User`s guide
VMware ThinApp Reviewer’s Guide
REVIEWER’S GUIDE / 7
ThinApp Packaging Process
The process of virtualizing an application with VMware ThinApp begins with the Setup Capture process
and ends with the build into a read-only redistributable package that encapsulates all of the necessary
components of the application along with the administrator-determined configuration settings necessary
for implementation. The Setup Capture process creates a project to store the application and configuration
settings. The build process compresses and embeds the project directories and configuration settings into the
package. The project directory is the source location where the administrator can return to make subsequent
updates or changes to the package configuration. The result of making a configuration change and rebuilding
would be two separate packages created from the same VMware ThinApp project, but with dierent
configuration settings. The process of using Setup Capture, the project directories, and the build functionality is
meant to be an iterative process, often referred to as ‘capture and build’.
While there are distinct operations in these phases, it is helpful for the administrator to be mindful of the future
deployment model when using the Setup Capture process to package the application. Configuration settings
that describe the update method, specific application characteristics, and integration with the local operating
transition point between creating and deploying the application. The subsequent phases of deploy and update
utilize the package as a modular application container, which is then distributed and updated accordingly. It
based package.
Product documentation for the Setup Capture process can be found at the ThinApp documentation site.
Packaging an Application Using Setup Capture
Install the VMware ThinApp software via the MSI onto a clean capture machine or place the ThinApp program
files on a network share accessible from the capture machine.
Go to Start > Programs > VMware > ThinApp Setup Capture or run Setup Capture from a mapped network
location that houses all of the VMware ThinApp program files.
Watch the Quick Start Video and utilize the contextual help for detailed guidance throughout the process.
Figure 1: ThinApp Setup Capture Welcome Window
Note: Use a clean capture machine for Setup Capture.