How do I deploy old applications in Windows 2000 via ZAP files?
January 8, 2000
A. New applications in Windows 2000 have .MSI files which areused to deploy them via Group Policies however your older applications will nothave MSI files.
In 'How do I create a MSI file from a legacyapplication?' we saw how to create an MSI file from a legacy applicationhowever there is a large amount of work involved with this and an alternativemethod is available via ZAP files however I should stress MSI is the approach totake where possible.
ZAP files are just text files that provide instructions for deploying olderapplications however there are some restrictions:
Applications cannot be assigned to users or computers, they can only be published
Applications do not automatically repair themselves
Normally require user intervention
Do not install with elevated privileges, users require the privilege to install software
The ZAP file consists of two sections, the [Application] and [Ext] sections.
The application section contains the name of the setup command, a version todisplay, a friendly name and a URL, for example:
[Application]
FriendlyName = WinInfo Version 2.2
SetupCommand = setup.exe /unattend
DisplayVersion =2.2
Publisher = SavillTech
URL = http://www.savilltech.com/wininfo.html
The file extension section just lists extensions which should be associatedwith the new application, e.g.
[Ext]
SAV=
To publish a ZAP file perform the following:
Start the Group Policy editor and open a group policy
Select the 'User Configuration' branch
Expand 'Software Settings'
Right click on 'Software installation' and select New - Package
Select the File type "ZAW Down-level application packages (*.zap)" and select the created ZAP file. Click Open
Select 'Published' from the deployment method and click OK
It will now be displayed as a published application
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