Having problems getting software distribution set up

[tiefight]

Howdy,

I'm having some problems getting Software Distribution functioning properly on my new (and first) SMS install. I have created several packages with varying layouts, and advertised all of them to my client machine, but when I go to run the advertised install, I always get the following message on the client machine:

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This program cannot be run because the program files are currently unavailable.

For more information, please contact your administrator or helpdesk operator.
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I'm running in advanced security mode, and have granted the server machine access rights to the package shares, and to any source folders I can think of.

Any help or ideas would definately be appreciated!

 

[SMO6]

You've gotten farther than I have.... I had to just leave SMS alone for a couple of days because its convoluded design just pisses me off.

I've created a package as well but I don't think I've successfully advertised it yet. All this time I spent automating things and I could have just done it manually by now. Errrrr. -_-

 

[Jpoandl]

SMS 2003 (and 2.0 for that matter) is somewhat complicated. Therefore, it requires some learning and trial and error. SMS is really meant for larger organizations because it is easier to script or implement other software packages in smaller environment to accomplish what SMS can do.

Anyway, make sure that you have your Distribution Points identified and up to date (with your package). Anytime that you make an update to your package, you will have to update your distibution points.

Another thing you might want to try is to create a package that does not run in hidden mode. Then advertise this package so that the program can be run manually by the client. This way you can see the package run.



Here are some links that might help:


Distribution Folders:

http://myitforum.techtarget.com/articles/8/view.asp?id=7269

Software Distibution Account:

http://myitforum.techtarget.com/articles/8/view.asp?id=7134

Joseph L. Poandl
MCSE 2003

If your company is in need of experts to examine technical problems/solutions, please check out

http://www.NJCOMPUTERNETWORKS.com

(Sales@njcomputernetworks.com)

 

[Jpoandl]

Oh...another great resource, I forgot to mention before is the SMS 2003 Operations Guide. Chapter 5 covers package distribution:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/sms/2003/all/opsguide/en-us/ops_3ncp.mspx

Joseph L. Poandl
MCSE 2003

If your company is in need of experts to examine technical problems/solutions, please check out

http://www.NJCOMPUTERNETWORKS.com

(Sales@njcomputernetworks.com)

 

[SMO6]

Oops I duplicated you post, oh well. I'm now at the same point that you were. I'll check the links.... Does it matter if the package source and distribution point are on different servers?

Later!

 

[Jpoandl]

No this shouldn't matter.

Joseph L. Poandl
MCSE 2003

If your company is in need of experts to examine technical problems/solutions, please check out

http://www.NJCOMPUTERNETWORKS.com

(Sales@njcomputernetworks.com)

 

[SMO6]

I want to run an unattended package & I'm SO close now.... The software I'm deploying is an Autodesk product and I found the directions for supplying the answers the Install wants. However, I tried entering this long command in the 'command line' field of program config but that didn't work. I also tried making a batch file with the long line of config as well.... I wouldn't be posting this if either worked.... Here is the command (where would I put this?):

msiexec /i "\\Server\Install\Autodesk Voloview 3\voloview.msi" /liwe voloinstall.log /qb INSTALLDIR="D:\Program Files\Volo View" ACAD_SILENT_LICENSE=YES ACADSERIALPREFIX=123 ACADSERIALNUMBER=45678912 ADDLOCAL=ALL USERNAME="Engineering Dept" COMPANYNAME="Smith Co."

HELP!

 

[SMO6]

Few more things I forgot to mention:

I changed the package to point @ setup.exe in the directory w/ the source files and the package works fine. I guess I just have the path to the MSI wrong or something.... What's wierd is that I navigated to a batch file that I made and double-clicked it. The install started right away.... So, SMS is not diggin' the path I have in the batch file I guess....

Not only would I like this to be unattended & silent but I'd also like for it to install upon login or something...

As always your tips are appreciated.

SmAu6

 

[Jpoandl]

So then you got your package to work SM06? Good!

For hidden automated installations, the software company must provide switches to accomplish that type of installation. If they do provide automated installation switches, you should be good to go. A good example of this is Microsoft security patches. These always have various switches to perform an install in an automated way.

If they don't have the right switches, you must use a packaging program like the SMS Installer or the WISE installer (WISE is a bit easier). In these types of programs, you can totally customize the software installation. For example, you can easily copy files to the local system and then run them....or change the registry to tweak the software application that much more.

As far as automating the install to activate when a user logs in, you will have to play with the ADVERTISEMENT options. You can target a User or a computer or group for an SMS installation.

The best thing I can recommend is creating a very easy small installation....like Adobe acrobat or something. And play with the different options for performing the installation. There is no ONE WAY for installing packages...its more of a way that you develop that works for your environment.

-later

Joseph L. Poandl
MCSE 2003

If your company is in need of experts to examine technical problems/solutions, please check out

http://www.NJCOMPUTERNETWORKS.com

(Sales@njcomputernetworks.com)