++\ -Recurse | Unblock-File

Apparently, that should unblock everything in the c:\notepad++ hierarchy.

dinkumoil

@PeterJones said:

@dinkumoil, is there a way to recusively unblock it for everything in c:\notepad++ ?

Yes it is. Though you already provided a PowerShell solution I’ll add a solution with an external tool, for those who can not use PowerShell for some reason.

Since the blocking for a certain file is realised by creating an NTFS Alternate Data Stream (ADS) for that file, the blocking can be removed by deleting that ADS. This is possible with the SysInternals tool streams.exe which can be downloaded >>> here <<<. It supports removing the ADS from a whole directory structure recursively.

Ekopalypse

@dinkumoil

:-D hahaha or by using npp :-D (well if it wasn’t a binary file)

Rahul Jha

@dinkumoil said:

@Rahul-Jha

You restarted Notepad++ after unblocking the file?

Yes. I did but no luck.

@Peter Jones. I am unable to use the unblock command or other utilities due to workplace security. However, I manually went in and unblocked all files whether or not they were related to LocationNavigate. Issue still persists.

FYI, I am calling it a day now and if any more suggestions, I will try them in the morning.

Thanks everyone for your prompt and excellent support.

PeterJones

@Rahul-Jha said:

I am unable to use … due to workplace security.

Wow. I don’t think I’ve seen an IT group that fully prevents you from running specific builtin powershell commands, like Unblock-File (though I have seen ones – like mine – that block powershell script files). Then again, I’m not an IT guy or a powershell expert. I mean, I understand not being able to use SysInternals streams.exe, or them not wanting you to install Notepad++ yourself, but powershell builtins…

I am curious how you were able to unzip and use your own portable app at all, if they’ve got you that locked down.

However, I manually went in and unblocked all files whether or not they were related to LocationNavigate. Issue still persists.

I still think it’s probably a permissions issue, especially given what you’ve said about your workplace security.

Honestly, if they are that concerned about security – and that good at blocking things – I’m surprised you were able to get the portable Notepad++ to work, and I would be surprised if you’re able to use your portable Notepad++ indefinitely. Instead of trying to circumvent / fight them, maybe try to get IT to do a full installation of Notepad++ and all the plugins you need. (Please note that trying to circumvent IT’s restrictions on what you can and cannot run is often technically grounds for termination at many places of employment.)

Rahul Jha

@PeterJones said:

@Rahul-Jha said:

I am unable to use … due to workplace security.

Wow. I don’t think I’ve seen an IT group that fully prevents you from running specific builtin powershell commands, like Unblock-File (though I have seen ones – like mine – that block powershell script files). Then again, I’m not an IT guy or a powershell expert. I mean, I understand not being able to use SysInternals streams.exe, or them not wanting you to install Notepad++ yourself, but powershell builtins…

This is what I get when I issue the command:

C:\>dir -path c:\notepad++ -Recurse | Unblock-File
'Unblock-File' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

Honestly, if they are that concerned about security – and that good at blocking things – I’m surprised you were able to get the portable Notepad++ to work, and I would be surprised if you’re able to use your portable Notepad++ indefinitely. Instead of trying to circumvent / fight them, maybe try to get IT to do a full installation of Notepad++ and all the plugins you need.

Unzipping and running the program was not an issue. Mainly because Notepad++ is available as an App on Microsoft Store and it is probably an approved application.

It is no point approaching them to do full installation since that will be an exception which will never be approved by my manager.

(Please note that trying to circumvent IT’s restrictions on what you can and cannot run is often technically grounds for termination at many places of employment.)

Totally agree.

PeterJones

@Rahul-Jha said:

This is what I get when I issue the command:

You’re not using powershell; that error message is a cmd.exe error.
In powershell, if it doesn’t recognize the name (for example, if I have a typo), it will show:

PS C:\> dir -Path \usr\local\apps\notepad++ -Recurse | Unblock-Filex
Unblock-Filex : The term 'Unblock-Filex' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable
program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:48
+ dir -Path \usr\local\apps\notepad++ -Recurse | Unblock-Filex
+                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The error you showed is what cmd.exe shows when you give it an unrecognized command.

To run powershell, from a Windows Explorer window, you should be able to Shift+RightClick in the directory, and choose “Open PowerShell Window Here”

Mainly because Notepad++ is available as an App on Microsoft Store and it is probably an approved application.

Well, there’s one potential problem. The last time I heard, the copy of “Notepad++” available on the Microsoft App Store was not an official bundle; someone unrelated to the project took it upon themselves to release a fork under the same name; one of the other regulars can correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Don and the team ever got around to officially releasing Notepad++ in the App Store (though I know in the 7.6.x era, they were working toward making that work; I just don’t remember that it was ever officially released there).

Rahul Jha

@PeterJones said:

To run powershell, from a Windows Explorer window, you should be able to Shift+RightClick in the directory, and choose “Open PowerShell Window Here”

On my Windows Explorer, Shift+RightClick does not bring “Open Powershell Window Here”.

Well, there’s one potential problem. The last time I heard, the copy of “Notepad++” available on the Microsoft App Store was not an official bundle; someone unrelated to the project took it upon themselves to release a fork under the same name; one of the other regulars can correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Don and the team ever got around to officially releasing Notepad++ in the App Store (though I know in the 7.6.x era, they were working toward making that work; I just don’t remember that it was ever officially released there).

It still says (unofficial) Notepad++. This is from Microsoft App Store:

(unofficial) NotePad++

!!! We are working to update this to NP++ 7.6 as fast as possible. However there have been significant changes in the way plugins are handled with 7.6 - and we really want to bring the Plugin Admin experience to you. Please bare with us as we work through the technical challenges while maintaining store compliance !!! 

