Thursday, December 27, 2007

Windows Installer Automatic Repair: Windows Vista

In earlier versions of Windows, it might have been necessary to re-register the Windows Installer files in the registry (an example) if those files became damaged or corrupt. Beginning Windows Vista, damaged system files needed by Windows Installer can be repaired automatically.

Friday, November 30, 2007

The Hey, Scripting Guy! Archive: Volume 2 (August 2004 - September 2007)

The first three years of the Hey, Scripting Guy! column (give or take a month) gathered together in one fully-searchable archive. This HTML help file includes all the text, graphics, and hyperlinks for well over 800 Hey, Scripting Guy! columns.

This download is available to customers running genuine Microsoft Windows

More Information & Download

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Windows PowerShell Graphical Help File (Version 2.0)

View the Windows PowerShell 2.0 help (including cmdlet help and the About topics) in a fully-searchable, graphical format (a standard Windows .chm file). Also included in the help file is the VBScript to Windows PowerShell Conversion Guide and a collection of PowerShell Tips of the Week.

More Information and Download

Documentation for WiX in Microsoft Visual Studio Team System code name "Rosario" November CTP

This documentation contains information about the version of WiX distributed with Visual Studio Team System code name "Rosario" November CTP. It contains information about:
• What WiX is
• Using WiX on the command line
• Using WiX in Visual Studio
• WiX Schema Reference
• Advanced WiX Usage such as patch building, custom actions, and extensions
• Additional help links and resources

More Information and Download

Monday, September 3, 2007

Microsoft Application Verifier v3.4

Application Verifier is a runtime verification tool for unmanaged code that assists in quickly finding subtle programming errors that can be extremely difficult to identify with normal application testing.


Friday, August 24, 2007

Windows Script 5.7 - 2K/XP/2K3

This release of Windows Script brings the improvements in scripting made during the Vista development cycle to downlevel platforms. The primary reason for changing the version number from 5.6 to 5.7 is to simplify servicing and support by synchronizing the versioning to a consistent scheme based on Vista build number. The minor version increase does not indicate significant new features. The scripting feature set is substantially the same as 5.6, with only minor additions. This is the fastest, most robust, and secure release of Windows Script available.

Improvements have been made with JScript, VBScript & Windows Scripting Host. This release also contains fixes prescribed in various Microsoft KB Articles. For complete details, download the Release Notes for Windows Script 5.7

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Webcast: Windows PowerShell and Microsoft Management Console - August 02, 2007

What:MSDN Webcast: Windows PowerShell and Microsoft Management Console (Level 200)
In this labcast, learn about two powerful management technologies that encompass both the command line and graphical user interface (GUI). Windows PowerShell is the new command shell and scripting language from Microsoft that helps IT professionals and developers achieve greater productivity. Join this session to write cmdlets for Windows PowerShell that enable an operator to retrieve workflow data from the workflow tracking system. In addition, you build a snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) version 3.0 using managed code. MMC 3.0 has greatly improved the managed code model for building management consoles or your applications and services. This lab is based on the DinnerNow sample scenario. Presenter: Matt Hester, IT Pro Evangelist, Microsoft Corporation
When:Thursday, August 2, 2007 9:00 AM

Time Displayed: Pacific Time (US & Canada) [Convert to Your Local Time]

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Windows Vista Migration Webcast Series Part Six: Personality Captures

What:Windows Vista Migration Webcast Series - Part Six: Personality Captures
How will you Migrate to Windows Vista? Migrating to Windows Vista is not a question of when, but how. Whether you plan to deploy Vista as a mass migration project or gradually as new PCs are deployed, OS migration can be intimidating for any IT manager. But with Altiris, now part of Symantec, you can easily manage the mysteries of Vista migration. Join us for part six of a seven part webcast series on Vista migration featuring Windows expert Nelson Ruest. Nelson works for Resolutions Enterprises Ltd. as a Senior Enterprise IT Architect and has over 20 years' experience in migration planning and network, PC, and server infrastructure design. He has been working on deployments since Windows 3.1 and so far, has assisted over 500,000 users with their migrations. Nelson is the co-author of the eBook: The Definitive Guide to Vista Migration. In this one hour, complimentary webcast on Wednesday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m. EDT (16:00 GMT, Europe), you'll learn how to successfully tackle the complex task of Vista migration through planning and best practices and how an Altiris integrated solution will help ease your migration plan. The following topics will be discussed: * Personality Capture Considerations - Profile Types & Choosing which Profiles to Protect * Working with Personality Captures * Alternative Strategies for Profile Migrations * Finalize the Personality Protection Strategy * Benefits of Migrating with Altiris
When:Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:00 AM

PRESENTER: Nelson Ruest, Windows expert and co-author of The Definitive Guide to Vista Migration

Time Displayed: EST (US & Canada) [Convert to Your Local Time]

Sunday, July 22, 2007

InstallShield 2008: OS Conditions in DIM Files May Evaluate Incorrectly

When building a DIM reference into an InstallShield project, you may see that OS Conditions evaluate the 'Greater Than' conditional statement as 'Equals'.

