Chapter 12: Customizing Installations Using Tuner
Working with Transforms
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AdminStudio 9.5 User Guide
When to Use Tuner vs. InstallShield Editor
Most system administrators use InstallShield Editor to import repackaged setups and convert them into Windows
Installer packages. InstallShield Editor is also ideal for making changes to the package that you want reflected in all
deployments of the package. However, it is recommended that you use Tuner to create transforms for changes that
you only want to affect a particular deployment, rather than every installation.
Working with Transforms
The Microsoft-designated term transform refers to a specific file type used to customize a Windows Installer-based
installation. A transform contains all modification information, such as whether features are installed, how they are
installed, which files, shortcuts, and registry entries are included, and Windows 2000 and XP Add/Remove
Programs information. Transform files use an .mst extension.
For example, you may need to customize an installation for different departments in your company. Typical
business productivity suites come with a spreadsheet program, a word processor, and a presentation tool. Your
accounting department may only need the spreadsheet and the presentation programs. On the other hand, the
writing department may need only the word processor and the spreadsheet. A third department may need the
entire suite of applications. Instead of manually setting up every person in the company, you can take the original
setup of the entire suite, and create a customization project in the form of a transform to meet the needs of each
department. A transform would need to be created for every configuration that you plan to use.
Once you have created a transform, you can apply it at runtime, depending on whose machine the application is
being installed on. For example, in the accounting department, the transform limits the installation to include only
the spreadsheet and presentation programs.
Configuring Additional
Server Locations
Explains how to configure additional server locations.
Changing Add/Remove
Program Settings
Explains how to configure the Windows setup to give the user the option of
removing, repairing, or changing the installation with the click of a button.
Customizing Setup
Properties
Explains how to edit property values in the properties table (the underlying
structure of Windows Installer packages). You can also add your own
custom properties.
Preparing Packages for
Distribution
Explains how to postvalidate your transform and base Windows Installer
package, and how to package the transform and base package for
distribution.
Directly Editing Packages
Explains how to use the Direct Editor to edit values in the MSI tables of the
base Windows Installer package and store them in your transform.
Tuner Reference
Information on Tuner Views and dialog boxes.
Table 12-1 •
Tuner User Documentation (cont.)
Section
Description
Summary of Contents for ADMINSTUDIO 9.5
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