Customizing Setup

The Internet Explorer Customization wizard enables you to control functionality and user experience during setup. If you want to further customize the setup process for your organization, you have two options:

• Batch text file

  It's easy to create a batch text file and integrate it with your IEAK custom package. You can also place the batch file in the same installation location as Ie5setup.exe, such as in the same download server folder or the same folder on the installation CD-ROM.

  You might want to keep the batch file separate if it was not available when you prepared your IEAK package or if you want to temporarily or permanently change the setup options that you specified in your custom IEAK package.

• Command-line switches

  You would typically use command-line switches in connection with a program that bundles the IEAK package program, switches, and any custom component you want to include. If you want to modify setup using command-line switches, you can use the IExpress wizard, which is included with the IEAK, or you can use your own setup program.

Here are some reasons you might want to customize Setup:

• Implement hands-free installation: Perhaps you want to set up Internet Explorer after hours. Although the IEAK helps you set up a "silent" or "quiet" installation that requires little user interaction, perhaps you want to further control this process. By using settings in the batch text file or command-line switches, you can determine which messages the user sees and whether the computer is restarted by setup.
• Gain more control over specific components: The batch file enables you to install and control components, regardless of whether you specified them in the IEAK. You can also restrict the types of setup (Standard, Custom) that are available. Use the ComponentID, a string such as NetMeeting, to identify your component. You can find ComponentID information in the Iesetup.cif file and at the IEAK Web site.
• Redistribute Internet Explorer as part of your custom program: Perhaps you want to install Internet Explorer without the icons or browser interface; for example, you may want to do this if you plan to host Internet Explorer with your custom application. To do so, you would use a batch file with the Redist option or with the /X switch.
• Change setup options without rebuilding your IEAK package: Perhaps you need to set up Internet Explorer in a particular way, and you don't want to rebuild your IEAK package. You can use a batch file or switches to change settings you specified in the IEAK.