How to Use the Compatibility Database Installer Tool in Windows XP (308235)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q308235

SUMMARY

This article describes how to use the Compatibility Database Installer tool (Sdbinst.exe).

You can use Sdbinst.exe to register a custom database that you create with the Compatibility Administration tool. Using Sdbinst.exe automatically installs and adds fix information to the registry of destination computers.

MORE INFORMATION

You can deliver the custom database file to other Windows XP-based computers in a number of ways. You can wrap the database file in a custom installation program and distribute it by using Group Policy in an Active Directory-based network, but this requires additional development work.

You can copy the file to each remote Windows XP-based computer manually, copy the file to remote Windows XP-based computers by using a logon script, or place the .sdb file on a network share to which all users can gain access.

However you deliver the file to the remote computers, the information that is contained in the database must be registered on each computer. To do this, use the sdbinst.exe command followed by the full path and file name of the custom .sdb file at a command prompt. For example:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type cmd, and then press ENTER.
  3. Type sdbinst c:\windows\apppatch\myapp.sdb, and then press ENTER. Make sure to replace the path and file name with the correct path and file name for your custom .sdb file.
After the database file is registered on a computer, the compatibility information is used when the corresponding program is started.

The full syntax for the sdbinst command is: 

sdbinst [-?] [-q] [-u] [-g] [-n] myapp.sdb | {guid} | "name"

-? - print this Help text.
-q - Quiet mode. No message boxes will appear.
-u - Uninstall.
-g {guid} - GUID of file (Uninstall only).
-n "name" - Internal name of file (uninstall only).

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

286705 How to Script Compatibility Layers in Windows XP

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/11/2003
Keywords:kbhowto KB308235
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