Windows Platform: 32-bit Versions

The 32-bit versions of Windows integrate Internet technology and browser features directly into the operating system. This browser-platform integration means that users who run Windows 32-bit versions can take advantage of advanced browsing capabilities. Users can browse their hard disk, local area network, or the Internet to quickly find the information they need. Using Internet Explorer, they can quickly navigate the Web by using the Search, History, and Favorites bars, or get information delivered directly to their computers for offline viewing. For more information about this browser-platform integration, see the Microsoft Windows Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/.

Some Internet Explorer customization features, deployment methods, and maintenance practices are specific to Windows 32-bit versions. You should consider the following issues when you deploy Internet Explorer on Windows 32-bit versions:

• CD-ROM installation - If you distribute your custom-browser package to users who run Windows 32-bit versions from a CD-ROM, a splash-screen Autorun program appears when users insert the disc. This program offers users the choice of installing your custom browser or viewing more information. If the current version of Internet Explorer is already installed, the Autorun program detects it. The browser appears in what is known as Kiosk mode (if this feature is enabled using the Internet Explorer Customization wizard), with the Start.htm file or your own custom start page loaded.
• Administrative privileges - For Windows NT, you must have privileges as an administrator to install and uninstall Internet Explorer 5 and Internet Tools. Users must, therefore, have administrative privileges the first time they start their computers after installing or uninstalling Internet Explorer 5 and Internet Tools.
• Setup download folder - You can find the IE5Setup.exe file in the media type folder created for your language and platform version. For example, the English version of Internet Explorer for Windows 32-bit versions would reside in the \Download\Win32\En folder of your build directory.
• Code signing - If you are distributing Internet Explorer 5 and Internet Tools over the Internet or intranet, you should sign custom cabinet (.cab) files created by the Internet Explorer Customization wizard for Windows 32-bit versions. This is recommended unless you preconfigure the Local Intranet zone with the Low security setting. You should also sign any custom components that you distribute with your browser package for this platform. Code signing lets users know that they can trust your code before downloading it to their computers. The default settings in Internet Explorer will reject unsigned code. If you have a digital certificate, the Internet Explorer Customization wizard can sign these files automatically.

  Options for digital certificates are not available for Windows 2000 in the IEAK Profile Manager, because Windows 2000 provides advanced certificate management features. For more information, search for "digital certificates" in Windows 2000 Help.

• Single-disk branding - When you build custom packages using the Internet Explorer Customization wizard, you can choose the single-disk branding option for your media type. This option customizes an existing installation of Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 1 (which is part of Windows 98) or higher. It does not install Internet Explorer 5 and Internet Tools.
• Windows 2000 Administration - For Windows 2000, you can use Group Policy to customize and manage Internet settings. Group Policy enables administrators to customize and control settings for users and computers in various groups across an organization.

  For more information about starting Group Policy, look up "Group Policy" in Windows 2000 Help. For more information about the types of settings and restrictions that you can manage with Group Policy, see Appendix A, "Administration Options for Windows 2000."

Customizing Internet Explorer with Group Policy

1. In Group Policy in Windows 2000, click User Configuration.

   The method for starting Group Policy depends on the type of group that you want to administer. Consult the Windows 2000 documentation for the method to use for your situation.

2. Click Windows Settings, and then click Internet Explorer Maintenance.
3. Click the icon for the feature area you want to change.
4. Double-click the title of the feature you want to administer.
5. Change the settings you want.

   Note If you are using the IEAK Profile Manager to administer Internet Explorer on other platforms with automatic configuration, you may want to export your Group Policy settings to an Internet Settings (.ins) file, and if applicable, to cabinet (.cab) files. That way, if you configure settings in Windows 2000, you will not need to configure the settings again for use with other platforms.

• Windows 2000 Unattended Setup - Unattended Setup mode is a hands-free method of installing Windows 2000 that is convenient for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), administrators in corporations, Value Added Resellers (VARs), and other users. By using the IEAK Profile Manager, you can produce an Internet Settings (.ins) file that contains the settings for customizing Internet Explorer. Then, in the Unattended Setup file, you provide a pointer to the .ins file.

  If you are using Unattended Setup to deploy Internet Explorer with Windows 2000, you can use the IEAK Profile Manager to specify custom Internet Explorer settings. These settings will be configured when Unattended Setup is run. The Profile Manager enables you to create .ins files, and if needed, cabinet (.cab) files. The .ins file is specified in the [Branding] section of the Unattend.txt file. For more information, consult the Windows 2000 Setup documentation.

  To specify Windows 2000 as your platform, click the Platform menu, and then click Windows 2000. Under Wizard Settings, click the items that you want to customize.

  Restrictions, which determine which settings users can change, are not available for the Windows 2000 platform in the IEAK Profile Manager. To set restrictions for the Windows 2000 platform, use Group Policy. For information, look up Group Policy in Windows 2000 Help.