XCLN: How to Use IExpress to Deploy Multiple Packages with ODK

• Microsoft Outlook 98 Deployment Kit

SUMMARY

This article describes how to create a self-extracting archive for use with the Microsoft Outlook Deployment Kit (ODK).

MORE INFORMATION

When you use the ODK to create a build of Outlook 98, if you choose the option to install your ODK build in silent mode, you can only add one custom package. By using the IExpress program that comes with the ODK, you can bundle multiple files together into one self-extracting executable that you can run at the end of the Setup program. This is necessary if you want to deploy multiple patches or generate profiles after Outlook 98 is installed.

To generate the package:

1. Create an .inf file that lists the files to copy and commands to execute.



2. Bundle the files into a single executable, using the IExpress Wizard.

Creating the .inf File for Use with the IExpress Wizard

; This is a sample INF file to use with the IExpress Wizard.
; Copy this file and save it with the name Odk.inf.

[Version]
Signature="$Chicago$"
AdvancedINF=2.0

[DefaultInstall]
CopyFiles=install.files
RunPostSetupCommands=RunPostSetupCommandsSection

[DestinationDirs]
install.files=30,IDKTemp

[install.files]
; List the files that need to be copied to the local hard disk drive.
; This should be the same list of files that are added in the
; "Packaged Files" section of the IExpress Wizard, described in
; Step 4 below.

Program1.Exe   ; example program #1
Program2.Exe   ; example program #2
Program3.Exe   ; example program #3
Odk.inf

[RunPostSetupCommandsSection]
; List the programs you want to run and the order in which
; you want them to be executed.
; Include any command-line switches or parameters that are necessary.

Program1.Exe
Program2.Exe
Program3.Exe /argument1 /argument2

[SourceDisksNames]
1="default",,1 

Combining Multiple Files Using the IExpress Wizard

1. Start the IExpress Wizard version 2.0. The default location and file name are:

   C:\Program Files\ODK\Tools\Iexpress.exe

   In the Welcome to IExpress 2.0 dialog box, click Create new self extraction directive file, and then click Next.



2. In the Package Purpose dialog box, click Extract files and run an installation command option, and then click Next. In the Package Title box, type a name, such as Example Installation, and then click Next.



3. On the Confirmation Prompt dialog box, click No prompt, and then click Next. On the License Agreement dialog box, click Do not display a license, and then click Next. These options, although not necessary, may be used.



4. On the Packaged Files dialog box, click Add to choose the components that you want to be bundled into the self-extracting executable. For this example, locate the following files:
   
   
   • Program1.Exe
   
   
   
   • Program2.Exe
   
   
   
   • Program3.Exe
   
   
   
   • Odk.inf
   
   
   
   Click Open, and then click Next.



5. On the Installation Program to Launch dialog box, type the name of your .inf file. In this example, the file is Odk.inf.
   
   Under Post Install Command, click None, and then click Next.



6. On the Show Window dialog box, click Default, and click Next. On the Finish Message dialog box, click No Message, and then click Next.



7. On the Package Name and Options dialog box, type the name of your package, specify the directory location, and then click Next. On the Configure Reboot dialog box, click No Reboot, and then click Next.
   
   NOTE: If you deploy your package by using the ODK, you must click No Reboot.



8. In the Save Self Extraction Directive dialog box, type the location that you want to save the SED file to, and then click Next. This file allows you to change your IExpress configuration and the files that you have selected.



9. When the Create Package Confirmation dialog box is displayed, click Next, and then the package is built. The package is the self-extracting executable with the name you specified. The package can be included in the Outlook Deployment Kit as your single custom package.



10. The final dialog box confirms the creation of your package. It displays information, such as how much compression the files received, how many bytes the package contains, and the amount of time that it took to create the package. Click Finish to exit the wizard.
    
    The bundled self-extracting executable is now ready to be included in the ODK.

Q190053 XCLN: Adding Custom Applications to Active Setup with the ODK

ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/softlib/mslfiles/odkidk98.exe

and

http://support.microsoft.com/support/downloads/dp3384.asp

Additional query words: prfadmin prf admin odkidk98.exe

Keywords : XCLN
Version : WINDOWS:98
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowto