How to create a custom transform (MST File) that contains an OPS file with customized profile settings in Office XP

Adding an OPS file to a transform (MST file) is a convenient way to deploy a collection of custom settings throughout your organization. Settings contained in the OPS file are implemented when users install Office. These settings apply to every user who logs on by using that computer. This article describes how you can create a custom transform (MST file) that contains an OPS file with customized profile settings.

Save Settings to the OPS File

Before you create an OPS file, you must start each Office program on a test computer and set all the options that you want for your users. You can set most options by using the Options command (on the Tools menu). To customize toolbars and menus, use the Customize command (Tools menu). After you customize the Office programs, you run the Profile Wizard to save the settings to an OPS file.

To save settings to an OPS file:

1. Run the Profile Wizard.
2. On the Save or Restore Settings page, select Save the settings from this machine, and then type the name and path for the OPS file.
3. Select the check boxes next to the Office XP programs that you want to include in your OPS file.
4. Click Finish.

Create the Custom Transform File

The Profile Wizard saves the Office program settings on your computer to the OPS file. After this is done, you use the Custom Installation Wizard to create a transform that includes the OPS file.

To create a custom transform that contains the OPS file:

1. Start the Custom Installation Wizard.
2. On the Customize Default Application Settings page, select Get values from an existing settings profile, and then type the file name and path of the OPS file that you created.