Software Deployment

As you know, this folder is obfuscated by Windows Explorer. The two main tool vendors - Symantec (Wise) and Flexera (InstallShield) make this folder available as a "normal" target. What are you using to create your package?

I am using InstallShield Adminstudio for this. I've dumped all the files in that folder & it copies the files alright but when i open the folder i dont get to see the files but when i check the properties n read the log it stayed that the files are copied successfully. If they are the activeX dll do i need to register them manually b4 taking my final snapshot?

it copies the files alright but when i open the folder i dont get to see the files but when i check the properties n read the log it stayed that the files are copied successfully

Believe it or not, but this sounds like normal behavior. Is there an entry there for your ActiveX control, perhaps with a 'general' name? Secondly and more importantly, is the activeX working correctly after installing the package?

Personally I tend to just let these ActiveX libraries self-register, something which I don't do that often in other circumstances...

PJ

As I mentioned, Explorer obfuscates (disguises) this folder so that you don't see files, but only the file's description.

As for registration, AdminStudio ought to have extracted the COM information and populated the appropriate tables. Go into the Direct Editor and view those tables (Class, AppID, etc) to check.

pjgeutjens- How to get em self register? I am requested to copy all the activX dlls which are basically wrapped around a CAB file. is this the issue? do i need to extract them n then copy them over?

VBscab- Since i am copying those files manually in the direcotry i don't get to see them under either CLASS or AppId?

What else do i need to look out for? thanks for ur support

I'm confused...On the one hand you say that you're using AdminStudio but then you say you're copying the files manually (or trying to).

If you capture the installation using AdminStudio, just let it do its stuff. It will ensure that the files get copied to the correct destination, extract the COM information and populate the appropriate tables.

And, no offence, but this sentence:Since i am copying those files manually in the direcotry i don't get to see them under either CLASS or AppIdtells me that you have a poor grasp of the fundamentals of Windows Installer. You would do well to take a look at Phil Wilson's 'The Definitive Guide to Windows Installer' before doing anything else.

Try making a snapshot of the copy action. depending on settings when compiling the .ism from your .irp file, Installshield will automaticallly extract the registration (COM) info from the DLLs and populate the correct tables.

I can imagine you'd need to extract the files from the CAB. This is a question you should probably ask the package requester though, he should at least be able to point you to someone who knows what's the expected content of the package.

vbscab- I am new @ packaging sorry for my poor grasp @ this. What i meant to say that " Since i can't copy them manually i've copied all the files in my ism before compling it".

No need to apologise: we were all new to this malarky once. I was making the point that you are on a very steep learning curve and Phil's book will help tremendously.