If you want, I can:
This report analyzes the concept of a "repack" of Microsoft Visual Studio 2013, focusing on methods to streamline its installation using a "preparation.exe" or similar silent installation routines. Visual Studio 2013 is an older IDE, and creating a repackaged (repack) installer is often required for bulk deployment or installation on computers without internet access. Report: Visual Studio 2013 Repack Analysis 1. Executive Summary
Visual Studio 2013 (VS2013) is an end-of-life IDE (support ended April 9, 2024). A repack involves creating a customized, often silent, installer that includes the base IDE, necessary updates (Update 5), and redistributables, allowing for faster deployment without manual intervention or internet connectivity. The "preparation.exe" likely refers to a script or component within a customized ISO/folder structure used to pre-install dependencies before launching the main vs_community.exe or vs_professional.exe. 2. Technical Overview of VS2013 Repacking
A repackaged installer typically aims to solve the issues of slow downloads, missing prerequisites, and interactive prompts. 2.1. Key Components for a Repack Base Installer: vs_community.exe or vs_professional.exe.
Update 5: The final update for VS2013, recommended for compatibility.
Offline Cache: Created by running the installer with the /layout command to download all components.
Redistributables: Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Packages (x86/x64). 2.2. The Role of preparation.exe (Silent Setup)
In many community-driven repacks, preparation.exe or a similar batch file is created to automate:
Dependency Checks: Ensuring .NET Framework 4.5.1+ is installed.
Silent Installation: Running the installer with specific flags.
Example command: vs_community.exe /quiet /norestart /layout C:\VS2013Offline. Applying Updates: Integrating Update 5. 3. Pre-Requisites and Environment Setup
Before attempting to create or use a repack, the following are necessary:
Operating System: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10/11.
Disk Space: Substantial space needed for an offline layout (often >10GB).
Administrative Privileges: Required for silent installations. 4. Steps to Create a Visual Studio 2013 Repack
Note: This process requires the official VS2013 offline installer ISO.
Download the ISO: Obtain the "Visual Studio 2013 Community/Professional with Update 5" DVD ISO.
Extract the ISO: Use 7-Zip to extract the ISO contents to a local folder (e.g., C:\VS2013_Repack).
Prepare AdminDeployment.xml: Create an AdminDeployment.xml file to configure which components are installed automatically.
Create Automation Script (preparation.exe equivalent): Create a .bat file to initiate the installer silently:
@echo off start /wait vs_community.exe /AdminFile AdminDeployment.xml /quiet /norestart Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Re-package: Use tools like WinRAR or 7-Zip SFX to create a single Setup.exe that extracts the files and runs the .bat file. 5. Challenges and Considerations
Security Risk: Third-party repacks may contain modified, insecure, or malicious code. Always source official ISOs.
End-of-Life: VS2013 no longer receives security updates, making it unsuitable for public-facing application development.
Installation Errors: If components are missing, the setup may hang, requiring manual clearing of C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer. 6. Alternative: Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable
If the goal is only to run applications built with VS2013, do not repack the IDE. Install the standalone Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Packages (x86 and x64). To better assist you, I need to know:
What is the specific goal of this repack? (e.g., faster deployment, offline installation) Are you facing errors with a specific preparation.exe file? What is your operating system?
Once I have these details, I can provide a more tailored guide or troubleshooting steps. How to Install Visual Studio 2013 Community Edition (2021)
The file preparation.exe in a Visual Studio 2013 repack is a small utility program designed to prepare your operating system for the installation of the main software . Repacks are typically modified versions of the original software designed to save space or bypass official online installers that can exceed 6GB . What is Preparation.exe?
Purpose: It acts as a "bootstrapper" or pre-installer that checks for and installs necessary system dependencies .
Action: It often installs required runtime components, such as the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages, which are essential for running applications built with Visual Studio .
Security Context: While a legitimate part of many Microsoft installation packages, files with this name can sometimes be spoofed by malware . Always verify the source of your repack. Common Issues
Slow Execution: Users often report that the "Microsoft Visual Studio Preparation" phase can be extremely slow, sometimes taking hours to configure the system .
Errors: Common errors include "Preparation.exe not valid" or "Cannot find Preparation.exe," which usually indicate a corrupt download or a missing registry entry .
