About OS Snapshots (.osc)

AdminStudio 2023 | 25.0

Application Manager supports the import of OS Snapshot (.osc) files, which are files representing a particular computer system’s contents. To generate an OS snapshot file, use the OS Snapshot Wizard to scan a computer’s operating system and record the files, INI files, shortcuts, and registry entries present. The Wizard saves this information in an .osc file (a collection of file type information) and an associated .nir file (registry information).

When an OS Snapshot file is imported into Application Manager, it can be used as a reference point for conflict identification. See Taking OS Snapshots for more information.

To provide maximum flexibility during the OS Snapshot process, you can use the Exclusions Editor to create an exclusion list that identifies files, INI files, shortcuts, and registry entries that the OS Snapshot Wizard should disregard during the scan. Using this list, you can eliminate unnecessary files, shortcuts, or registry entries, and reduce the time it takes to perform the OS Snapshot. See Configuring Exclusions Using the Exclusions Editor for more information.

Caution:OS Snapshots should only be used for comparison in Application Manager. You should never attempt to convert an OS Snapshot into an MSI package.