Why use Komodia’s advanced RegisterLSP?

Every LSP developer uses the default Microsoft RegsiterLSP, which is very good for testing environments. However, when starting to use it in a production environment, 50% of all LSP installations fail due to various factors with which the default installer is not built to deal or deals poorly:

  • Default base layers IDs are not constant across computers; installation with ID differs from that of the development computer
  • Existing LSPs require a different installation strategy, yet the default installer offers only one strategy, which mostly fails and damages the network stack
  • The default installer can uninstall an LSP based on its ID, which is determined after the installation, so the LSP programmer has to actively search for this number, which is not directly supported, or to uninstall all LSPs. If the computer in question has more then one LSP, this is a bad practice and should be avoided
  • Every LSP update requires a reboot

    • Works on 98/98SE/ME/2000/NT/XP/Vista/2003

    The advanced LSP detects the UAC state in Vista, and if the installer isn’t running in a UAC elevated mode, it prompts and stops the installation.


    Four possible installation strategies

  • Install after a specific existing LSP
  • Install before a specific existing LSP
  • Bypass all LSPs and install directly over base provider
  • Autopilot (Elaborated later)
    •


    Installs over layers using the layers names or IDs

    Installing a new LSP is always over existing base providers or existing LSPs, and the installer can be instructed to use either the existing LSP or base provider Layer ID or the explicit name.


    Can be instructed to install after or before a specific existing LSP

    LSPs aren’t made equal: some can require that when installting another LSP it will be layered after them, some require that it will be layered before them and some must be bypassed due to bad programming, all of which can easily be done by the installer.


    Comes in DLL, EXE and COM form

    The programmer can choose which form to use, or even use all of them, according to his specific requirements.


    Updates the LSP without requiring a reboot

    One of the biggest annoyances for a user is the requirement to reboot the computer. The advanced installer has the ability to update an existing LSP installation without requiring a reboot.


    Can uninstall the LSP using its name or ID

    Uninstalling an LSP can be done using its name or ID, and the installer supports both options.


    Ability to preprogram

    When installing over some LSPs the installer must be programmed in advance due to poor programming for some existing LSPs on the market today. the installer has a scenario file which can be preprogrammed with specific LSP names, and each LSP can have a customized installation.


    Autopilot that chooses the best method for installing the LSP

    The advanced installer is both a complex and easy-to-use tool. It gives advanced users great ability to modify and work with the LSP install routine. However, most users want a method that combines advanced functionality with ease of use, which is why we invented the autopilot: with a single instruction, the installer analyzes the LSP stack before installation, and automatically decides on the best course of action.


    Detailed log to help analyze problems

    The installer keeps a detailed log of every installation, which helps troubleshooting LSP problems at remote installation sites.


    Detailed manual

    We’ve taken the guesswork out of the advanced installer with a manual that details all of its options.


    Default installer Vs. Komodia’s advanced LSP installer – a comparison

    Default installer Komodia’s advanced LSP installer
    Installation strategies 1 4
    Install over specific layers Using ID only Using ID or Name
    Uninstall LSP Using ID only Using ID or Name
    OS 2000/XP/Vista/2003 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista/2003
    UAC detection No Yes
    Install over existing LSP Only with manual user intervention Yes
    Install before existing LSP No Yes
    Package form EXE only EXE,DLL and/or COM
    Update LSP without requiring a reboot No Yes
    Can be preprogramed No Yes
    Autopilot No Yes
    Detailed log No Yes

    Download the free advanced installer manual.
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