Fixes: If the repack fails, Microsoft suggests using the official ISO offline installer to ensure all packages are present . Preparationexe Visual Studio 2013 Repack - 15.237.139.88
For Visual Studio 2013, preparation.exe is a background process initiated by the installer to handle the registration of packages and templates via the command devenv /setup. If you are looking to create or work with a "repack" (a customized or pre-configured installer), the process generally involves managing this preparation step to avoid long installation hangs. Key Insights for VS 2013 Repacking
Role of preparation.exe: This utility runs during the "Microsoft Visual Studio Preparation" phase of setup. It can take a significant amount of time as it builds the internal cache for the IDE.
Silent Installation: Repacks often utilize silent install parameters. For VS 2013, the standard bootstrapper (e.g., vs_ultimate.exe) supports switches like /passive (visible progress, no interaction) or /quiet (no UI).
Offline Media: To avoid download failures during a repack, it is best to use a standalone ISO image rather than the web installer.
Prerequisites: A clean repack should include the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013 to ensure run-time components are available on the target machine. Common Repack Workflow
Extract the ISO: Use tools like 7-Zip to extract the contents of the official Visual Studio 2013 ISO.
Configuration: Modify the AdminDeployment.xml file (if available in your edition) to pre-select components and disable features like the "Customer Experience Improvement Program."
Command Execution: Use a script to launch the installer with silent parameters: vs_setup.exe /adminfile yourconfig.xml /quiet /norestart
Handling Preparation: Because preparation.exe can be slow, ensure your deployment script accounts for a long timeout period or runs as a background task to prevent the main setup process from being killed prematurely. "microsoft visual studio preparation" extremely slow
preparation.exe file is a core component of the Visual Studio 2013 setup process. In the context of a "repack"—a third-party modified version of the software—it is typically used to automate or simplify the installation of required dependencies and system configurations before the main IDE is installed.
Below is a breakdown of its role, common issues, and critical safety considerations. Role of Preparation.exe in VS 2013 Dependency Pre-installation : It checks for and installs required run-times like the Visual C++ Redistributables (CRT, ATL, MFC) and .NET Framework components. System Configuration : It prepares the registry and local folders (like C:\ProgramData\Package Cache
) to handle the large volume of packages involved in the 2013 installation.
: In some installers, it triggers a "Pre-Clean" phase (often labeled VS_PreClean_vs.exe ) to remove conflicting previous versions. Troubleshooting Common Issues Repack installations frequently encounter errors due to how preparation.exe interacts with the system: Slow Progress
: The preparation phase can appear stuck or extremely slow if it's waiting for Windows Update or another background installer (like a separate .NET setup) to finish. Missing File Errors
: If you receive a "Cannot find Preparation.exe" or "Not a valid application" error, the repack archive may be corrupted or your antivirus might have quarantined the file. Copy Failures 0x80070001 often occurs when the installer fails to copy preparation.exe
from the source (e.g., an ISO or temporary folder) to the local AppData temp directory. Essential Safety Note
Because a "repack" is not an official Microsoft distribution, preparation.exe is a high-risk file. Security Risks : Malicious software sometimes disguises itself as preparation.exe to gain administrative privileges during setup. Official Alternative
: To avoid security risks and errors, Microsoft recommends downloading the official Visual Studio 2013 ISO or Community Edition directly. Support End preparationexe visual studio 2013 repack
: Official support for Visual Studio 2013 and its components ended on April 9, 2024 , meaning it no longer receives security updates. Preparation.exe | Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 | STRONTIC
Demystifying Preparation.exe in Visual Studio 2013 Repacks If you’ve ever tried to install a custom "repack" or a highly compressed version of Visual Studio 2013 , you likely encountered a file or a process called preparation.exe
. While standard installations usually handle everything behind the scenes, repacks often surface this specific utility to bridge the gap between a stripped-down installer and a fully functional development environment.
Here is a breakdown of what this file does and why it’s a critical part of your setup. What is Preparation.exe? In the context of Visual Studio 2013 preparation.exe
is a bootstrapper or pre-installation utility. Its primary role is to ensure your system meets the strict environment requirements before the main IDE components are unpacked. Microsoft Learn
When you see "Microsoft Visual Studio Preparation" running, the installer is typically executing devenv /setup . This command: Stack Overflow Registers essential packages and templates. Initializes the IDE's configuration.
