MST what do you use

[mrb-solutions]

Just wondered what everyone uses to create .MST files for their MSI's

[plexer]

Basic changes using ORCA.

Ben

[SYNACK]

Basic changes using ORCA.

Ben

as above.

[Edu-IT]

InstEd because it can do several things Orca can't do.

Such as? Out of interest.

[Arthur]

InstEd because it can do several things Orca can't.

[Arthur]

Such as? Out of interest.

I'll create a list when I get home.

[AngryTechnician]

I tend to use InstEd as it will actually let you save over .mst files when you modify them, instead of insisting you save to a new filename.

Its also generally a bit friendlier to sue as it will add dropdowns to some columns with a list of valid values, and any column that takes bitflags normally has a nice dialog letting you tick the required properties instead of working out the bitflags yourself.

[jinnantonnixx]

Flexet Adminstudio. It's from the InstallShield family.
Totally over the top for basic use; 'comprehensive' is an understatement.
.

[Norphy]

I'm using that too now because that was the "upgrade" from Wise. I hate to say it but so far, I think I prefer Wise.

[Diello]

Such as? Out of interest.

InstEd has row reference tracking which is quite useful - IIRC Orca doesn't.

[Arthur]

Here are a few of my favourite InstEd features. None of which exist in Orca.

1. Row reference tracking (as Diello mentioned).
   
   
   
   
2. Import REG and INI files directly into your MST. The tables and/or rows are automatically created for you. This is a huge time saver.
   
   
   
   
3. Revert To Base enables you to undo the changes you have made to an individual table.
   
   
   
   
4. View Transform Summary lets you view all of the changes contained in your MST.
   
   
   
   
5. Retrieve file sizes etc. automatically.
   
   
   
   
6. Cascaded deletion of components and custom actions. Deleting a custom action for example, will also delete the relevant row in the InstallExecuteSequence table.
   
   
   
   
7. The File Manager lets you easily see which files go where. You can also add additional files to your MST simply by dragging-and-dropping them into the target window. InstEd will create the CAB file(s) for you so you don't need to waste time using MakeCab.exe.
   
   
   

[mrb-solutions]

Nice reply Arthur thanks!