Glossary

actions.sxp

The actions.sxp archive file specifies the pre- and post-install tasks for installation and removal of products on target computers. You must create the actions.sxp file manually if you want to include pre- and post-install tasks in the packaged product.

ADMINTOOLS

ADMINTOOLS specifies the file system directory used to store administrative tools for an individual user. The Microsoft Management Console will save customized consoles to this directory, and it will roam with the user. (From Version 5.0)

ALTSTARTUP

ALTSTARTUP specifies the file system directory corresponding to the user's nonlocalized Startup program group.

APPDATA

APPDATA specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for application-specific data. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data.

CSIDL_APPDATA is supported by the redistributable ShFolder.dll for systems not having the Internet Explorer 4.0 integrated Shell installed. (From Version 4.71)

Archive file (Definition)

An archive file contains information about a packaged product. You can create archive files automatically or manually when you package a product.

archive name

The archive name is the name you assign to the product when you package it. With this name the packaged product appears in the product archive. The archive name must be unique; no other application must use this name. The archive name of a product is usually not the same as the original name of the product assigned by its manufacturer. The archive name can be a maximum of 32 characters.

archive version

When you package a product, you must assign both a name and a version number to the product. The archive version is the version of the product as it appears in the product archive. If needed, you can package several versions of the same product. The archive version is the same as the version ID of a product. The archive version of a product is usually not the same as the original version number assigned to the application by the manufacturer.

ascnnnn.sxp

Each of the ascnnnn.sxp archive files contains modifications for a specific ASCII file. The ascnnnn.sxp files are automatically created and numbered (asc0001, asc0002, and so on.) for all ASCII files you included when packaging the product. You can also create ascnnnn.sxp files manually. The files must be named sequentially, in ascending order.

BITBUCKET

BITBUCKET specifies a virtual folder containing the objects in the user's Recycle Bin.

Change of version (Definition)

Changing the version means removing a previous version and immediately installing the next version of a product.

client parameter

To specify target computer-specific modifications for the installation of a product on the target computer, for example, a special installation directory, you can use client parameters, also called parameters, for short.

CMP file

A CMP file contains all product files relevant for installation or uninstallation of the product, in a compressed form. It is generated by the reference installation. A CMP File can be modified with the CMP Editor only. This editor is automatically installed with the Software Management Packager for Windows, in the installation directory of the Packager.

COMMON_ADMINTOOLS

COMMON_ADMINTOOLS specifies the file system directory containing administrative tools for all users of the computer. (From Version 5.0)

COMMON_ALTSTARTUP

COMMON_ALTSTARTUP specifies the file system directory corresponding to the nonlocalized Startup program group for all users. Valid only for Windows NT systems.

COMMON_APPDATA

COMMON_APPDATA specifies the location of application data for all users. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data. (From Version 5.0)

COMMON_DESKTOPDIRECTORY

COMMON_DESKTOPDIRECTORY specifies the file system directory containing files and folders that appear on the desktop for all users. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop. Valid only for Windows NT systems.

COMMON_DOCUMENTS

COMMON_DOCUMENTS specifies the file system directory containing documents common to all users. Typical paths are C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents. Valid for Windows NT systems with Shfolder.dll installed.

COMMON_FAVORITES

COMMON_FAVORITES specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for all users' favorite items. Valid only for Windows NT systems.

COMMON_PROGRAMS

COMMON_PROGRAMS specifies the file system directory containing the directories for the common program groups that appear on the Start menu for all users. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs. Valid only for Windows NT systems.

COMMON_STARTMENU

COMMON_STARTMENU specifies the file system directory containing the programs and folders that appear on the Start menu for all users. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu. Valid only for Windows NT systems.

COMMON_STARTUP

COMMON_STARTUP specifies the file system directory containing the programs that appear in the Startup folder for all users. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup. Valid only for Windows NT systems.

COMMON_TEMPLATES

COMMON_TEMPLATES specifies the file system directory containing the templates available to all users. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Templates. Valid only for Windows NT systems.

CONTROLS

CONTROLS specifies a virtual folder containing icons for the Control Panel applications.

COOKIES specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for Internet cookies. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Cookies.

default.ini

The default.ini file stores the defaults of parameters for PCs and PC groups, specifying a type, a default, a range of values, and a description. Three parameter types are supported: numeric parameters, alphanumeric parameters, and selection lists.

