Meet Your New MSIX Packaging Assistant: The MSIX PSF Coach

Struggling to get your desktop applications running smoothly in an MSIX container? You’re not alone. Application compatibility can be a major hurdle in modernizing application delivery, often leading to frustrating “Access Denied” errors or applications that simply won’t launch. The Package Support Framework (PSF) is the key to solving these issues, but navigating the wealth of documentation to find the right “fixup” can be time-consuming.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce the MSIX PSF Coach, a new chatbot designed to be your go-to expert for all things related to the Package Support Framework.

➡️ Try the MSIX PSF Coach now: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-68ae58c2df948191b643e3c815e13455-msix-psf-coach

What Can the MSIX PSF Coach Help You With?

The MSIX PSF Coach is trained on a comprehensive set of documentation to provide you with instant, conversational answers to your toughest packaging questions. Instead of digging through pages of text, you can simply ask the coach what you need to know.

Its knowledge base covers the entire spectrum of the Package Support Framework, including:

  • PSF Fundamentals: Get a clear understanding of what the PSF is, its core components like the PSF Launcher, and how it injects runtime fixes to remediate compatibility issues without altering source code.
  • The config.json File: Learn how to structure the essential config.json file to configure the launcher, processes, and the specific fixups your application requires.
  • Detailed Fixup Guidance: The coach can explain the purpose and configuration for all the essential fixups. Whether you need to address:
    • File System Issues: With the FileRedirectionFixup or the more modern MfrFixup for problems like an app writing to its install folder.
    • Registry Problems: Using the RegLegacyFixup to handle apps that request incompatible registry permissions.
    • DLL Loading Errors: Applying the DynamicLibraryFixup when an application can’t find its dynamic-link libraries.
    • Environment Variables: With the EnvVarFixup to make package-defined environment variables available to your app.
  • Running Scripts: Discover how to use the PSF to run PowerShell scripts at the start or end of your application’s execution for dynamic configurations, license checks, or database setups.
  • Debugging and Troubleshooting: Get guidance on using tools like Process Monitor, DebugView, and the PSF’s own PsfTraceFixup to identify compatibility problems quickly and efficiently.

A Special Thanks to Tim Mangan

This project would not be possible without the incredible work and dedication of Microsoft MVP, Tim Mangan. While Microsoft created the initial open-source project for the PSF, it is Tim’s fork that represents the latest active and maintained branch.

The MSIX PSF Coach’s knowledge is heavily built upon the Tim Mangan PSF Wiki, an invaluable resource that provides clear, practical, and up-to-date documentation for IT Professionals using the PSF today. His work has made the complexities of the Package Support Framework accessible to the entire packaging community.

We highly encourage you to explore his work directly.

➡️ Visit the Tim Mangan PSF Wiki: https://github.com/TimMangan/MSIX-PackageSupportFramework/wiki

Stop searching and start solving. Whether you’re a seasoned packaging pro or just getting started with MSIX, the MSIX PSF Coach is ready to help you streamline your workflow and conquer your application compatibility challenges. Give it a try today!

#MSIX #PSF #AppPackaging