Technical Note 1207
Last Reviewed 16-Sep-2007
Applies To
Express 2000 Suite version 3.6x
Express 2000 version 3.6x through 4.x
Express Software Manager version 4.x - 7.6
Summary
Applications are added to the Express Software Identification Database on an ongoing basis. This technical note describes how to customize and enhance the Express Software Identification Database by sending information about unrecognized applications to Express Metrix.
The Express Software Identification Database (formerly the Express Knowledgebase)
Express Metrix continues to enhance and update this comprehensive application database for our customers. If you know of applications and versions that Express Software Manager does not yet recognize, you can easily contribute information to be added to a future update of the Express Software Identification Database (ESID). Note: Only commercially available applications will be added, and solely at the discretion of Express Metrix.
AppScanner
AppScanner, a utility developed by Express Metrix, collects file information on unknown applications. AppScanner is simple to run and can scan an entire computer in five to ten minutes. Note: This utility does not add applications to a customer database.
Using AppScanner
Before using AppScanner, install the latest version of the Express Software Identification Database, run the Application Wizard, and check to see if the desired applications have already been added to the ESID. See the Obtaining the Most Recent ESID section of this technical note for details.
Select three to five machines to scan. In order to capture information on a wide variety of applications used at your company, these should be machines in different departments, or machines whose users have different software needs.
AppScan.exe must be run locally. You cannot run the utility across a network. For these initial scans, select “Machine Scan” to gather as much recognition information as possible. Note: AppScanner runs only on 32-bit Windows platforms.
Obtaining AppScanner
Download Appscan.zip from Express Metrix:
Appscan.zip contains the AppScanner executable (Appscan.exe) and a text file with instructions for using AppScanner. Read this text file before running the utility. (If you obtained AppScanner before April 2001, please download the latest version.)
Sending the Files to Express Metrix
After you have finished scanning your computers, follow these steps to gather all of the knowledgebase information and send it to Express Metrix.
- Create a ReadMe.txt file. Include your company name, contact name, e-mail address, and phone number.
- Using a file compression utility such as WinZip, create a zipped file named with your company name. Include the ReadMe.txt file you created in step 1, and all of the files created with AppScanner. (The file extension for the AppScanner files will likely be .RPT or .RP1.)
- Contact Express Metrix technical support at support@expressmetrix.com for instructions on how to upload the file.
Obtaining the Most Recent ESID
Express Metrix regularly updates the ESID and makes it available to customers with current Express maintenance contracts. The most recent version of the ESID is available on our Web site:
You will be required to enter your Volume Purchase Agreement (VPA) number and e-mail address, along with the user name and password supplied by Express Metrix. If you do not know your VPA number or have not received a user name and password, contact your Express Metrix reseller or Express Metrix.
Related Technical Notes
| 2000 | Express Software Manager Technical Notes |
| 9989 | Express Software Manager 6.x Technical Notes |
| 9991 | Express Software Manager Technical Notes (5.x or lower) |