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Using MSTVIEW to Examine the Contents of an MST

Using MSTVIEW to Examine the Contents of an MST
Filed under: Wise Package Studio Installation
WiseUser's picture
Submitted by WiseUser on 25 October, 2007 - 09:40.

A Windows Installer Transform (.mst) contains a set of alterations to a Windows installer package (.msi). In order to correctly view the changes a transform makes, the .msi package that served as the 'original' should be used as the base package. Read on to learn what the MST viewer is and how to get some mileage out of it.

The MST File Viewer is automatically installed on your computer when you install the Office Resource Kit (orktools.exe).

The MST File Viewer (MSTView.exe) enables you to view customizations a transform (MST file) makes to a user's computer. Transforms are created by using the Custom Installation Wizard.

To use the MST File Viewer, you must supply it with the path and file name of the MST file you created with the Custom Installation Wizard. The MST File Viewer is not a separate application — instead, it reads the MST file and creates a plain-text file containing readable content. The information is then displayed through the Notepad text editor.

Get more info here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/orkXP/HA01136281...

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I would prefer Orca

Submitted by R-Vijay on 26 October, 2007 - 08:39.

I would suggest using Orca while dealing with MSTs.
The Change and saving duration of the MST is really fast.

Cheers'
Viju

I didn't know ORCA , really

riva11's picture
Submitted by riva11 on 26 October, 2007 - 09:21.

I didn't know ORCA , really interesting the features.

Quote:
Orca.exe is a database table editor for creating and editing Windows Installer packages and merge modules. The tool provides a graphical interface for validation, highlighting the particular entries where validation errors or warnings occur.

As I see in included in Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK).

Introduction to ORCA

Submitted by R-Vijay on 27 October, 2007 - 02:21.

Hi Riva11,

We all create MSI packages using various tools like Visual Studio 2005, Wise Package Studio, Install Shield etc..

Orca is an editor which can be used to make modifications to the MSI, MSP, MSM, and MST. Orca provides direct access to the raw database tables and data streams that collectively define the installation logic for an application.

Orca is also used to make small changes to a MST. Its really fast, because orca saves only the tables which are modified not entire database. ORca can also be used to generate new product GUIDs for applications developed using Visual Studio.

It's also used to validate a package. You can refer to one of my earlier posts on Package validation. This article explains you detailed steps to perform validation.

You can download the Windows Installer SDK samples, tools, and documentation from this Web page.

Install Orca and start using it right away. you will find the manual "f1" very useful in doing so.

Further, you can refer to these links to know more about usage of ORCA.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255905

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/870716

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa370557....

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa372018....

You can always revert back to me, if at all you are facing any problems with Orca. I will surely try to help you out.

Cheers'
Viju

MSTView & MSPView

Submitted by AngelD on 2 November, 2007 - 16:24.

MSTView (Transform Viewer) and MSPView (Patch Viewer) was created by Robert M. Dickau and can be located at: Windows Installer Tools & Tips

Event though ORCA does a better job in viewing the changes by a transform or patch, it may not always be the case where you have the appropriate MSI for the MST or MSP. The above tools may give you some indication of which product they apply too.