By default, the Internet Explorer Customization wizard creates files for downloading via the Internet. You can also create a custom browser package on CD-ROM or on multiple floppy disks. Or you can distribute a single floppy disk that contains the files necessary to initiate the Setup and connection processes.
If you created the browser package on an Internet server, you need to set up your Web site so that users can download the files. For example, you might create a page where you post download information and a link to the install engine, IE5setup.exe.
If you created the browser package on your hard disk or network drive, you need to move the following items to your Internet server:
For an illustration, see How to Set Up Files for Distribution.
Web browsers have security features that help protect users from downloading harmful programs. Depending on the security level and the platform, the user may be prevented from or warned against downloading programs that aren't digitally signed.
The custom .cab files created by the Customization wizard for 32-bit versions of the browser should be signed, unless you preconfigure the Local intranet zone with a Low security setting. Any custom components you distribute with your browser package for these platforms should also be signed. If you have a digital certificate, the Customization wizard can sign these files automatically.
Unlike Internet Explorer 32-bit versions of the browser, 16-bit and UNIX versions of the browser do not perform digital signature verification. Programs or cabinet files for these operating systems do not need to be signed.
Notes
If you distribute your custom browser for Windows 95 users, a splash screen Autorun program appears when the user inserts the compact disc. This program offers users the choice of installing your custom browser or viewing more information. If the current version of Internet Explorer is already installed, the Autorun program detects it. The browser appears in what is known as Kiosk mode with the Start.htm file loaded.
With the Windows Update Setup wizard, you can just post the files to the Internet. You can also provide users with a single disk that contains the files they need to initiate the Setup and connection processes. These files will be placed in the \Sfloppy\Win32\<language>\Disk1 subfolder of the folder in which your custom browser is created (for example \Sfloppy\Win32\En\Disk1). The rest of the files are downloaded from the Internet during the Setup process.
You can also distribute your custom browser on multiple floppy 1.44 MB disks. In the destination directory you have specified, you will find a folder named \Mfloppy that contains subfolders named Disk1, Disk2, and so on. Copy the contents of these folders to your floppy disks.