DESKTOP

DESKTOP specifies a virtual folder that is the root of the namespace (Windows Desktop).

desktop.sxp

The desktop.sxp archive file is used only for Windows NT 3.51 and Windows for Workgroups (WfW). It controls the installation and removal of groups and items, folders and shortcuts on the desktop. In the case of Windows NT computers, these specifications can relate to groups and users, that is, the desktop modifications can be limited to specific user desktops.

DESKTOPDIRECTORY

DESKTOPDIRECTORY specifies the file system directory used to physically store file objects on the desktop. (Note that this is not the desktop folder itself.) A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop

dirs.sxp

The dirs.sxp archive file contains information about product directories to create or remove.

DRIVES

DRIVES specifies a virtual folder containing everything on the local computer: storage devices, printers, and Control Panel (My Computer). The folder may also contain mapped network drives.

FAVORITES

FAVORITES specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for the user's favorite items. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Favorites

files.sxp

The files.sxp archive file contains information about the product files. Files.sxp also references the CMP archive file, which stores the packaged product in a compressed format.

FONTS

FONTS specifies a virtual folder containing fonts. A typical path is C:\WINNT\Fonts

group.ini

The group.ini file specifies those parameters only that differ from the default parameter values in the default.ini file. The group.ini file contains a separate section for each PC group that has nondefault parameter values. The entries in these sections specify the parameter name and parameter value only, because type and range of a parameter cannot be changed.

HISTORY

HISTORY specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for Internet history items.

home directory

In a hierarchical tree structure the top-level directory is called the home directory, or root directory. You can create other directories and subdirectories below the home directory.

ininnnn.sxp

Each ininnnn.sxp archive file contains modifications for a specific .ini file. The .ini file must have been specified when the reference system was configured. If you use the automatic method for packaging, all sections and their entries are generated automatically. nnnn indicates the number of the file. The files must be named sequentially, with nnnn in ascending order.

INTERNET

INTERNET specifies a virtual folder representing the Internet.

INTERNET_CACHE

INTERNET_CACHE specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for temporary Internet files. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Temporary Internet Files. (From Version 4.72)

links.sxp

The links.sxp archive file specifies the links, that is, shortcuts, to install, modify or delete within the Windows Explorer. Links found in common folders are written to links.sxp.

Links found in user-specific folders are written to the ulinks.sxp archive file.

LOCAL_APPDATA

LOCAL_APPDATA specifies the file system directory serving as a data repository for local (nonroaming) applications. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data. (From Version 5.0)

MYPICTURES

MYPICTURES specifies the My Pictures folder. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Pictures. (From Version 5.0)

NETHOOD

NETHOOD specifies a file system folder containing the link objects that may exist in the My Network Places virtual folder. It is not the same as CSIDL_NETWORK, which represents the network namespace root. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\NetHood

NETWORK

NETWORK specifies a virtual folder representing the root of the network namespace hierarchy (Network neighborhood).

Orca editor

The orca editor is a Microsoft Installer (MSI) database editor, and can be used to set or change undefined MSI properties, which may appear, for example, during SXP to MSI conversion, when the original product contains external SXP parameters. The orca editor can be downloaded from the Microsoft web site.

original.sxp

The original.sxp archive file specifies settings for installing a product on and removing a product from a target computer by using its original setup and uninstall files. The original.sxp archive file must be created manually.

Other archive file (definition)

Archive files that belong to a version of a product but do not need a structure specified by the Packager. These files can be text files or binary files.

Packaging Computer

The Packaging Computer is the dedicated computer on which the Software Management Packager for Windows is installed. Only the operating system and the Packager software must be installed on the Packaging Computer!

packaging format for Windows products

The Software Management Packager for Windows packages software products in a fixed special format, which guarantees their integrity during distribution and installation on target computers. The fixed packaging format also enables the total management of software installation and removal on target computers.

The Packager creates Windows products in the SXP format; which are called SXP products.

You can convert SXP products to products in the Microsoft Installer packaging format (MSI products).

parameter product

Packaged parameter files are called a parameter product. The parameter files contain external parameters (client parameters). A parameter product is generated automatically when you package the parameter files on the packaging computer. The term parameter product distinguishes packaged parameters from packaged software or data, which are usually called SXP products.

pc.ini

The pc.ini file contains the deviations for each PC from its PC group or from the default object, if the PC is not assigned to a PC group. If there is no section for a PC in this file, then the defaults for its PC group file (group.ini) apply automatically. If the PC is not assigned to a PC group, then the defaults from the default.ini file apply automatically.

