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Adding HKCU Entries to MSI (Active Setup)

Hi All,

I have a program which stores the serial number in the HKCU hive of the registry. This has been captured in WinInstall but doesn't actually add it to the registry when the MSI is installed.

I have read that you can use 2 methods to correct this:-
1) Active Setup
2) Self-Healing

I have had a go with the 'Active Setup' method but when a user logs on to a computer, it runs a mini installation (presumably when it copies the HKCU entries into the relevant places). This isn't really an option for us (I don't want a progress bar to appear everytime someone logs onto a computer!!).

So, how would I go about the Self-Healing method? Is this method generally better than the Active Setup method? And finally, is there another way of adding HKCU entries to the registry via an MSI?

Thanks
Nick

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Answers (10)

Posted by: knight 17 years ago
Orange Senior Belt
0
Hi nick3young,

There are 2 type of Active Setup, you can use msiexec /[Repair] <Path to MSI> or Reg Import "<Path to>HKCU.reg"

Knight
Posted by: turbokitty 17 years ago
6th Degree Black Belt
0
You'll get a progress bar with self-healing. I'm no Active-setup expert as I always use self-healing, but I'm sure someone here can tell you if it can be done silently.

Keep in mind, the progress bar only pops up the first time the user logs in.
Posted by: nick3young 17 years ago
Senior Yellow Belt
0
Thanks for the replies guys,

I assume 'Reg Import' works much the same way as importing a registry fragment during a log-on script? Does this actually kick into action during logging on or is it when you run the program?

Failing this method, it would be handy to have my tried method running silently (though, from first impressions, I think it will slow initial log-ons down quite drastically).

Cheers
Posted by: AngelD 17 years ago
Red Belt
0
If you use "msiexec /fu {ProductCode} /qn" as the stub for Active Setup windows installer will repair the user stuff silent without any dialog or progress bar.
But I would try use self-healing instead as every user on that computer will get the serial not only those that uses the application.
Posted by: Bankeralle 17 years ago
Second Degree Blue Belt
0
If its possible i would prefere "self Healing".
This because Active Setup only run once on the computer. I also think as self healing as part of the msi technology.
Posted by: AngelD 17 years ago
Red Belt
0
ORIGINAL: Bankeralle

This because Active Setup only run once on the computer.

You almost got it ;)
Once per user; but maybe that was what you meant
Posted by: Bankeralle 17 years ago
Second Degree Blue Belt
0
ORIGINAL: AngelD

ORIGINAL: Bankeralle

This because Active Setup only run once on the computer.

You almost got it ;)
Once per user; but maybe that was what you meant


Yes that is what i meant!! Guess i wrote my comment to early in the morning:-)
Posted by: AngelD 17 years ago
Red Belt
0
My problem usually would be late at night [:D]
Posted by: danr29 17 years ago
Purple Belt
0
[link=http://itninja.com/question/distribution-message21][link=http://www.ewall.org/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=print&ceid=23]

Using the techniques in these articles you can actually have self-healing run the first time the application is launched (double clicking a shortcut) rather than when the user logs on for the first time after the application is installed.
Posted by: nick3young 17 years ago
Senior Yellow Belt
0
Thanks everyone, I went for 'Self Healing' in the end and it works a treat!

Cheers
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