Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to facilitate installation and/or removal of components in which one of the components is a shared component. The components are installed based on a valid order, such that shared components are installed after other components have been installed. According to one aspect, one or more properties associated with a shared component may be manipulated to facilitate installation and/or removal of components, including the shared component and dependent components.

Abstract: A data structure is created to store information that characterizes a virtual system. The virtual system includes one or more computer and application components resident on such computers. The data structure stores information about the infrastructure and/or configuration associated with the computer(s) and each of the application components in the virtual system, such that installation and/or management of such components may be facilitated.

Abstract: A software tool and method are provided for selectively installing service packs in a computer system according to dependency information and whether or not an upgrade to an application is scheduled. The method comprises prompting a user for desired setup information and installing the service pack associated with an existing application if the application requires the service pack and if the desired setup information indicates that an upgrade component corresponding to the application is not to be installed. In addition, the service pack is installed if the upgrade component is to be installed and if the service pack is required for upgrading the application.