Each PC that has at least one parameter different from the default has its own section in this file. Each section has the same name as the PC to which its parameters apply.

permis.sxp

(For Windows NT Technology only.) The permis.sxp archive file sets access rights for the product objects (files, directories, and registry keys), for specific users or groups, on NTFS partitions only. The permis.sxp file must be created manually.

PERSONAL

PERSONAL specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for documents. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents. This should be distinguished from the virtual My Documents folder in the namespace. For a description how to access that virtual folder refer to the Microsoft’s File System documentation.

post-install task

Post-install tasks can be appended to a product when it is being packaged. The post-install tasks are distributed with the product to the target computers, and executed on the target computers after the product is installed.

predecessor

Predecessor indicates the version of a product that is required for a delta version to be installed successfully. The delta version requires the predecessor for installation on the Packaging Computer and on the target computers. The predecessor must have the same product name as the delta version, but must have a lower version number.

Pre-install task (Definition)

You can specify pre-install tasks for a product when packaging it. The pre-install task is distributed with the product, and executed on the target computer prior to the installation of the product.

PRINTERS

PRINTERS specifies a virtual folder containing installed printers.

PRINTHOOD

PRINTHOOD specifies the file system directory containing the link objects that may exist in the Printers virtual folder. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\PrintHood

product archive

The product archive is a hierarchically organized structure where the Packager manages the generated products. The product archive consists of product directories, version directories, subdirectories, and archive files.The product archive is located on the Packaging Computer and stores the products independent from the Software Package Library.

product directory

The product directory is a directory at the first level of the product archive. The name of the product directory is the same as the product name. In the product directory, the different versions of a product are stored in version directories.

PROFILE

PROFILE specifies the user's profile folder. (From Version 5.0)

PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS specifies the file system directory containing the user's program groups (which are also file system directories). A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs

RECENT

RECENT specifies the file system directory containing the user's most recently used documents. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Recent. To create a shortcut in this folder, use SHAddToRecentDocs. In addition to creating the shortcut, this function updates the Shell's list of recent documents, and adds the shortcut to the Documents submenu of the Start menu.

reference installation

When you install a product using the automatic method on the Packaging Computer, you are performing a reference installation. Parts of the Packaging Computer are used as a reference system. Changes to the reference system are recorded and included in the product.

reference system

Reference system is the short name for the file system, installed services, and registry of the Packaging Computer. When you install a product using the automatic method during the packaging process (called reference installation), changes to the reference system are recorded and included in the product. After the packaging process is complete, the reference system is reset to its original state.

registration

After you package a product, you register it in the Software Package Library on the manager system. Only registered products can be installed on target computers.

response file (Definition)

A response file provides answers to questions asked by the interactive setup program during product installation, and so enables you to install the product in unattended mode on the target computer.

root directory

The root directory is the highest level directory of a hierarchical tree structure. Other directories and subdirectories can be created below the root directory. The root directory is also called home directory.

script

In context of product packaging, a script, or script file, contains statements for modifying text files. Scripts are used to adapt packaged products for specific computers.

SENDTO

SENDTO specifies the file system directory containing Send To menu items. An example for a path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\SendTo

services.sxp

For Windows NT Technology only. Specifies the services that are to be installed or uninstalled. It is generated automatically.

Software Package Library

The Software Package Library is the storage location on a manager system for packaged software products, from where the products can be distributed through the network, and installed on target computers.

sreg.sxp

The sreg.sxp archive file defines system-specific registry keys or values, and is generated automatically by the Packager.

sregdel.sxp

The sregdel.sxp archive file defines system-specific registry keys or values, which are deleted during the installation of a certain product on a target computer, so these items can be restored as soon as the product is removed from the target computer.

STARTMENU

STARTMENU specifies the file system directory containing Start menu items. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu

STARTUP

STARTUP specifies the file system directory corresponding to the user's Startup program group. The system starts these programs whenever any user logs onto Windows NT. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

SXP archive (Definition)

The SXP archive is the directory for storing SXP products on the Packaging Computer.

SXP archive file

SXP archive file means any archive file with the file extension .sxp, for example, files.sxp.

