The Internet Explorer Customization wizard enables you to create custom packages of Windows Update Setup that you can distribute on various types of media. It also enables Internet service providers (ISPs) to customize existing installations of Internet Explorer.
In addition to ISPs, corporate administrators, and Internet content providers (ICPs) and developers can use the IEAK to customize Internet Explorer. For more information about your role, see the IEAK Web site.
You can create packages in multiple languages. You'll need to create a different package for each language that you will need. For more information about how to create multiple packages efficiently, see Chapter 17, "Time-Saving Strategies That Address Diverse User Needs."
Before you run the Customization wizard, you'll need to plan your deployment and prepare any custom files. For information about planning the deployment, see Chapter 9, "Planning the Deployment." For more information about preparing files for the IEAK, see Chapter 12, "Preparing for the IEAK," and Appendix D, "Checklists for Preparing to Use the IEAK."
Depending on your situation, you might also need to set up servers, such as a network, intranet, or Internet server that users can download files from, proxy servers, an automatic configuration server, and (if you are an ISP you may need a sign-up server. For more information about configuring servers, see Chapter 13, "Setting up Servers."
When you use the Customization wizard, you can choose which features you need. That way, you won't have to view or supply answers to Customization wizard screens that don't apply to your situation. For more information, see "Stage 1: Gathering Information" later in this chapter.
The Customization wizard can either create a package from scratch or import settings from an existing Internet settings (.ins) file. Either way, when you click Finish in the wizard, the Customization wizard will build the package.
The custom package includes the following:
The following illustration shows how custom-package generation works.
Illustration 15.1 How the IEAK Generates Custom Packages
After the Customization wizard creates these files, you copy them (if needed) to your deployment media. For more information about deployment, see Chapter 19, "Deploying Microsoft Internet Explorer 5."
