Reboot Handling in the Repackaging Wizard

AdminStudio 2023 | 25.0 | Repackager | Repackaging Wizard

During repackaging, a setup may require a reboot. For example, some operations may require a file which is in use be replaced, which can only be done after a reboot. Some nuances exist depending on the repackaging technology you are using (Snapshot or Installation Monitoring). In either case, when the Repackaging Wizard detects that a reboot is necessary, the Repackaging Wizard saves the appropriate data and waits until you confirm that you are ready to reboot the machine.

For Snapshot repackaging, the operating system completes the reboot operation. During startup, the operating system restarts all applications and processes and performs any pending file operations. One of the applications that restarts is Repackager. Before you continue processing in Repackager, be patient and ensure all processes and applications have restarted. This may take a minute or two. After the applications and processes have been launched, you can continue repackaging by clicking Next.

For Installation Monitoring, on reboot the operating system launches the Repackaging Wizard, which in turn launches applications and processes and waits until these are finished before prompting you to continue repackaging. However, in some cases the processes or applications launched by the Repackaging Wizard will launch other applications and processes. As in Snapshot repackaging, it is generally a good idea to wait a minute or two before clicking Next.

In both circumstances, waiting helps ensure the setup is fully installed and that captured data contains the necessary information to properly rebuild the setup as an MSI installation.

Note:On Windows Vista and newer, system reboots are almost instantaneous and do not allow running applications to properly shut down, which may result in a loss of data. When using the Installation Monitoring method, Repackager successfully handles a system reboot and delays it until you click the Reboot button on the Repackaging Wizard.