Scalable Smart Packager Pro - Smart Repackaging For Organizations That Create Msi Installer Packages

Let's face it; there will be times when you will need to repackage a Windows Installer Setup (MSI)

. The process to create MSI Installer is a feature of the Smart Packager Pro product. But what if you need to repackage an MSI? Enter Smart repackaging. Smart repackaging is a technology developed by Scalable Software to facilitate repackaging of Windows Installer packages. Understanding the differences between regular repackaging and smart repackaging is key to generating the most successful packages.

In order to understand how smart repackaging works, one first needs to understand how Windows Installer packages are installed.

An MSI contains the files and registry keys to be installed, but it also contains the UI, conditional logic, custom actions, etc.

The Windows Installer engine (msiexec.exe) evaluates the conditions, displays the UI, and installs the files and registry keys.

Last there is the the target computer where the created MSI Installer package was installed. Note that not everything contained in the MSI was installed. Only things like files, registry keys, services, etc. are installed. The UI, conditional logic, custom actions, etc. are not installed. Also note that additional files and registry keys not contained in the original package are installed. These additional files and registry keys are created by the Windows Installer engine and are record keeping about the newly installed package.

Standard Create MSI Installer process With regular repackaging, a new package is created and only the files, registry keys, services, shortcuts, etc. are added to the new package. The result is a package that installs the original application but does not include the UI, thus the new package can be installed unattended (silently).

Smart repackaging

Smart repackaging, like regular packaging, omits the UI and repackages the files, registry keys, services, shortcuts, etc. However, it also includes the Windows Installer record keeping that was installed. By including these additional files and registry keys an installation repackaged using smart repackaging is able to preserve many of the benefits of Windows Installer.

Benefits of Smart repackaging

Future upgrades patching of the product work correctly. All product shortcuts, including Advertised shortcuts, work correctly. Windows Installer features such as auto-repair function correctly.

Problems with Smart repackaging

Smart repackaging cannot be used for MSI files intended for per-user installation. Windows Installer packages installed per-user create user-specific data in the machine-specific areas of the registry. Because MSI files cannot contain both per-user and per-machine data, such installations cannot be repackaged into a new MSI file.

When to use smart repackaging

Knowing when to use smart repackaging versus regular repackaging will allow for the greatest success when repackaging software. Use the following guidelines to determining which packaging mode will yield the best results.

1. If the application being repackaged is not based on Windows Installer technology, then regular repackaging is recommended.

2. If the application being repackaged is based on Windows Installer technology and the original package is installed per-machine, then smart repackaging is recommended.

3. If the application being repackaged is based on Windows Installer technology and the original package is installed per-user, then regular repackaging must be used.

For more information on Smart Packager Pro please visit http://www.scalable.com/products/wininstall-msi-packager-pro.

by: Scalable Software

POST COMMENT

The Use Of Multiphoton Microscopy For Deep Tissue Imaging The Can Are The Most Resistant Packaging Managing An Event Well Managing Custodial Personnel Managing Custodial Personnel Cri-report -developing Sudan Plastic Packaging Market In Top 5 European Countries Cri-report -developing Sudan Plastic Packaging Market In Top 5 European Countries Packaging Machines - The Various Types Used In Popular Industries Packaging Machines - The Various Types Used In Popular Industries Fighting The Aging Effects Of The Sun Anti-aging Naturally With Fresh Royal Jelly Tips For Managing Your Debts Important Packaging Machineries - Shrink Tunnel, Stretch Wrapping Machine, Roller Conveyor