The issue of customizing the Manager install has been discussed recently (though my search couldn't identify the thread).
It is doable but requires some third party software, essentially a Setup Capture tool.
Using one of these, on a clean PC, start the capture tool and it will take a snapshot of the PC, ie folder, files, registry keys and values, icons, etc.
Then run the existing install app. Complete the install and then manually edit the files install, remove files not needed for your intended audience, add extra files (for example the extra Manager operators).
Tell the setup capture tool you have finished and it will take another snapshot and then compare the before and after shots and create a custom MSI install package.
Its not perfect, the result should always be tested before taking it to a true client machine. The main risk areas to be avoided are going between differing Windows OS's.
This is a software installation approach employeed by IT support people in large networks where they have lots of identical client machines and need a single install file that they can push to the clients.
The advantages:
- You can customise the files that get installed and remove those not needed.
- All of the interaction dialogs of the original installer are bypassed (which the IT guys like as they can push it as a silent install and ensure that everyone has the same settings).
The two apps I've used for this type of thing are:
- VAI InstallSpy:
Cheap (Euro 45) and simple. Basically offers snapshot before/after and then outputs you a single MSI install package.
- Wise for Windows Installer:
Full blown installation creation package (with a full blown $450 price just for the basic version) that includes a setup capture tool. The advantage for the price is being able to edit the MSI file afterwards rather than having to rerun the capture process.
Of coure the applications are obvious:
- Install Manager without all the extra language files or Voicemail Pro without the extra languages.
- Create an install package for just Phone Manager (ie. no TAPI, MS-CRM) that you could share acrosss a network. The IP Office address would already be set and the user would only need to change the User Name when they first run the app.
It is doable but requires some third party software, essentially a Setup Capture tool.
Using one of these, on a clean PC, start the capture tool and it will take a snapshot of the PC, ie folder, files, registry keys and values, icons, etc.
Then run the existing install app. Complete the install and then manually edit the files install, remove files not needed for your intended audience, add extra files (for example the extra Manager operators).
Tell the setup capture tool you have finished and it will take another snapshot and then compare the before and after shots and create a custom MSI install package.
Its not perfect, the result should always be tested before taking it to a true client machine. The main risk areas to be avoided are going between differing Windows OS's.
This is a software installation approach employeed by IT support people in large networks where they have lots of identical client machines and need a single install file that they can push to the clients.
The advantages:
- You can customise the files that get installed and remove those not needed.
- All of the interaction dialogs of the original installer are bypassed (which the IT guys like as they can push it as a silent install and ensure that everyone has the same settings).
The two apps I've used for this type of thing are:
- VAI InstallSpy:
Cheap (Euro 45) and simple. Basically offers snapshot before/after and then outputs you a single MSI install package.
- Wise for Windows Installer:
Full blown installation creation package (with a full blown $450 price just for the basic version) that includes a setup capture tool. The advantage for the price is being able to edit the MSI file afterwards rather than having to rerun the capture process.
Of coure the applications are obvious:
- Install Manager without all the extra language files or Voicemail Pro without the extra languages.
- Create an install package for just Phone Manager (ie. no TAPI, MS-CRM) that you could share acrosss a network. The IP Office address would already be set and the user would only need to change the User Name when they first run the app.