Prepares the registry for the complex web of VS 2013 dependencies. Stack Overflow Why Repacks Use It
Repacks are designed to save space or bypass the massive 6GB+ online installers. Because these versions are often modified, preparation.exe becomes the "heavy lifter" that: Installs Prerequisites : It ensures components like the Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable ) are present. Configures Registry Keys
: It sets up the necessary paths so the IDE knows where to find its compilers and libraries without needing a full, original Microsoft installer. Handles Updates : Many repacks include
, and the preparation tool ensures these patches are correctly applied to the base files. Stack Overflow Common Issues & Fixes
One of the most frequent complaints is that this process takes an "enormous amount of time" or appears to be stuck. This is generally not a bug; registering thousands of components is simply resource-intensive. Stack Overflow The "Stuck" Installer
: If it hangs, it’s often because of a conflict with existing versions of the Visual C++ Redistributables
. Manually uninstalling old 2013 redistributables before running the repack can solve this. Security Warnings : Some security tools flag preparation.exe
because it makes deep changes to system directories and the registry. If you trust your repack source, you may need to temporarily disable your antivirus or "Run as Administrator." Is VS 2013 Still Worth It? Microsoft Learn
notes that this version is no longer officially supported, it remains a staple for: Microsoft Learn
Posted by Security Team | April 21, 2026
There is zero legitimate reason to download a standalone “preparation.exe repack” for VS2013. If a forum or YouTube video recommends it, they are either misinformed or malicious.
Stay safe – always verify software with official Microsoft sources.
🔒 Security is not paranoid – it’s necessary.
Have you encountered this file? Report it to Microsoft Security Intelligence.
You're looking for a deep review of the "Preparation.exe" Visual Studio 2013 re-pack.
What is Preparation.exe?
Preparation.exe is a executable file that is part of the Visual Studio 2013 installation package. It's a preparatory tool that runs before the main installation process to prepare the system for the installation of Visual Studio 2013.
What does Preparation.exe do?
Preparation.exe performs several tasks to prepare the system for Visual Studio 2013 installation. These tasks may include:
Re-pack and its implications
A re-pack of Preparation.exe for Visual Studio 2013 may imply that someone has re-created the executable file, possibly with modifications or updates not included in the original package. This can be done for various reasons, such as:
Risks and concerns
Using a re-pack of Preparation.exe can pose risks and concerns, including:
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a re-pack of Preparation.exe for Visual Studio 2013 may seem appealing, it's essential to exercise caution and carefully evaluate the risks and benefits. Unless you have a specific reason to use a re-pack, it's recommended to use the official installation package from Microsoft to ensure a safe, secure, and supported installation of Visual Studio 2013.
Would you like to know more about Visual Studio 2013 or is there something specific you'd like to know about Preparation.exe?
Preparation.exe Visual Studio 2013 Repack: A Comprehensive Guide
Visual Studio 2013 is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) used by developers worldwide for creating Windows applications, web applications, and mobile apps. However, sometimes users may encounter issues while installing or using Visual Studio 2013, such as errors during installation, missing files, or corrupted registry entries. In such cases, a repackaged version of the installation executable, commonly known as Preparation.exe, can be a viable solution.
In this article, we will explore the concept of Preparation.exe in the context of Visual Studio 2013, discuss the reasons for repacking, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create and use a repackaged version of the installation executable.
What is Preparation.exe?
Preparation.exe is a self-extracting executable file that is part of the Visual Studio 2013 installation package. Its primary function is to prepare the system for the installation of Visual Studio 2013 by checking for prerequisites, updating the registry, and configuring the environment. The Preparation.exe file is usually located in the root directory of the Visual Studio 2013 installation media or in the folder where the installation files are extracted.
Why Repack Preparation.exe?
There are several reasons why users may need to repack Preparation.exe:
How to Repack Preparation.exe
Repacking Preparation.exe involves extracting the original installation files, modifying them as needed, and then recreating the installation package. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to repack Preparation.exe for Visual Studio 2013:
Step 1: Extract the installation files
Extract the contents of the Visual Studio 2013 installation media or the folder where the installation files are located. This can be done using a file archiver tool, such as 7-Zip.
