SMS Installer Tasks

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The process for creating an SMS Installer-generated executable file includes the following steps:

  1. Determine if you need to use the Watch Application Wizard or the Repackage Application Wizard.

    • If the application already has a setup file, use the Repackage Application Wizard.

    • If the application does not have a setup file, use the Watch Application Wizard.

  2. On the primary site server, unbundle the SMS Installer files.

    The files are packaged in such a way that they do not run unless SMS is installed.

  3. To set up SMS Installer, copy the SMS Installer installation file (SMSInstl.exe) to the reference computer and double-click the SMSInstl icon.

  4. To select the installation options you want, start SMS Installer and edit the SMS Installer attributes.

    There are 65 available options (script items), and you need to check each one carefully to ensure that they are set up the way you want. For information about each option, see the SMS Installer Help.

  5. To automatically generate an installation script for the application, run the Repackage Application Wizard or the Watch Application Wizard.

  6. Use Script Editor to modify the installation script. Usually, you must make at least a few modifications. For example, you can modify the script to prompt the user for information, send messages to the user, search for files, install and delete files, and update .ini files and the registry. Also, the wizard-generated scripts often benefit from adjustments. Test the script and examine it to see if some small changes make it more user-friendly and improve its performance.

  7. Using the SMS Installer compiler, compile the SMS Installer-generated executable file.

  8. Test the compiled SMS-generated executable file. SMS Installer has two test modes:

    • Test mode runs the installation program but does not install anything.

    • Run mode runs the installation program and installs the files.

  9. Distribute the file.

All operating systems support long file names and the full Microsoft Win32® registry. You can create a single file or multiple files for posting packages to the Internet or bulletin board system or for copying packages onto floppy disks or a CD.

For More Information

Did you find this information useful? Please send your suggestions and comments about the documentation to smsdocs@microsoft.com.