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.

.

Edited May 17, 2012 by jinnantonnixx

[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).
    
   http://i.imgur.com/lJdEy.png
    
    
   
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.
    
   http://i.imgur.com/nCM0X.png
    
    
   
3. Revert To Base enables you to undo the changes you have made to an individual table.
    
   http://i.imgur.com/fesON.png
    
    
   
4. View Transform Summary lets you view all of the changes contained in your MST.
    
   http://i.imgur.com/HSyv9.png
    
    
   
5. Retrieve file sizes etc. automatically.
    
   http://i.imgur.com/UjESi.png
    
    
   
6. Cascaded deletion of components and custom actions. Deleting a custom action for example, will also delete the relevant row in the InstallExecuteSequence table.
    
   http://i.imgur.com/eF8sS.png
    
    
   
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.
    
   http://i.imgur.com/ZdjaD.png
    
   

[mrb-solutions]

Nice reply Arthur thanks!