How to publish non-MSI programs with .zap files (231747)

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

; 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"

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

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.