Open Office Technology

Included below are several Windows Installer transform (.mst) files that can be used to modify the installation of the OpenOffice office suite. These transforms can be applied only when installing OpenOffice, and after they are applied, can only be changed by reinstalling. These transform files can be used with any release of OpenOffice v2.x.x.

To use these transform files, first unpack the OpenOffice installation files, as described in Steps B(i)-(iii) of these instructions, then copy the transform file to the same directory as the OpenOffice msi file, openofficeorg21.msi.

Next, to apply one or more transforms when installing OpenOffice locally, from the command line, enter the command:

msiexec /i openofficeorg21.msi TRANSFORMS=file1.mst;file2.mst

Alternately, to apply one or more transforms when installing OpenOffice using Group Policy, follow Steps 6-8 of these instructions.

These transforms files may not be copied or redistributed, and are subject to Terms of Use.

Check_OOE.mst

Ensures that the OpenOffice-Enterprise client software, if installed, remains properly installed after a reinstallation or upgrade of the OpenOffice suite (see instructions here). Some users have reported this transform may generate an error message when used on a desktop that does not have the OpenOffice-Enterprise client already installed. Until this issue is resolved, it is recommended this transform only be used when reinstalling or upgrading OpenOffice on a computer that already has the OpenOffice-Enterprise client software installed.

Use_OOo_for_MSOffice_docs.mst

Makes OpenOffice the default program for Microsoft Office documents, i.e., when a Microsoft Office document is double-clicked in Windows Explorer, it will open in OpenOffice.

OOo_Writer_Desktop_Icon.mst

Adds a desktop icon for Writer.

OOo_Desktop_Icons.mst

Adds a desktop icons for Writer, Calc, Draw and Impress.

OOo_No_Quickstarter.mst

Disables installation of the OpenOffice Quickstarter. Note that when the OpenOffice registration wizard is disabled, as described here and in Step 5 here, the Quickstarter will not be enabled. An individual user can still enable it from the OpenOffice application using the menu Tools | Options | Memory | OpenOffice.org Quickstarter. This transform prevents installation of the Quickstarter, so users cannot enable it.