MSI package & distribution

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sylvain
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Sylvain

Need some help, I have never used distribution of
software with group policies. The more I read about it
the more confused I am.

1- How do I package a *.exe into *.msi using wininstall?

2- Do I create an new OU to test the distribution?

3- How do I schedule and point to my new OU for
distribution?

I know its alot of question, but I am really confused.

Thanks
 
WinInstall LE included on the Windows 2000 CD works via snapshot technology. You
basically start with a clean install of the operating system. Then create a
snapshot. You then install your application (using the setup EXE). Create a new
snapshot. Then run wininstall to generate the diff. WinInstall LE is what is
known as a repackager. It takes an existing exe setup and converts it
(repackages it) into a MSI package. Note that you should avoid repackaging
native MSI installations.

There are instructions for software deployment available on the web.
Instructions on how to use WinInstall LE from the Windows 2000 CD are available
at <
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/planning/management/veritas.asp >.
Note that there's now a new free version of repackaging software for WinInstall
at < http://www.ondemandsoftware.com/ >. You may find other information on a
variety of repackagers at < http://www.installsite.org >

As for instructions on software deployment, check out <
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/administration/management/siamwp.asp
.
Click to expand...

Hope this helps,
- Carolyn Napier
Microsoft Windows Installer Team

--
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Please do not send email directly to this alias. This alias is for newsgroup
purposes only.

MSI FAQ:
<http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/community/centers/management/msi_faq.mspx>
 
Thank you Carolyn,

Actually I would like to be able to push anti-virus hot
fix's and also Microsoft updates. From what I can see I
will not be able to use WinInstall.

How to convert an MS Patch exe into an distributable MSI
via AD.

Thanks
Sylvain
 
Unless the hotfix was provided in MSI format, there's no true support for
deploying it as an MSI. However, that's not to say that it can't be done. You
basically use the MSI package as a wrapper that runs a custom action (generally
deferred + no impersonate). There's a KB article that briefly discusses this is
at < http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320539 >. The
update.msi package included with the service pack installations can be used as a
rough guide as well.

Going forwards, Microsoft is recommending the use of Windows Update Services or
SMS for deploying hotfixes. You can find more information about Windows Update
Services at < http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/sus/default.mspx >
and < http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/sus/wusbeta.mspx >.

Hope this helps,
- Carolyn Napier
Microsoft Windows Installer Team

--
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Please do not send email directly to this alias. This alias is for newsgroup
purposes only.

MSI FAQ:
<http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/community/centers/management/msi_faq.mspx>
 
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