Step 2: Locate Preparation.exe
Navigate to the root directory of the extracted installation files and locate Preparation.exe.
Step 3: Extract Preparation.exe
Use a tool, such as Resource Hacker, to extract the contents of Preparation.exe. This will give you access to the files and resources embedded within the executable.
Step 4: Modify the installation files (optional)
If you need to customize the installation package, you can modify the extracted files, such as adding or removing components, changing the installation location, or modifying the registry settings.
Step 5: Recreate Preparation.exe
Use a tool, such as IExpress, to recreate Preparation.exe with the modified files. IExpress is a utility that allows you to create self-extracting executable files.
Step 6: Test the repackaged Preparation.exe If you want, I can:
Test the repackaged Preparation.exe by running it and verifying that the installation process completes successfully.
Best Practices and Precautions
When repacking Preparation.exe, it is essential to follow best practices and take precautions to avoid potential issues:
Conclusion
Repacking Preparation.exe for Visual Studio 2013 can be a useful solution for resolving installation issues, customizing the installation package, or deploying Visual Studio 2013 in an enterprise environment. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and taking necessary precautions, users can create a repackaged version of Preparation.exe that meets their specific needs. However, it is essential to use caution and verify the integrity of the repackaged executable to avoid potential issues.
Understanding Preparation.exe in Visual Studio 2013 Repack: A Comprehensive Guide
Visual Studio 2013 is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) used by developers to create a wide range of applications. When working with Visual Studio 2013, you may have come across a mysterious executable file called Preparation.exe. In this blog post, we'll explore what Preparation.exe is, its role in Visual Studio 2013, and how it relates to repacking.
What is Preparation.exe?
Preparation.exe is a legitimate executable file that is part of the Visual Studio 2013 installation. Its primary function is to prepare the Visual Studio environment for installation, updates, or other maintenance tasks. Preparation.exe is usually located in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\Common7 directory.
What does Preparation.exe do?
When run, Preparation.exe performs several tasks to prepare Visual Studio 2013 for various operations. These tasks include:
Repacking Visual Studio 2013: What does it mean?
Repacking Visual Studio 2013 refers to the process of customizing and re-packaging the installation to include additional components, updates, or modifications. This can be useful for organizations that want to standardize their development environment or include custom components.
How does Preparation.exe relate to repacking?
When repacking Visual Studio 2013, Preparation.exe plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth installation process. Before repacking, Preparation.exe is used to prepare the Visual Studio environment by:
Best practices when working with Preparation.exe and repacking
To ensure a successful repacking process, follow these best practices:
In conclusion, Preparation.exe is a vital component of Visual Studio 2013 that plays a crucial role in preparing the environment for installation, updates, or repacking. By understanding its functions and best practices, you can ensure a smooth and successful repacking process.
Initialization Role: When you first launch Visual Studio 2013, you may see a "Microsoft Visual Studio Preparation" window. This is actually the installer running devenv /setup to register necessary packages and templates.
Setup Tasks: It handles the first-run configuration, such as choosing your default environment settings (e.g., Visual C# or General Development) and migrating settings from previous versions.
Potential Bottleneck: This process can take a significant amount of time (often 20-30 minutes) and may appear as if the program has frozen. Visual Studio 2013 Repacks
A "repack" is generally a third-party modification of the original installer. These are often used for:
Offline Installation: Including all updates (like Update 5) and redistributables (C++ 2013 runtimes) in a single package.
Modern OS Compatibility: Fixing issues where the original 2013 web installer no longer works because Microsoft retired SHA-1-signed content.
Bypassing Activation: Some unofficial repacks are pre-activated, though this is not supported by Microsoft Support. Common Issues and Fixes
If preparation.exe fails or throws an error, it is likely due to corrupt installation files or missing certificates. Visual Studio 2013 Update 5 - Microsoft Support
Preparing for a Visual Studio 2013 (VS2013) repack or full installation involves securing outdated offline installers and managing specific setup dependencies, as official web installers are no longer actively maintained. 1. Essential Preparation Steps Secure the Offline Installer (ISO)
: Since web installers often fail due to retired server content, obtain the full ISO from the Visual Studio Subscriptions Portal Microsoft Dev Essentials Check Browser Dependencies : VS2013 requires Internet Explorer 10 or higher
to run the setup wizard correctly. On older Windows 7 systems, you may need to update IE before starting. Backup and Clean Old Versions
: If a previous installation failed, perform a "clean" uninstall. This includes removing folders from Program Files , cleaning up the registry using
, and disconnecting the internet during the next attempt to prevent automatic (and often broken) update checks. learn.microsoft.com 2. Working with the Executable (Preparation.exe)
The "Microsoft Visual Studio Preparation" phase occurs when the installer runs devenv /setup to register packages and templates. stackoverflow.com Patience is Key
: This step is known to be extremely slow and may appear frozen; however, it is usually just processing complex registry entries. Command Line Flags : For repacking or silent installs, use the switch with your original
to create a full offline copy of the media in a specified folder. vs_professional.exe /Layout C:\VS2013_Offline stackoverflow.com 3. Creating Your Own Repack/Setup Project
If you are looking to bundle your own application built in VS2013 into a redistributable "repack":
Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013 - Microsoft
Preparing an Executable for Repackaging in Visual Studio 2013
When preparing an executable file for repackaging in Visual Studio 2013, there are several steps to follow to ensure a successful outcome.
Step 1: Build the Executable
First, build the executable file in Visual Studio 2013. This can be done by selecting "Build" from the menu bar and then clicking on "Build Solution" (or press F7). This will create the executable file in the specified output directory.
Step 2: Set the Output Directory
Ensure that the output directory is set to a location where the executable file can be easily found. This can be done by right-clicking on the project in the Solution Explorer, selecting "Properties", and then navigating to the "Configuration Properties" -> "General" section.
Step 3: Configure the Linker
In the project properties, navigate to the "Configuration Properties" -> "Linker" section. Ensure that the "Linker" -> "General" -> "Output File" option is set to the desired location and file name for the executable.
Step 4: Remove Debugging Information
To prepare the executable for repackaging, it's a good idea to remove any debugging information. This can be done by setting the "Configuration Properties" -> "C/C++" -> "Debugging" -> "Generate Debug Info" option to "None".
Step 5: Release Configuration
Ensure that the project is set to the "Release" configuration. This can be done by selecting "Release" from the dropdown menu in the toolbar.
Step 6: Verify the Executable
Once the executable has been built, verify that it is working as expected. Run the executable and test its functionality to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
Repackaging the Executable
Once the executable has been prepared, it can be repackaged using a third-party repackaging tool. The repackaging process typically involves: This report analyzes the concept of a "repack"
Common Repackaging Tools
Some common repackaging tools include:
By following these steps, you can prepare an executable file in Visual Studio 2013 for repackaging and deployment to your organization.
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Visual Studio 2013 remains a staple for developers maintaining legacy codebases, but deploying it efficiently across multiple machines can be challenging. This guide explains how to use Preparation.exe (often referred to as Prepare.exe) to create a "repack"—a customized, streamlined installation package tailored for enterprise or personal use. What is Preparation.exe?
Preparation.exe (or Prepare.exe) is a command-line tool provided by Microsoft for administrators. Its primary function is to detect system prerequisites and create a set of files that can be redistributed as a custom installation. By using this tool, you can:
Select specific components: Only include the languages and features your team needs.
Automate licensing: Embed licensing terms and administrative settings so the user doesn't have to.
Create silent installers: Use switches like /Quiet or /Passive to install without user interaction. How to Create a Visual Studio 2013 Repack
Creating a repack typically involves preparing a layout folder and then using the tool to "prep" that folder for distribution.
Download the Source: Obtain the official Visual Studio 2013 ISO or web installer.
Initialize the Layout: Run the standard installer with the /Layout switch to download all components to a local folder (e.g., vs_ultimate.exe /Layout C:\VS2013Layout).
Run Preparation.exe: Execute the tool against your layout folder to create the customized package. A common command structure for enterprise environments uses an .iss file for administrative settings:
Prepare.exe /CustomPackage /Language:en-US /Settings:vs2013.iss.
Verify the Package: Ensure the output folder contains the necessary .exe and .cab files. Troubleshooting Common Repack Issues
Repackaging software often leads to specific errors, particularly if files become corrupted or system settings conflict.
