Record Installation

For analyzing applications, use a special user account with the following properties:

  • Local administrator
  • No roaming profile - a roaming profile would falsify the results of the analysis.
  • The account can have a home drive but this should be empty.

In the following situations, you should not use the Spy to take installation snapshots:

  • Printer installations. Use the eScript command InstallPrinter and/or AddPrinterConnection.
  • Service pack (operating system) installations. Use the eScript command execute <Path\Servicepack.exe\Parameter...> to install the service pack (activate the option Wait for service to start).

Proceed as follows to analyze the initial system status:

1.Select the desired software folder in the Software Library.

2.Choose the Create Application Package task, click Analyze the initial system status, and then follow the wizard.

3.Alternatively, you can choose the task Automate> Application Installation and then the option Analyze the initial system status with the NetInstall Spy.

If you chose to use a configuration file (INI file) in the ICDB, the wizard dialog will display the path to this file. If you did not specify a file, some of the configuration data will be stored in the computer's registry

4.On the respective wizard page, specify which directories the Spy should examine. The following directories are selected by default:

•Windows directory

•Program directory

•Documents and settings

Use the software’s integrated setup program to perform the installation. Use a directory that you specified when analyzing the initial status with the Spy ("Drives/Paths") for the installation.

If the software requires a restart, reboot the computer.

Choosing General Software Settings

If you wish to make settings for the software that apply to all computers and all users, you can do this now. These settings are then analyzed by the NetInstall Spy.

Do not make any settings in the software that are to be user or computer-dependent. Analyze those types of settings later in a separate package.

To analyze the changes, proceed as follows:

1.Select Create Application Package > Record installation in the Tasks window and then follow the wizard.

2.Alternatively, select Automate> Application Installation in the Tasks window and then the option Record package using the NetInstall Spy in the WIzard. The Spy starts and analyzes the changes the software installation implies. After finishing the analysis, the Spy will show you how many KB will be copied to the package directory.

Leave the option Analyze the installation of Plug & Play devices disabled. If you wish to analyze the installation of a Plug & Play device, consult: Driver Installation Method 3: Recording the installation. Keep the default settings for the automatic use of the variables if you do not have specific requirements. The Spy automatically recognizes Windows services that accompany the software (e.g. virus scanners). If a special account is required for the ser­vice, the Spy will prompt you to enter the account and password details.

3.Finish the Wizard in order to save the results in an eScript Package.