Software Deployment

if you just want to create transform files can't you use Orca or InstEd?

Edit:
Should have added both of those tools are free.

I'm not sure I understand the question here.
If you're asking how to create a transform in AdminStudio, you open up the Editor, select File> New... and then select Transform from the list, and use the wizard to link it to an MSI.

No - what Im looking to find out is ...

1) Is AdminStudio the only application which will let me create a MSI transform answer file ?
2) If Yes , will the AdminStudio Standard edition do this ?

To be honest if you just want to create mst files then i'd use Orca or InstEd. However if you want a pretty application to do that with then AdminStudio standard will do that, and with the added benefit of making your wallet a lot lighter.

Ok sorry about the misunderstanding.

1) There are several other applications out there that will allow you make transforms. The only one I have ever used or been familiar with is AdminStudio, but if I was you (especially if I'm paying for it myself) I would try the free tools @dodgy posted earlier.

2) Yes I am pretty sure all editions of AdminStudio will create transforms for you.
Here is a complete feature list from Acresso: http://www.acresso.com/products/is/installshield-features.htm

Ive just started in a new job - and I want to have alook at starting to package up applications.
To be honest if you just want to create mst files then i'd use Orca or InstEd. I would strongly advise against any newcomer to packaging being thrown in at the deep end with Orca/InstEdit.

Not sure if Im using Orca or InstEd the correct way - but it seems to want me to edit the msi file. In AdminStudio it let me run the MSI file and when I went through the installation it created a MST file for me. Is there any way to do this in Orca/InstED without editing the acutally MSI file itself ???

In Orca choose Transform > New Transform from the menu options. To save the transform file choose Transform > Generate Transform.

In InstEd choose Transform > New Transform from the menu options. To save choose File > Save As.

Also VBScab is correct that both Orca and InstEd are not inuitive to use.

Edit:
- should add you need to load the msi file first before doing above.

Edit2:
- Sorry should have been File > Save As for InstEd not Transform > Save.

1. Open the msi in Orca.

2. On the main toolbar, navigate to Transform > New Transform.

3. you need to make atleast one change to create the transform. so we add a generic property to the property table,

4.Select Property in the left pane

5.From the Table menu, select Add Row to display the Add Row dialog box.

6.Select Property name. (ROOTDRIVE)

7.Select Value and enter Property Value. (C:\)

8.Click OK.

9.From the Transform menu, select Generate Transform.

10.Browse to the directory where you want to save the transform.

11. Enter the transform name.

12. Click Save.



http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;255905