"Preparation.exe not valid": This usually occurs due to a corrupted file or an invalid registry entry from a previous installation attempt.
Slow "Configuring Your System" phase: Users often report the installer hanging during the "Preparation" or "Applying" phase. This is frequently linked to a slow internet connection if the installer is trying to download missing components.
Missing Redistributables: If the repack fails to launch on a target machine, ensure the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013 are pre-installed or included in your package. Safety and Security Considerations Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013
Understanding Preparation.exe in Visual Studio 2013 Repacks The file preparation.exe is a critical, though often misunderstood, component of the Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 installation process. For users working with a repack—a compressed or modified installer designed for easier distribution—this executable serves as the gateway to a successful setup.
This guide explores what this file does, how to use it in a repackaged environment, and how to troubleshoot common issues. What is Preparation.exe?
In the context of Visual Studio 2013, "preparation" refers to the phase where the installer registers internal packages, templates, and environment settings.
When you see a file named preparation.exe in a third-party repack, it typically handles:
Environment Setup: Running commands like devenv /setup to initialize the IDE.
Prerequisite Checks: Ensuring that required components, such as the Visual C++ Redistributable, are present.
Repack Integrity: Verifying that the compressed files in the repack are correctly extracted and ready for the main installer. How to Install a Visual Studio 2013 Repack
If you are using a repacked version of Visual Studio 2013 (such as the Community or Ultimate editions), follow these general steps:
This blog post explores how to handle the "Preparation.exe" component often found in unofficial "repack" versions of Visual Studio 2013, focusing on installation steps and troubleshooting common errors.
Mastering Your Environment: The Guide to Visual Studio 2013 Repacks and Preparation.exe
While Visual Studio 2013 is a legacy IDE, it remains a staple for maintaining older C#, C++, and Visual Basic projects. Many developers use "repacks"—unofficial, pre-configured versions that often include cumulative updates like Update 5. A core component of these repacks is Preparation.exe, a utility designed to set up the environment before the main installation begins. What is Preparation.exe?
In the context of a repack, Preparation.exe typically handles:
System Pre-requisites: Ensuring the correct .NET Framework and Visual C++ Redistributable packages are present.
Registry Cleaning: Removing conflicting entries from previous installations.
Service Configuration: Setting up the background services required for a smooth install. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
If you are using a repack that includes this executable, follow these steps to ensure a stable environment:
Extract the Archive: Use a tool like 7-Zip to extract the repack ISO or compressed file into a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\VS_REPACK).
Run Preparation.exe as Administrator: Right-click the file and select "Run as Administrator." This allows the utility to modify system files and registry keys necessary for the repack.
Wait for Completion: The tool may appear as a command-line window or a silent process. Ensure it finishes before launching the main setup.exe or vs_community.exe.
Execute the Main Installer: Launch the primary installer. If you have an internet connection, it may attempt to download missing packages; if you are offline, ensure all payloads are in the same directory.
Final Launch: After setup, launch Visual Studio. You may be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account, though this can often be bypassed initially. Troubleshooting Preparation.exe Errors
Errors with this executable are often caused by corruption or permission issues.
Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013 - Microsoft
Preparation and Repacking of Visual Studio 2013 using Preprarexe
Visual Studio 2013 is a robust integrated development environment (IDE) widely used by developers for creating various types of applications. However, there are scenarios where you might need to prepare and repackage Visual Studio 2013 for deployment across multiple machines or users. This could be due to organizational requirements, licensing constraints, or simply to ensure a consistent development environment. Microsoft provides a tool called prepare.exe (also known as the Visual Studio Preparation Tool) to facilitate this process.
preparation.exe expects certain Microsoft runtimes to exist. Install these before launching the VS2013 repack:
| Required Component | Download Source | |--------------------|------------------| | .NET Framework 4.5.2 or 4.6 | Microsoft official download | | Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x86 and x64) | Microsoft official download | | Windows SDK 8.1 (for some repacks) | Microsoft official download | | MSXML 6.0 | Part of Windows updates |
Once installed, reboot and try the repack again.
4.1. Official Offline Layout
4.2. Wrapper Executable (PreparationExe)
4.3. MSI Repackaging Tools
4.4. Application Virtualization and Containers
4.5. Scripted Provisioning