>Ed thanks for the info. I'd like to make sure I understand.
>
>1. Create an MSI for the vfp8 requirements. (Right now I use the full version of installshield).
>2. Modify the applaucher, so that if it see's a new MSI file, it pulls it down and runs it prior to launching the actual application.
>

Not just pulls it down, but executes it on the local box before starting up the app...since the app might need what's in the MSI if a new executable is distributed.

Since you have the full version of IS, you can consider using it to create updates, too. Saves time and annoyance with COM components, ActiveX controls and the like.