How to distribute your browser

You can distribute your custom browser by CD-ROM, by downloadable files, or by downloadable files and a disk.

Downloadable files

Internet Content Providers can distribute a single file to users that contains the install engine, which will then download application components from an Internet or intranet server.

If you created the browser package on your Internet server, then you need to set up your Web site so that users can download the files. For instance, you might create a page where you post download information and a link to the install engine, Ie4setup.exe.

If you created the browser package on your hard disk or network drive, then you need to move the following to your Internet or intranet server:

  • The folder within the Ie4site folder that contains the version you are posting and the folder contents. For example, the folder for the English version is called En, so you need to move the En folder and the files it contains.
  • The file called Ie4sites.dat. This file points to the download site you specified when you ran the Wizard. You need to distribute the install engine, ie4setup.exe, to your users or post it to your Internet or intranet site. This file is contained in the folder for your version within the Download\Win95_nt\ folder, such as \Download\Win95_nt\En.

    Flopppy Disk

    With Active Setup, you only need to create one disk. The rest of the files are downloaded from the Internet or intranet server.

    Follow the instructions for creating a downloadable package, but just copy the install engine file, ie4setup.exe, to floppy disk.

    CD-ROM

    If you distribute your custom browser for Windows 95 users, a splash screen Autorun program appears when the user inserts the compact disc. This program offers users the choice of installing your custom browser or viewing more information. If the current version of Internet Explorer is already installed, the Autorun program detects it. In this case, and also when users first install and restart their desktop computers, the browser appears in what is known as Kiosk mode with the Start.htm file loaded.