Deployment Question

[Gazzieh]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum; can't find a completely appropriate one. Simply need some definition assistance.

I am creating a whole load of MSIs for a new build system and need to add registry keys to the installation. I am using ORCA as the MSI Editor (and winINSTALL LE for the MSI creation, if necessary). With ORCA I seem to be able to edit the MSI directly so it beggars the question; why would I ever create an MST?

 

[58sniper]

Some apps, like Office, can be customized with an .mst file (called a "transform") by using the Office Resource Kit. This is generally a lot easier than using Orca.

However, there are times when using something like Orca is beneficial, such as when there isn't an easy to use transform creator available for a specific app.

I hope this makes sense.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[Gazzieh]

Thanks and yes it makes sense (and in fact I am already aware of this). However, I probably didn't phrase my question correctly. If I can make changes to the original MSI and then save those changes; why create an MST at all? Why not simply alter the MSI and save the MSI? Why not add registry keys to the MSI table and then save the MSI? No need to create an MSI at all!

There is an obvious answer but it evades me at present. )

 

[58sniper]

There really isn't any reason NOT to do it that way (that I can think of). It's your preference.

The problem becomes when you need to deploy different configurations of the same app. Multiple transforms allow you to use one msi file.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[markdmac]

Bear in mind that the typical deployment will be for software that you don't control. For example deploying Microsoft Office and using a transform to deploy it with customization.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

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[Gazzieh]

Thanks for the answer and it does make sense. Curiousity and all that!