Information files

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Information files

Only customize entries under the section headers in the information files as specified in this topic.

Information (.inf) file entries

By editing a profile’s .inf file, you can specify commands and programs that run when the user installs or uninstalls your service profile. For example, you can specify:

  • Setup programs that integrate any custom software that you include.

  • Programs that automatically display a readme file.

  • Configuration utilities or cleanup programs.

To add custom setup and uninstall programs to your service profile, you must first create the service profile by running the CMAK wizard and then you must specify any files needed as additional files. After you have built the service profile, specify the necessary commands or programs in the appropriate sections of the .inf file, and then run the CMAK wizard again to incorporate your changes.

The .inf file contains four section headers under which you can include commands and programs to be run at specific points. Use file names of eight characters or less. Do not use spaces in the file names.

This .inf file section header Contains commands or programs that run

RunPreSetupCommandsSection

Before Setup begins

RunPostSetupCommandsSection

After Setup finishes installing the service profile

RunPreUnInstCommandsSection

Before the uninstall program begins

RunPostUnInstCommandsSection

After the uninstall program runs

Each entry beneath the header should include the name of the command or program to be run and any command line parameters. Each command specified in the .inf file is run only once during an installation or uninstallation process.

Important

  • Incorrectly specified commands or programs in the .inf file can cause significant installation problems. Do not add entries to any of the sections in the .inf file except those previously specified. Thoroughly test all service profiles containing custom .inf entries for version, file, or other conflicts. Be sure that the file location is specified correctly.

  • If you edit Connection Manager 1.0 service profiles in Connection Manager Administration Kit 1.3, the profile is upgraded to Connection Manager 1.3 and the new .inf file replaces the previous .inf file. After the upgrade, you must add your entries to the new .inf file if you want to continue using your custom setup and uninstall commands in the service profiles that you build.

For more information, see Phase Four: Preparing for Integration, Delivery, and Installation, Incorporating Connection Manager with logon security, and Finishing customization after running the CMAK wizard.