Applies to Product(s):

  • InstallShield 2008 Premier
  • InstallShield 2008 Professional

Project Type: Windows Installer, InstallScript MSI

Solution:

Per InstallShield Support, this is due to an issue present in InstallShield's DIM Import module.

Download new DimImport.dll & Resolute

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Windows Script 5.6 for Windows XP and Windows 2000

Windows Script is a comprehensive scripting infrastructure for the Microsoft Windows platform. Windows Script provides two script engines, Visual Basic Scripting Edition and Microsoft JScript, which can be embedded into Windows Applications. It also provides an extensive array of supporting technologies that makes it easier for script users to script Windows applications. Learn more...

The download of Windows Script 5.6 for Windows XP and Windows 2000 installs Microsoft Windows Script containing Visual Basic Script Edition (VBScript.) Version 5.6, JScript Version 5.6, Windows Script Components, Windows Script Host 5.6, and Windows Script Runtime Version 5.6. A detailed documentation can also be downloaded from Windows Script 5.6 Documentation

System Administrators and/or Software Packagers/Engineers often require usage of Windows Scripting Technology and it's sub-sets for smoother application package authoring and/or deployments.

References:

Macrovision’s AdminLetter - July 2007 Highlights

The July 2007 edition of Macrovision's Newsletter has the following as highlights:

  •  

    • AdminStudio 8.5 prevents DLL conflicts with Citrix virtualization support

    • AdminStudio wins two 2007 Redmond Readers' Choice Awards

    • Tip: Setting isolation options for Citrix virtual profiles

    • Save time by indentifying which applications to repacakge for Windows Vista

    • AdminStudio training special: Sign up with co-workers and save!




New Knowledge Base Articles Added Include:

  •  

    • HOWTO: Troubleshooting Major Upgrades

    • INFO: Changing the IP Address of the Workflow Manager Application Site

    • HOWTO: Configuring Job Manager to Run as a Service




Visit the July 2007 AdminLetter for links & details.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Webcast: Application Compatibility Considerations with Windows Vista - July 18, 2007

What:TechNet Webcast: Application Compatibility Considerations with Windows Vista (Level 200)
In this webcast, we focus on application compatibility issues that you may encounter when upgrading to the Windows Vista operating system, and we show you how to address them. We start the session by explaining User Account Control (UAC), which helps reduce the exposure and attack surface of the operating system by requiring that all users run in standard user mode . Although UAC provides many benefits, some applications may be affected by its implementation. We discuss these possible areas of incompatibility and look at how to resolve any problems that may arise. We also cover other areas of possible application compatibility issues, such as the new networking features. Finally, we introduce some of the helpful tools Microsoft provides to assist with application compatibility with Windows Vista. Presenter: Blain Barton, IT Pro Evangelist, Microsoft Corporation
When:Wednesday, July 18, 2007 9:30 AM

Time Displayed - Pacific Time (US & Canada) [Convert to Your Local Time]

AdminStudio Repackager Standalone Download

AdminStudio includes a standalone, zero-footprint setup for Repackager. This allows you to install Repackager by itself on a clean machine to repackage applications. The repackaged setup can then be transferred to a build machine with AdminStudio installed or copied to a network location. The download is in the form of a setup.exe that should be launched on the clean machine.
Beginning with AdminStudio 8.5, the standalone Repackager is available on the installation DVD in the Tools folder entitled "StandaloneRepackager.exe". 

More Information & Download

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Building in AdminStudio Repackager Leads to Unknown Error

Building an .inc file that contains certain shortcut entries can lead to an error during the build. A message indicating "An unknown error occurred" is present in the build log, after shortcut information is displayed, and an .msi file will not be created.
This is caused by a bug present in AdminStudio 6.0 with or without Value Pack 1.

Download the HOTFIX (islc.exe) & Steps for Resolution

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

MSI Error 2755:1639

The installation terminates when the progress-bar dialog runs. A log of the installation indicates error 2755:1639. An error message indicating incorrect command-line parameters is also seen in the log file.

Usually the exact error message is:
Error 2755: Server returned unexpected error.
Error 1639 is a system return code indicating that Windows Installer received an invalid command line argument.

