Microsoft KB Archive/231747

= How to publish non-MSI programs with .zap files =

Article ID: 231747

Article Last Modified on 2/27/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition

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This article was previously published under Q231747





SUMMARY
This step-by-step article describes how to publish programs that are not installed with Microsoft Installer (MSI). Non-MSI program can be published only to users, and are installed using their existing Setup programs. Because non-MSI programs use their existing Setup programs, these programs cannot:
 * Take advantage of elevated privileges for installation.
 * Be installed on the first use of the software.
 * Install a feature on the first use of the feature.
 * Roll back an unsuccessful operation (install, modify, repair, or removal), or take advantage of other features of MSI.

To publish a non-MSI program, you need to first create a .zap file for the program.

Creating the .Zap File
Create a .zap file for the program based on the following sample file: [Application]
 * Only FriendlyName and SetupCommand are required,
 * everything else is optional.

FriendlyName = "Microsoft Excel 97"
 * FriendlyName is the name of the program that
 * will appear in the software installation snap-in
 * and the Add/Remove Programs tool.
 * REQUIRED


 * SetupCommand is the command line used to
 * run the program's Setup. With Windows Server 2003
 * and later you must specify the fully qualified
 * path containing the setup program.
 * Long file name paths need to be quoted. For example:
 * SetupCommand = "\\server\share\long _ ; folder\setup.exe" /unattend
 * REQUIRED SetupCommand = "\\server\share\setup.exe"

DisplayVersion = 8.0
 * Version of the program that will appear
 * in the software installation snap-in and the
 * Add/Remove Programs tool.
 * OPTIONAL

Publisher = Microsoft
 * Version of the program that will appear
 * in the software installation snap-in and the
 * Add/Remove Programs tool.
 * OPTIONAL

Publishing the Program

 * 1) In User Configuration, right-click Software Installation, and then click New.
 * 2) Click Package.
 * 3) Type the path to the folder containing the .zap file.
 * 4) Click Open.
 * 5) In the Files of Type box, click ZAW Down-level applications package (*.zap).
 * 6) Click the .zap file, and then click Open.
 * 7) Click Publish, and then click OK.

