Distribution Overview

A LabWindows/CVI distribution packages a LabWindows/CVI application for installation and use on another computer. Distributions can include run-time support for the functions you use to create the application. If you include this run-time support in a distribution, it is not necessary that LabWindows/CVI be installed on the machine on which you install the application.

LabWindows/CVI supports the Microsoft Windows Installer (.msi) distribution technology. The Windows Installer technology packages all built libraries and executables along with any necessary files, drivers, and registry keys into a complete installer that can be run in a single operation on the target machine. Windows installers include versioning information, which enforces correct behavior when performing upgrades, repairs, or reinstallations, and also provide a familiar, professional install-time user interface.

LabWindows/CVI also supports package technology, which allows users to create National Instruments packages they can manage and distribute using Package Manager.

A LabWindows/CVI Windows installer distribution and package distribution each include the following features:

• Includes drivers for NI products.
• Includes files from multiple projects. You also can associate multiple distributions with a workspace.
• Copies settings from an existing distribution to a new distribution. You can use this feature to quickly create variations on an installation specification (.cds file) or create side-by-side installations of the same application.
• Creates shortcuts or registry keys that the application requires at install time.
• Provides a simple view of the directory structure on the target machine. You can use this to view where files will be installed during installation.
• Updates automatically to reflect changes in project dependencies or target settings.
• Provides an upgrade path for the application.
• Includes a signing certificate to sign your installer.
• Adds license information, which displays when installing the distribution. The user must accept the license agreement to continue the installation.

LabWindows/CVI Distribution Features for Windows Installers

A LabWindows/CVI Windows installer distribution includes the following unique features:

• Creates patches for existing distributions.
• Adds custom and third-party merge modules (.msm files) to an installer.
• Adds custom readme information.

LabWindows/CVI Package Distribution Features

A LabWindows/CVI Package distribution includes the following unique features:

• Can be targeted to a single package, repository, or package installer.
• Package installer patches can be created for package installers.
• Can be managed using National Instruments Package Manager.

Related Topics

Running a Windows Installer

Installing a Package

Editing a Windows Installer

Editing a Package

How LabWindows/CVI Builds a Windows Installer

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Editing a Windows Installer

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Editing a Package

Operating Dependencies