How do I create a VAA?

There are two basic setup options for what we call “VAA creation”:

1. The first option is appropriate for a brand new application installation. In this case, a snapshot of the system is taken before the app is installed. After installation, the VAA is created by referencing the original snapshot, and capturing changes that are made to the system and found by the AppZero creation tool. If the app is configured beyond its basic install, those changes are also captured.  This approach allows the use of normal configuration tools to create specialized configurations, such as pre-populating databases, setting up custom security, and so on. There is no need to manually create XML to capture keys or files; the creation tool takes care of all of that.
2. The second option for capturing apps is called "learn" mode. In this case, the creation process watches all of the files, registry entries and other items that an app uses during operation to capture its full configuration. This approach is typically used when a fresh install is not possible. Learn mode depends on the app being used in a comprehensive way so that all of its files, keys and the like are accessed during operation. As a result, it requires more application knowledge to capture the complete app using learn mode than snapshotting. If an item is missing, it is simple to add it to the VAA later on by copying it into the VAA. AppZero is continually investing in this technology to improve its effectiveness and ease of use.