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SUPPORTING APPLICATIONS IN WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL

Chapter 9

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OVERVIEW

Manage applications using Windows Installer packages

Manage distribution of applications using Group Policy

Verify application compatibility

Manage application compatibility settings

Troubleshoot application compatibility

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WINDOWS INSTALLER

Runs as a system service

Executes installations at elevated privileges

Controlled by Msiexec.exe

Used to automate application installation

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INSTALLER PACKAGE (.MSI)

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INSTALLING AN .MSI APPLICATION

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WINDOWS INSTALLER ADVANTAGES

Automated installation

Remote administration of applications

Configuration management

Self-healing applications

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GROUP POLICY OVERVIEW

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SOFTWARE INSTALLATION POLICY

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IMPLEMENTING SOFTWARE POLICY

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AUTOMATING APPLICATION UPGRADES

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REMOVING A SOFTWARE INSTALLATION POLICY

Action is based on deployment option chosen during installation:

1. Leave In Place

2. Remove

Option can be modified after installation (prior to removal).

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APPLICATION COMPATIBILITY

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THE WINDOWS LOGO PROGRAM

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THE WINDOWS CATALOG

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CAUSES OF APPLICATION INCOMPATIBILITY

Changes in data formats

Different user profile formats and locations

Windows reports wrong version number

Application cannot operate with large amount of resources

Application uses direct hardware access methods

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APPLICATION COMPATIBILITY TOOLS

Compatibility fixes

Compatibility modes

Program Compatibility Wizard

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COMPATIBILITY FIXES

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COMPATIBILITY MODES

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SETTING COMPATIBILITY MODES

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PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD

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ADVANCED COMPATIBILITY TOOLS

Compatibility Analyzer

Compatibility Administrator

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COMPATIBILITY ANALYZER

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COMPATIBILITY ADMINISTRATOR

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TROUBLESHOOTING APPLICATION COMPATIBILITY ISSUES

Check vendor’s Web site for updates

Install using an Administrator-level account

Ensure that no other users are logged on (Fast User Switching)

Analyze with the Program Compatibility Wizard

Manage the program with the Compatibility Administrator

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SUMMARY

Windows Installer supports sophisticated application management.

Windows Installer packages contain application files and settings.

Windows Installer packages are modified by transforms.

Group Policy is used to distribute and manage applications.

Designed for Windows logos indicate certified compatibility.

Application compatibility fixes modify specific behaviors.

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SUMMARY (CONTINUED)

The Program Compatibility Wizard configures modes.

The Compatibility Analyzer scans for incompatible applications.

The Compatibility Administrator manages fixes and modes.