Layer Definition Files provide a powerful way to create Symantec Workspace Virtualization (SWV) virtual application layers for scenarios where capturing an application install in not possible or produces inconsistent results. This article walks the reader through the steps required to create an LDF file.

A Symantec Connect reader requested that an LDF be created for the Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable package. This is a good candidate because it cannot be captured on Windows 7 (due to issues related to capturing applications whose installation routine makes use transactions) and capturing on a Windows XP system can produce inconsistent results, especially if a prior version of the package is already installed.  Following are the steps that can be used to create virtually (no pun intended) any LDF:

Step A - Create a Virtual Application Layer

We’ll do this by capturing the Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable install on Windows XP. This needs to be done on a “clean” machine. In other words, no instances of  VC++Redist are installed on the system. In addition, a layer can be imported or created by hand.

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Read the rest of this article to find out about the remaining steps to creating a Symantec Workspace Virtualization Layer Definition File.