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Home Product Support Desktop Authority MSI Studio Technical FAQs Version: 4.0.1.1061

Technical FAQs

• What is a transform and how is it used?
  • A transform is a type of installation database which is used to alter the main installation database. It contains customizations required for groups of users, or settings used so the installation can be run silently when deployed.
    
    Transforms (.mst) are merged with a main installation database (.msi) at runtime.


• What is a reponse tranform?
  • A response transform is a transform which is generated from the 'Responses' you make during the UI phase of an installation. It will contain the settings required so that the main installation database can be run silently during deployment. Properties it might include are serial numbers, install directories and the features to install.
    
    There is an option in Installer Design Studio to create response transforms for existing installation databases.


• I'm doing a foreign capture and I can't connect.
  • Desktop Authority MSI Studio uses the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) infrastructure to detect the changes made on foreign machines. If you are having trouble connecting follow these guidelines:
    

    	Make sure that you are logged on as a local administrator, using the same username and password. Test this by trying to connect to the foreign machines admin share, 'net use \\\c$' (replace with the name of the foreign machine you want to use.
    	The password should not be blank).
    	Make sure both machines are on the same domain. You can use the command 'net use *' on a console to see the computers connected to the domain. Both machines should appear on the list.
    	make sure that reg.exe or regedit.exe are in the system path. For Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 you might need to copy regedit.exe to the system directory.
    	It is a good idea to share the drives that are to be monitored for changes.
    	Configure firewalls or turn them off (Connecting Through Windows Firewall)
    	Be sure that you are able to run remote applications through WMI.(Connecting to WMI on a Remote Computer)



• How do I install files onto a specific drive and not onto the
    ROOTDRIVE?
  • On the IQView File View panel there is a button and an option in the context menu to create a new root directory. This action creates a hard coded root drive property and should only be used when this drive will always be available on the machines on which the application is to be deployed.
    
    To create a folder that revolves to the TARGETDIR property, create a folder or add a file to the 'Special Folder' directory.


• Do I need to fix all ICE and MCE errors and warnings?
  • No, it's not necessary to fix all warnings and errors.
    
    The errors and warnings that are acceptable depend upon your system and standards. Generally, you should fix most errors unless you know that they won't cause problems on your system. It's not so important to fix warnings, but over time it is good to build up knowledge of those that require action, and those that can be ignored.
    
    For example, ICE03 error (which relates to a string which is longer than allowed in the table) can be ignored because there is no restriction on the length of strings in the database. Likewise ICE33 can be ignored if you do not support install-on-demand or advertisement in your environment.
    
    NOTE: Installer Design Studio contains the ability to fix some of these errors. These functions are available in the context menu of certain tables in the All Tables View. Listed below are the ICE errors which can be fixed together with the table on whose context menu you will find this functionality:
    
    Component Table : ICE38, ICE57
    
    Directory Table: ICE64
    
    File Table: ICE30, ICE60


• How do I create a package for a Microsoft Hotfix?
  • You'll need to use the wrapper wizard which allows you to create a .msi file which "WRAPS" an executable. You will need to know the command line option which you need to run the .exe.


• I am supposed to have a sub directory in my project, why is it not created upon install?
  • Sub directories that are empty are not created by windows installer unless they are specifically marked to be created (added to the CreateFolders table).
    
    To mark a sub directory to be created, right-click on the directory name in the Files - IQView and select 'Create as Empty Folder' .
• How do I save an MSI with a transform included?
  • Open the transform file with the MSI and then select File>Save Transformed As


• Can I add files to a transform?
  • It is not good practice to add files to transforms however it can easily be done. Open the transform with the base MSI file, add a file in IQViews and then save the transform. Any files added will be in their own external cab file.


• What is the command line to perform a silent install?
  • /qn