Software Deployment

Ummmmmmm....aren't the CS family MSIs already?

I did a snapshot because I was under the gun. Question If I pushed the software using the msi instead of the snapshot methodology, is there a way to do the same for the updates needed for the program as well?

After effects worked without issue, I realized that the winsock tcp/ip stack no longer functioned
That sounds like a contradiction in terms to me...

I did a snapshot because I was under the gun
I understand, I've been there myself, but these are the time where you need to realise (as you did now from experience) that resnapshotting an existing msi is

1) a waste of time
2) a REALLY bad idea, since you not only risk breaking something, you'll also lose any future patching/updating functionality and support from the vendor (you didn't install using our MSI, well then you get no support)

...realise and stress towards your employers (Ian has some sort of baseball bat for that, ask him about it [:)])

As for your current predicament, I would suggest figuring out what is missing from your winsock at this point (through a compare with a 'clean' system), fixing that, and taking the time to build an installer for After Effects using conventional methods. Since you'll then perhaps have to replace existing installs in the field, you might also try to gauge the effects UNinstalling your package from a machine has on it (I have some fears in this respect).

PJ

You will need to create a transform for the MSI so you'll need the appropriate Adobe Customization tool, as transforms created with normal tools rarely work well with their MSIs, mostly because the tool caters for the huge variety of customisations available.

As for updates (presumably you mean patches), I'd recommend creating an Administrative Installation Point (AIP) first. Back that up (if you're paranoid, like me) and/or drop it into your source control system.Then apply the patches to the AIP. I back up each stage but then, as I say, I'm paranoid. Once fully patched, use the resulting MSI and your shiny new transform to deploy.

It's Adobe After Effects CS3 for clarification purposes that I am trying to install.

Where do I get the "Adobe Customization tool", I checked my cd and on the Adobe site. Any help to get me out of my fog as thick as pea soup would greatly be appreciated.

Anyone? what is the "Appropriate customization tool" for this package?