This is an (unofficial) Open Source fork of the original Open Source Notepad++ (https://notepad-plus-plus.org/) to get notepad++ in the store. All functionality remains the same however there are some features that dont work due to store policy, or are limited (like some file associations, and the run options). This is a published centennial application. All Credit to the original Notepad++ team, all the heavy lifting of creating an awesome app was done by them. 

This is currently Notepad++ version 7.5.9 (updated in this update) Code and changes required for publishing is located here: https://github.com/NightRi-se/notepad-plus-plus

Known issues: 
1. Default Plugins can not be removed or updated 
2. Custom plugins CAN NOT be loaded AT ALL on Windows 10 S (on other versions of windows, it is possible to load them from %appdata% - but ensure your plugin version matches your build version [x86/x64]). 

We are working on including a selection of plugins by default for future versions. Current we have included MarkdownViewer++ and Compare plugins by default.

 Notepad++ is a free (free as in both "free speech" and "free beer") source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several programming languages and natural languages. Running in the MS Windows environment, its use is governed by GPL License.

 !!! We are working to update this to NP++ 7.6 as fast as possible. However there have been significant changes in the way plugins are handled with 7.6 - and we really want to bring the Plugin Admin

PeterJones

@Rahul-Jha said:

On my Windows Explorer, Shift+RightClick does not bring “Open Powershell Window Here”.

Yeah, sometimes it doesn’t. You can also Win+R (hold down the WINDOWS key and type R): powershell, then cd into the right directory. Or click the Windows start menu icon, then start typing powershell, and select “Windows Powershell”, then cd into the right directory. Or start your cmd.exe prompt, and type powershell to switch to powershell. But for future reference, if someone instructs you to use a “powershell command” to do something, it will likely not work if you try to run it in cmd.exe instead: they are not the same environment, and use different syntax and have different builtin or default commands available.

PeterJones

@Rahul-Jha said:

It still says (unofficial) Notepad++. This is from Microsoft App Store:

If you’re using the Microsoft App Store version, which claims to be unofficial and on v7.5.9 still, I don’t understand how you got the Debug Info you pasted earlier. If you’re not using that version, then I’m not sure why you brought up the App Store at all.

Given that you said you got it from a zip, and you pasted 7.7.1 debug info, I am assuming you really grabbed the portable/zip from the official download location, and that’s what you’re really using.

-----

I cannot tell at this point whether you’re going to try the powershell commands I’ve given, using powershell, not cmd.exe. If you do, hopefully that will work for you. Otherwise, you might want to move c:\notepad++ to c:\blocked-notepad++, then redo the portable installation: start with your 7.7.1 32-bit (x86) zipfile, do the RightClick > Properties > Unblock on the zipfile, then unzip to c:\notepad++. Then run that notepad++.exe, and use the Plugins Admin from that version to install Location Navigator plugin. (If that works, then delete the old c:\blocked-notepad++)

Let us know how things progress, and good luck,

Rahul Jha

@PeterJones said:

@Rahul-Jha said:

On my Windows Explorer, Shift+RightClick does not bring “Open Powershell Window Here”.

Yeah, sometimes it doesn’t. You can also Win+R (hold down the WINDOWS key and type R): powershell, then cd into the right directory. Or click the Windows start menu icon, then start typing powershell, and select “Windows Powershell”, then cd into the right directory. Or start your cmd.exe prompt, and type powershell to switch to powershell. But for future reference, if someone instructs you to use a “powershell command” to do something, it will likely not work if you try to run it in cmd.exe instead: they are not the same environment, and use different syntax and have different builtin or default commands available.

OK. Windows Key+R worked and I was able to unblock all files. However, the problem didn’t go away.

PeterJones

@Rahul-Jha

OK. Windows Key+R worked and I was able to unblock all files. However, the problem didn’t go away.

Did you try the new copy of Notepad++ from the zip, with a new install of location navigator? If you don’t want to rename your old one, you could instead do the new unzip into c:\tmp-npp or some directory off of your Desktop or something.

Rahul Jha

@PeterJones said:

If you’re using the Microsoft App Store version, which claims to be unofficial and on v7.5.9 still, I don’t understand how you got the Debug Info you pasted earlier. If you’re not using that version, then I’m not sure why you brought up the App Store at all.

I am not using the App Store version 7.5.9. I downloaded from NPP website. The reason I brought up the App Store just to explain why I was able to unzip and use NPP because the app is available on the APP Store. Corporate Security is not version dependent i.e. as long as “notepad++.exe” is on their approved list, it doesn’t matter if it is 7.5.9 or 7.7.1. This is what I meant. Hope this is clear now.

Given that you said you got it from a zip, and you pasted 7.7.1 debug info, I am assuming you really grabbed the portable/zip from the official download location, and that’s what you’re really using.

Yes.

Rahul Jha

@PeterJones said:

@Rahul-Jha

OK. Windows Key+R worked and I was able to unblock all files. However, the problem didn’t go away.

Did you try the new copy of Notepad++ from the zip, with a new install of location navigator? If you don’t want to rename your old one, you could instead do the new unzip into c:\tmp-npp or some directory off of your Desktop or something.

Yes. Renamed the old directory. Unzipped to the newly created c:\notepad++ and reinstalled LocationNavigate. Still no go.

dinkumoil

@Rahul-Jha

Notepad++ normaly comes with some default plugins. Do you see any plugin in the Plugins menu at all? Are you able to install other plugins than LocationNavigate?