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[This is preliminary documentation and subject to change.]

access function

A function that accesses the installer database and the installation process. An access function is called by an installer package authoring tool to populate the installer database. See also custom installer action, installer database, and installer package authoring tool.

acquisition phase

The phase during which the exact installation procedure is determined. At the beginning of the acquisition phase, an application or a user instructs the installer to install a feature or an application. See also execution phase.

advertise

The mechanism whereby an application that is not installed is accessed as though it is installed. Only the registry entries and other necessary information are on the local computer. When a user opens the application, the installer automatically installs the necessary components. See also assign, just-in-time installation, and publish.

assign

One of the methods of advertising. An application is assigned to a user when the Start menu contains the appropriate shortcuts, icons are present, files are associated with the application, and registry entries reflect the application's installation, but the application is not actually installed. When the user tries to open an assigned application, it is installed. See also advertise, just-in-time installation, and publish.