Digital signature and "could not initialize installation. file size expected" errors
Hello All,
Im using Wise Installation Studio 7.3.0.250.
Recently I started adding digital signatures using Signtool.exe to each of the compiled installations.
Each installation is a Single .EXE file which is digitally signed. The problem I have with one of the installations is the error
could not initialize installation. file size expected=107087495, size returned=107093056.
The exe does not launch.
If I change the build and run the signed .MSI file it works without error.
To test further I removed the digital signature and compiled the installation. There is no error running the .exe.
I then externally, using signtool from a command line, sign the installation with the same cert.
Now when I run the .exe I get the same error.
Some testing and looking around took me to this website..
http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=968161&page=4
It talks about a character length limit on .exe's. So using this theory I renamed my installation to less than
21 characters, re-compiled and signed and now the .exe runs without any error.
Looking through the Altiris forums I noticed one KB bug to do with the Wise Update function and loaded the updated .exes.
This didnt fix the issue.
So can someone explain why this occurs ?
At the end of the day I can re-name the <21 character .exe file after compilation to > 25 characters (which works).
However its alot of stuffing around and that aside Im intrigued as to why it occurs.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Shaun
Comments
You may need to ask Wise about this one
I have a vague recollection that this issue is linked to the "space" allocated in the EXE for the digital signature. Having a filename that is too long causes the allocated signature space to be either partially overwritten or repositioned, and this messes up the EXE checksum which in turn causes the error you observe.
However, the only way to get an accurate answer is to ask the Wise tech support guys directly, as they write the code !
If your issue has been solved, please use the "Mark as Solution" link on the most relevant thread.
Any forwarding email
Any forwarding email addresses for Wise tech support?
I will chase it up with them and post the answer back here.
Thanks as always Edt.
Support agreement
I don't have any tech support emails as so much has changed since the Symantec acquisition. So it depends on whether you have an annual support agreement or want to buy a one off support call.
However, a very recent posting which also discussed this error, albeit in Wise Installation System 9.02, had a code hack to turn off file size checking.
Whether this would still be the same offset in the Wisescript Editor for WIS7 is something I can't answer, but you may wish to check out this thread:
https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/digital-signature-and-exit-code
If your issue has been solved, please use the "Mark as Solution" link on the most relevant thread.
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