6.1.5 Add (Chain) Installations and Run Programs

Reflection makes it easy to "chain" installs. You can set up an install to run companion install packages automatically before or after the primary installation. You can also specify to run other scripts or programs. For example, the Reflection product Help is available as a separate program ( .msi) that you can add to the base product installation. See Install the Reflection Help.

NOTE:This method of chaining installations applies only to installs performed with setup.exe. It does not apply to installs that use the MSI command-line method.

To chain installations and programs

  1. From your administrative installation point, open the Installation Customization Tool from a shortcut or by typing the following command line:

    <path_to_setup> \setup.exe /admin

  2. From the Select Customization dialog box, do one of the following:

    • Select Create a new Setup customization file for the following product.

    • Select Open an existing Setup customization file or Companion installer and select an .mst file.

  3. From the navigation pane, select User Interface and then select Use this customization with interactive installs using setup.exe.

  4. From the navigation pane, select Add installations and run programs.

  5. Click Add.

    The Add/Modify Program Entry dialog box opens.

  6. In the Target list, enter or select the folder where the program .exe file or the .msi file resides, and then enter the executable to run. For example:

    msiexec.exe
  7. Under Arguments, enter the command-line arguments to execute. For example:

    /i my_installation.msi
  8. To specify when to run the program, select one of the following:

    • Run this program after base product has been installed

    • Run this program before the base product has been installed.

    NOTE:For most cases, select Run this program after the base product has been installed. If you select Run this program before the base product has been installed and the program fails, Reflection is not installed.

  9. Repeat these steps to add other programs or .msi files.

  10. To change the execution sequence, use the arrows next to Movein the lower-left area of the pane. To remove a program from the list, select it in the list and click Remove.