Symantec Packager, Implementation Manual

Page: 78 / 98

78 Configuring installation packages
Building and testing packages
After completing the validation process, Symantec Packager creates a self-
extracting executable file and places it on the Deploy Packages tab for testing
and distribution to licensed users.
See “Deploying installation packages” on page 79.
To build packages
1 In the Symantec Packager window, on the Configure Packages tab, select
the package definition file that you want to build.
2 On the File menu, click Build .
The Package Build Status window appears, which provides information
about the progress of the build and logs any problems that have occurred. If
the package build is successful, the last line in the Package Build Status
window reads: Package was built successfully.
3 In the Package Build Status window, click Close .
Testing packages
It is important to test packages before you deploy them to end users to ensure
proper functionality. Although some error checking occurs during the build
process, some errors cannot be detected until installation. This is especially true
if the package includes a product that requires a third-party product or if the
package includes a custom command.
During installation, Symantec Packager checks for product conflicts and verifies
that required products are present on the target computer. The installation fails
if Symantec Packager encounters a conflict that it cannot resolve. Test packages
to verify that product requirements are met and that the installation sequence is
correct.
You should open each installed program to ensure that it functions correctly.
Ensure that the features that you want are present. This step is especially
important if you customized a product to reduce the installation footprint.
Product testing ensures that you have not overlooked an important feature.
Once you thoroughly test the package, you can deploy it to end users.
See “Deploying installation packages” on page 79.