SXP product

An SXP product contains software, data, or parameters, packaged with the Software Packager for Windows. An SXP product is uniquely defined by its name and version. SXP products can be created manually or automatically and are managed in the product archive.

An SXP product can have one the types product, delta product, delta version, or combined product. An SXP product containing parameters only is also called parameter product, for distinction.

SYSTEM

SYSTEM specifies the System folder. A typical path is C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32 (From Version 5.0)

target computer

A target computer receives and installs products you send through install orders from your manager system. You can also create and send uninstall orders to remove products from a target computer. Instead of a single target computer you can address groups of target computers.

To allow installation and uninstallation of products, the Software Delivery agent must be installed on each target computer.

TEMPLATES

TEMPLATES specifies the file system directory serving as a common repository for document templates.

tree.ini

The tree.ini file specifies the names of each PC group and its members. Each section in this file is named for a PC group. The individual PCs in a group are listed in the section named for their group. In addition, the tree.ini file contains a section named [default], which lists PCs that do not belong to any group.

uactions.sxp

The uactions.sxp archive file specifies programs belonging to a product, which are supposed to run under a certain user. It is possible to run a program only once for a user (at installation or uninstallation time) or regularly at every logon of the user.

udirs.sxp

The udirs.sxp archive file contains information on the user-specific directories of a generated product. For all user-specific directories created during reference installation (these are all directories under the home directory of a user or a user profile), the udirs.sxp archive file is created automatically. The udirs.sxp archive file can be edited manually to specify which user-specific directory to install for which user.

ufiles.sxp

The ufiles.sxp archive file contains information on the user-specific files of a generated product. For every user-specific file created during reference installation (these are all files in the home directory of a user or a user profile) the archive file ufiles.sxp is created automatically. The ufiles.sxp archive file can be edited manually to specify which user-specific file to install for which user.

uininnnn.sxp

Each of the uininnnn.sxp archive files contains information on the user-specific .ini files (*.ini). For all user-specific .ini files created during reference installation, that is, all ini files under the home directory of a user or a user profile, an archive file uininnnn.sxp is created automatically. nnnn is a sequentially incremented four-digit number.

Each uininnnn.sxp file can be edited manually to specify which user-specific ini file to install for which user.

ulinks.sxp

The ulinks.sxp archive file describes the links, that is, shortcuts, to install, modify or delete within the Windows Explorer. Links found in user-specific folders are written to ulinks.sxp.

(Links found in common folders are written to the links.sxp archive file.)

uninstall

To uninstall means to remove a product from a target computer. During the uninstall process, the installation directory of the product, and all its files and subdirectories are removed.

update product

An update product is a newer version of an existing product. An update product totally replaces the previous version of the product. The update product is installed on target computers immediately after the previous version of the product is removed.

An update product is a complete product and does not require another product.

ureg.sxp

The ureg.sxp archive file defines user-specific registry keys or values and is generated automatically by the Packager.

uregdel.sxp

The uregdel.sxp archive file defines user-specific registry keys or values, which are deleted during the installation of a certain product on a target computer, so these items can be restored as soon as the product is removed from the target computer.

USER_DIRECTORY

USER_DIRECTORY specifies the file system directory used as root directory for all other user-specific folders. A typical path is C:\Documents and Settings\username.

version

The version of a product is a unique identifier that must be specified, together with the product name, each time you package a product. You can create several versions of the same product. In the product archive, the product version consists of its archive files plus any subdirectories and additional files.

Version control (Definition)

The Installer can perform version control when installing a product, as follows: If a file included in the product already exists on the target computer, the Installer will replace that file only if the file from the product is more recent than the existing file. To use version control, you must specify version control for each desired file during packaging of the product, and the desired files must have an internal version ID.

version directory

The version directory is a directory at the second level of the product archive. The version directory contains the archive files for a specific version of a product. These archive files can be subdivided into subdirectories.

Version ID (Definition)

The version ID (or: version number) of a product consists of four decimal digits. If you need to enter the version number (for example, on the Packager GUI), you must use the format xxxx. However, you may find the version number displayed on the Packager GUI in the output format x.x/xx.

The version ID is the same as the archive version.

WINDOWS

WINDOWS specifies the Windows directory or SYSROOT. Corresponds to the %windir% or %SYSTEMROOT% environment variables. A typical path is C:\WINNT (From Version 5.0)