Edit App-V archive file

Question

I'm trying to replace a file in a .appv archive file.

I know you can just rename the file to .zip extract and replace the file. But when I zip it again and rename it back to .appv the file size is different and i get the following error when opening.

Im trying to change the AppxManifest.xml file or a setting within that without having to open via the UI(cmd, c# or powershell).

Thanks

Answer 1

You cannot zip a package back and expect to work, this is not supported by Microsoft.

Starting with App-V 5.1 the Sequencer from Microsoft can export and import the manifest file from the package, so you can modify it, but from what I know you cannot script this, it must be done from the GUI. The list of powershell cmdlets for the sequencer is quite short.

Also, Advanced Installer can also create and edit App-V packages much easily and faster than the sequencer, but again only from the GUI.

You can also try a free tool, called TweakApp-V, here's an example of you can use it. It has predefined commands to add/delete files and registry.

Answer 2

The best option is to use one of the application packaging tools that supports editing of App-V package. Apart from Advanced Installer that has been already mentioned, take a look at AdminStudio and PACE Suite - both support editing App-V. There may be even more than those two I know.

Answer 3

Open up your sequencer and choose "Modify"

"Update"

Then I am skipping the steps where you upload your .appv file and installer (if you don't need the files from installer, you can always ignore it)

"Continue to modify"

Close the last page and it will automatically jumps to this page

Now, you can open up your package, expand the folder and add files if you want