>From my experience working with .msi's, that is usually the preferred method. I think that in some cases you can directly edit the .msi, but I wouldn't put too much faith in it unless you have a programming background. Was Wininstall LE used to craft the .msi file for the program? One of the things you need to consider also is that the way .msi's are created typically from an executable is by doing some sort of pre- and post-setup capture. Sometimes the capture will include data that really shouldn't be there, like certain registry keys, or critical system files. My first attempts to create an .msi file were with Acrobat Reader 5.0, and it took the help of one of the consultants working with our company to figure out what the problem was. Chances are, you may need to work with a full-scale .msi creator to do what you want. There are lots out there, and not all of them cost as much as Wise Package Studio. Another question, are you looking to push the app out via assignment, or via publishing? If you are looking at publishing, you may be able to save yourself a big headache and try repackaging the app as a .zap file and publish it via GPO. I never really messed with publishing, because I was dealing with core apps that everyone would get and I wanted to push them out via assignment, but it is still an option.
James Winzenz, MCSE, A+ Associate Systems Administrator Peregrine Systems, Inc. -----Original Message----- From: W. Andy Roche [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, January 18, 2002 3:31 PM To: NT 2000 Discussions Subject: RE: Creating Transform files I have an application that my company develops. They were using an .EXE file to install it, and the repackage using the WinSTALL LE software was working fine. But when we switched to making a .MSI file instead, the delta phase of the process started crashing, much to my lack of sleep. Are we looking at having to purchase a full scale product to be able to push this .MSI to the desktops? There are a few configuration questions that are asked during the install, and I would rather not have them asked of the end-user for rather obvious reasons. According to my research so far, the only to program the .MSI with information during install would be transform files. Is this correct? W. Andy Roche Systems Administrator Performance Tuning Team CSG Systems, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Http://www.CSGSystems.Com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of James Winzenz Sent: Friday, January 18, 2002 2:15 PM To: NT 2000 Discussions Subject: RE: Creating Transform files What software are you trying to push out? Anything office-related (including Visio, Project, etc.) and you can download the Office Resource Kit, which includes the custom installation wizard for creating transforms. See http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/2000/appndx/toolbox.htm#offsp2 Download the office resource kit core tool set. Otherwise you may want to look at 3rd party tools that will do this for you. I just got to start playing with Wise Package Studio (for a buttload of money!) and I absolutely love it. It includes an install tailor that will create a transform for virtually any app out there with an .msi file. Anyways, bottom line, more info, what apps are you trying to push out via GPO? And BTW, just a quick word, if it is something like Office 2000 or office XP, Microsoft will recommend against pushing it out via GPO if your company is larger than a couple hundred employees (came straight from our Microsoft rep). Anyways, I have done a lot of testing with GPO and .msi's, as have others here, I'm sure. Provide more info, and I, for one, would be happy to share my experiences with you. James Winzenz, MCSE, A+ Associate Systems Administrator Peregrine Systems, Inc. ------ You are subscribed as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives: http://www.swynk.com/sitesearch/search.asp To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------ You are subscribed as [email protected] Archives: http://www.swynk.com/sitesearch/search.asp To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
