Package

How to create SharePoint package Meta file .. and Why ?

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Sometimes we need to know the version of SharePoint wsp package, to achieve this we can add a Meta file to our pacakge, from where we can know some useful information about the package. The effective Meta file – originally – should include the following information:
  1. Name of the wsp file
  2. Description
  3. Version of the wsp file
  4. Vendor
  5. Create Date of Release
  6. If the wsp file is third party or not

To create an effective meta file, follow the below steps

  1. Select the SharePoint Project you want to add Meta file to

    image21[1]

  2. Right-Click on the Sharpoint Project, Select Add, then Select SharePoint Mapped Folder

    image22[1]

  3. Point to WSP folder, then click OK

    image23[1]

  4. Now the folder WSP is added to the structure of project at the Solution-Explorer, Select the WSP folder, Right-Click on it, Select Add, then New Item

    image24[1]

  5. Add a new blank Text File

    image25[1] 

  6. Copy and Paste the below code, in the Text file 
    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>

    <WspMeta xmlns="http://">

        <Filename>Areslan.Parts.Marquee.wsp</Filename>

        <Version>1.0.0.0</Version>

        <Vendor>Areslan</Vendor>

        <Description>This package contains all artifacts needed for the Areslan Parts Marquee.</Description>

        <Created>25/12/2012</Created>

        <IsThirdParty>FALSE</IsThirdParty>

        <Settings>

        </Settings>

    </WspMeta>

  7. The final shape should be like shown below

    image26[1]

  8. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\14\CONFIG\WSP, you should find all Meta files for all deployed WSP packages.

    image27[1]

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