Project Type: Windows Installer, InstallScript MSI

Possible CAUSE & RESOLUTIONS 

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Halting Installation When Current User Is Not Administrator or Root - KB Q112350

This article explains how to determine if the current user is an administrator on Windows or the root user on Unix, and how to halt the installation and display an error dialog when this current user criterion is not met.

This article applies to the following:

Product(s):

  • InstallShield X Premier, InstallShield 10.5 Premier, InstallShield 11 Premier

  • InstallShield X Professional, InstallShield 10.5 Professional, InstallShield 11 Professional

  • MultiPlatform 4.x, MultiPlatform 5.x, FLEXnet InstallShield MultiPlatform 11.5


Project Type: Universal Installer
Operating System(s): Windows 95/98, Windows NT, Solaris (SPARC), MAC OS, Linux, MAC OS X, AIX, Windows 2000/XP, All Windows, Windows Vista

What does this mean and how to troubleshoot?

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Using WiseScript to Customize Virtual Software Packages

In this article, author Aaron Phillips goes through the process of customizing the behavior of an SVS package using WiseScript. WiseScript is a simple, yet versatile scripting language that consolidates dozens or hundreds of lines of code into predefined script actions. Phillips mentions:
Since I was introduced to WiseScript, I have to say, it's grown on me more and more. WiseScript is a quick and easy to use tool that can bring customized control to how your SVS applications perform.

In this example, author creates a "Post Activation" event for an SVS package using WiseScript to display an End User License Agreement (EULA) and to set a registry key with its acceptance for the currently logged on user.

Visit the Article

News Source: http://juice.altiris.com

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Application LifeCycle Management

"A 10 minute video guide to how software applications are developed" - Business Perspective

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Windows Installer 4.5 Beta Accepting Nominations

Nominations are being accepted for Windows Installer 4.5 Beta. Windows Installer Team claims that the Windows Installer 4.5 beta will deliver new functionality for multiple package products and for servicing complex products. Windows Installer 4.5 will pull down level the features from the OS version independent features in the Windows Installer 4.0 release that shipped only in Windows Vista and will ship in Windows Server 2008. Windows Installer 4.5 is expected to ship as a redistributable down level to Windows XP SP2 and up.
The draft white paper "Agility Trends in Package Software" is posted at Microsoft Connect.  The draft is a part of the information offered to the tools vendors on the Live Meeting call last month, Robert Flaming expands.

A complete set of Windows Installer 4.5 beta documents are expected to be available on July, Binary Download of the product to be available on August 07.

Sign-Up for Beta Nominations

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Windows SteadyState is now available

Windows SteadyState was formerly known as Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for Windows XP. Whether you manage computers in a school computer lab or an Internet cafe, a library, or even in your home, Windows SteadyState helps make it easy for you to keep your computers running the way you want them to, no matter who uses them. Windows SteadyState is easier to download, set up, use, and maintain than Shared Computer Toolkit.
Windows SteadyState runs on genuine copies of Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

Download & More Details

Friday, June 15, 2007

Windows Installer 4.1 & Vista SP1 - How Close ?

It appears a new version of Windows Installer 4.1 is on the horizon. On May 04, Windows Installer Team at Microsoft posted Invitation to Windows Installer Tools Vendors for a Live Meeting Event at their blog web site saying, "At this event we'll discuss the next step for the Windows Installer so you can consider the fit to your plans". Couple of days ago at MSDN pages for Windows Installer, I found the following:

Windows Installer 4.1 updates Windows Installer 4.0 without adding any new features and is available in Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008. [Link]

So when can we expect the new version of Windows Installer 4.1 to be available (also obviously as a redistributable upgrade to current Windows Installer 4.0 on Vista)? Microsoft hasn't issued a press release with that pronouncement. Instead, it notified its Technology Adoption Partner testers of it via an e-mail regarding the imminent start of the Vista SP1 testing program where they mention:

The Technology Adoption Program (TAP) is looking for customers and partners actively test and provide feedback on Windows Vista SP1 to help us prepare for its release in the second half of CY07.

There will definitely be sessions as like Webcasts, blogs, documentation's etc from Windows Installer Team at Microsoft about the new release, I will keep them posted as soon as I find more details. For now, either subscribe for RSS feeds or bookmark this site.

Versions of Windows Installer & Downloads

Sunday, June 10, 2007

New Windows Installer KB Articles relating to Vista (929710, 929467)

    1. Windows Installer custom action code must be compatible with Data Execution Prevention in Windows Vista

    2. Notification message when you remove or repair a program in Windows Vista: "An unidentified program wants to access your computer"

    These articles were discussed earlier by Windows Installer Team as future candidates to be included at Microsoft Knowledge Base. As the team explains, a future scheduled to be published Knowledge Base article titled "ElevationShield will not show during maintenance mode on a Windows Installer native UI PushButton control" is already on it's queue.