Automating Network Groups and Items via SETUP.INF

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SUMMARY

When Windows 3.0 is set up on a network workstation via the SETUP /N command, at least three default program groups, Main, Games, and Accessories, are created. Each of these groups have a certain number of default program items.

It is possible to have custom new groups created with selected program items or change the contents of the default program groups by editing the SETUP.INF before running SETUP /N on the individual workstations.

MORE INFORMATION

Use the following outline to create custom groups via the SETUP.INF file.

1. Edit SETUP.INF with a standard ASCII text editor and locate the line:

         [progman.groups]
   

2. Add a blank line directly under Games, and, on this line, type the name of the new group you want to have built:

         [progman.groups]
         Main,1
         Accessories
         Games
         MyWork
   

         The ",1" parameter indicates which group will be the default
         "open" group upon starting Windows.
   

3. Add a new section header after the listing of groups and a list of what program items you want to appear in this group:

         [MyWork]
         "Solitaire",   SOL.EXE
         "StyleSheet",  "NOTEPAD.EXE STYLESH.TXT"
         "GammaWrite",  GW.EXE
   
   

The SETUP.INF file is a comma-delineated text file formatted for 160 columns that supplies customized directions to the SETUP.EXE.

Preferred Workstation Setup Method

Install Windows 3.0 on a network (see pages 543-556 of the "Microsoft Windows User's Guide"), and then run the SETUP /N command on each workstation. In some instances (for example, large workstation groups) it may not be efficient to do this and then customize each workstation individually. By editing the SETUP.INF file with a text editor, it is possible to enhance the SETUP /N command so that it customizes each workstation to a company standard.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Windows User's Guide." Version 3.00, "Networks and Windows," pages 543-556.