Distributing the Authorware Web Player

This TechNote provides steps for installing the licensed Authorware Web Players.

Note: The information contained in this TechNote is correct for historical versions of the Authorware Web Player, but not necessarily correct for Authorware Web Player, version 2004, released in June 2004. All users are encouraged to upgrade their web player.

Before you begin the installation process you will first need to fill out the free Authorware Web Player distribution licensing agreement. After filling out the form, a link will be provided to the distributable installers. These installers can be used to install the Authorware Web Player from an intranet or offline (such as from a CD on a computer without internet access).

Download the appropriate installer version. Three different versions of the stand-alone installers are available for download: Full, Complete, or Compact.

COMPACT: Plays only basic Authorware 7 applications, no Xtras included.
COMPLETE: Plays any Authorware 7 application and includes Xtras.
FULL: This Web Player version can play any Authorware application created with Authorware version 7.x, 6.x, 5.x, 4.x, or 3.5. It installs all the Xtras.

The Authorware Web Player files are in ZIP format (Windows) and HQX (Macintosh). The Windows ZIP files include ActiveX Control for Internet Explorer installation and EXE installer for Netscape browsers.

Note: It is best to download the Macintosh installers on a Macintosh computer to maintain file association structure.

Each ZIP file has installer files for three different platforms. For example, the Authorware 7 Full Player will have the following files for installing:

Internet Explorer = cabload.htm + awswaxf.cab
Netscape Navigator = Authorware_Web_Player_Full.exe
Windows 3.1 users = AWPlayFl.exe (Authorware 6.5 and below only)

Two other files are included and play after any of the above installers completes installation. These files are required in order to play the demonstration piece that verifies a successful installation:

aw_done.aam
aw_d0000.aas

Note: These files should be included wherever you are placing the installer (in the same directory).

Hosting the Authorware web player:

Fill out the license agreement.

Download the correct player installer that you want (Authorware version and Player type - Full, Complete, or Compact).

Unzip the file - extract to a folder.

Note: The file names below may vary slightly depending on the version and type of Authorware Player you choose to download.

If you only want to host the Internet Explorer installer, you will use the ActiveX version. Place the following files in a folder on your intranet:
- cabload.htm
- awswaxc.cab
- cabl0000.aas
- cabload.aam
If installing for Netscape browser, double click the EXE file.

Now you can make a link to the installer file.

Note: Users will require permission settings that allow installation.

For Internet Explorer installation (ActiveX), navigate to the cabload.htm file to begin the ActiveX install process for the Authorware web player. The ActiveX installer should install without requiring the closing of the browser or restarting the operating system.
Netscape installation (EXE) users will need to download the installer file and launch it outside the browser.

Double click the file named "cabload.htm". This will launch the ActiveX installer file and install Authorware Web Player for Internet Explorer.

Double click the EXE for the version of the Authorware web player that you want to install. Below are the filenames of the 32-bit plug-in installer versions for Netscape browsers: