Repackaging and MSI Creation Software

[Zoom7000]

I'm looking to purchase some software to help me repackage and create MSI installers for silent installations across our network to use with Microsoft SMS. I've been using SMS Installer since we installed the new management tools, but had lots of problems with it since.

I've evaluated 2 packages, WinInstall and InstallShield AdminStudio. Personally I prefer the latter. However, it does cost £900 and most similar packages are just as expensive. So before I fork out, I just wanted to know if anyone knows of any better packages and if they have used AdminStudio what their experiences are.

Zoom7000

[MHz]

I think that you could also have a look at the Wise packages. Some thing like Wise for Windows, maybe a suitable package to look at. It covers everything like Installshield covers, but I find that it is much more user friendly to create msi installers. It is not any cheaper than Installshield, but has the features. Thet also have a studio package.

[anogues]

Hey,

You can download the latest InstallShield product "InstallShield Premium 11" or "InstallShield Pro 11".

Both support msi file editing, and is avaiable a free 15 day trial if you download the software from www.installshield.com

Only you need is to open a passport account in his webpage and download the product (about 300 Mb)

[RogueSpear]

I've been using InstallShield AdminStudio for a couple of years now and I couldn't live without it. I did check out Wise's offering and really couldn't seem to get into it. Eventually I decided to go with AdminStudio and I'm very thankful that I did. Make no mistake, there is a learning curve associated with this app and to be honest I think that no matter what you go with, it's going to take time, experience, and making a lot of mistakes to get really proficient at working with msi files.

At least in my case that's how it's been. The work I produce now is so far beyond what I was putting out two years ago. But that is a result of learning the application and carefully researching problems when they arrise. If you do end up going with AdminStudio and you have questions or need help, gimme a shout.

[totoymola]

InstallShield rules!!

I used it to repackage the two small softwares in my sig.

Edited August 2, 2005 by totoymola

[LiquidSage]

AdminStudio w/o question is the best IMO. However, the cost is extremely high and if you are look for something less expensive, you can't go wrong with MaSai. I have been using it off and on since it's beta days and the features are well worth the $. They have really fast and helpful response time for support if you are unsure about something or if there is a problem. Includes a repackage and validation plus much more.

[kaarde]

you could go with an old version of wininstall LE which can be found on a win 2000 cd in the folder VALUEADD\3RDPARTY\MGMT\WINSTLE, run discover before, run discover after and voila, did it for all my installs and it worked flawlessly and most of all.....silently. And best of all it did not cost a dime!!

Install might not be as optimized as other method but it works everytimes, well at least for me

[Winnetou]

I prefer MaSaI. Used it for a big Empirum Rollout to repackage some of the Software which got no Silent switches

[Joe User 99]

We use just about everything here at work from Orca, to Wise, to Installshield, and I have to say, while Installshield is very nice, it's not very "novice" friendly at all. For a unexperienced user, I would recommend Wise Package Studio, it is the Wise equivilent to Installshield Admin Studio, but it is more user friendly.

It is still quite expensive though.

[chellquist]

you could go with an old version of wininstall LE which can be found on a win 2000 cd in the folder VALUEADD\3RDPARTY\MGMT\WINSTLE, run discover before, run discover after and voila, did it for all my installs and it worked flawlessly and most of all.....silently.  And best of all it did not cost a dime!!

Install might not be as optimized as other method but it works everytimes, well at least for me

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is a newer version out called wininstall le 2003 here http://www.ondemandsoftware.com/PurchaseLE.asp does a much better job I think i've done alot repack with this one. And best of all it did not cost a dime!!