There are two methods of generating a response file for InstallShield:
Record mode: In this mode, InstallShield performs an installation of the product, and records all of your responses and selections in the specified response file. You must complete the installation to generate a response file. To create a response file, enter:
setup.exe -options-record <responseFileName>
where responseFileName is a name you choose for the response file.
The following are the results:
An installation of Open Server or SDK on your computer
A response file containing all of your responses from the install
ationIf this response file is then used for a silent installation, the resulting installation is identical to the one from which the response file was created: the same installation location, same feature selection, and all the same remaining information. The response file is a text file that you can edit to change any responses prior to using it in any subsequent installations.
Template mode: In this mode, InstallShield creates a response file containing commented-out values for all required responses and selections. However, you do not need to install the product, and you can cancel the installation after the response file has been created. To create this template file, enter:
setup.exe -console -options-template <responseFileName>
where responseFileName is the absolute file name you choose for the response file, for example:
C:\SDK\OptionsTemplate.txt
The directory C:\SDK must
already exist.
If run in console mode, as shown in the previous example, InstallShield provides a message indicating that the template creation was successful. If run in GUI mode, no message is provided. However, you can click Cancel immediately and a response file is created.If you then use this response file for a silent installation, the default values for all responses are used. Edit the template with the values you want to use during installation.
Interactive installation using a response file An interactiveinstallation using a response file allows you to accept the default valuesobtained from the response file that you have set up or to change any of thosevalues for the specific installation. This is useful when you want multiple similar installations but with some minor differences that you want to change at installation time.
At the command line, execute the following command:
setup.exe -options <responseFileName>
Installing in silent mode A silent mode installation, sometimes referred toas an unattended installation, allows you to install the product with all responses being taken from the response file that you have set up. There is no user interaction. This is useful when you want multiple identical installations or when you want to automate the installation process.
At the command line, execute the following command:
setupConsole.exe -silent -options <responseFileName> -W SybaseLicense.agreeToLicense=true
where responseFileName is the name of the file containing the installation options you chose. The -W option specifies that you agree with the Sybase License Agreement text.
WARNING! Sybase recommends that you use the setupConsole.exe executable which runs in the foreground, when running a silent installation. The normal setup.exe executable runs in the background, giving you the impression that the installation has terminated immediately, and results in additional installation attempts using the silent installation. Multiple installations at the same time may corrupt the Windows Registry and lead to a failure to restart the operating system.
Except for the absence of the GUI screens, all actions of InstallShield are the same, and the result of an installation in silent mode is exactly the same as one done in GUI mode with the same responses.
