Loading the client in a new PC

[Xolotl]

Back when I had IPX in my NetWare 6 server any new windows machines would find the server pretty easy using the MS NetWare client. Then I would install the real Novell client from one of the volumes and then I would install the rest of the 3 party utilities. Now, in pure IP, my new XP Pro workstations are not able to access any of the volumes.

As an alternative I tried NetStorage, since it is a browser base utility, I thought I could just grab the Novell Client from the volume where it is located and copy it to the local hard drive or run it from server volume, but I guess I misunderstand the real use of NetStorage. NetStorage does not allows me to download a whole directory into the workstation.

I imagine that there are more sophisticated ways than just using my flash memory key and go from machine to machine installing the client. Could you please give me some suggestions?

I am aware that there are some solutions, such as Zen works, but they are probably too costly for us to afford them right now.

Thanks.

 

[marvhuffaker]

Your NEtware server has a Webserver in it.. If it's NetWAre 6 then it's the Novonyx one. If it's NetWare 6.5, then Apache..

Eitherway....

There is a method called SETUPIP that utilizes your web server (or any other web server for that matter) for delivery to your workstations. This was originally used for GroupWise client delivery, but they've made it work for the Novell Client as well.

So the idea is this... Put the Client install files into your web docuemnt folder so it can be accessed through the web server.. Generate a file called SETUPIP with a utility called WRITEIP.ExE. The file is custom generated and points to the location of the setup files on your web server. Distribute the SETUPIP.EXE file to your users. They run it and it downloads and installs the client from the server.

You should be able to find some TIDS on this, I know I've only given general instructions.

But an example of how the process is used by end users..

1) you give them a URL such as HTTP:\\MYNOVELLSERVER\CLIENT\SETUPIP.EXE
2) They download and run this.
3) It installs the client.

You can also customize the setup configuration files so that when it is deployed, it's already configured for your tree and network parameters.


Marvin Huffaker, MCNE

http://www.redjuju.com

 

[LawnBoy]

There's an easier way (I didn't say it was better). Pick some Win machine, copy the client install files to it, and share the folder. Then use Network Neighborhood to browse to the share.

 

[marvhuffaker]

I never thought that Windows solutions were the easiest.

SETUPIP allows you to publish a link to all employees (like, via email or something)..

It's like this:

Step 1) Let users Click LInk and allow the program to run.
Step 2) Let the users watch the automated install and reboot when its done.

no biggie. Takes a little setup on the back side but after that it's all smooth.




Marvin Huffaker, MCNE

http://www.redjuju.com

 

[Xolotl]

Thanks guys for your help. I am going to try the Webserver setupip solution. It sounds very interesting. First, I need to figure out the webserver part since I never configure one before. It will take me longer now but eventually it will pay.

 

[marvhuffaker]

Also.. In the client install folder, there is a subfolder called "ADMIN".. In that folder is a file called NCIMAN32.EXE..Run that and it will allow you to create a scripted/unattended install to make the process easier. Just configure it with the options you want and save to a file.

Using this in conjunction with SetupIP will really help you out. If you lookup SETUPIP on Novell's Knowledgebase, you'll find a lot of info for the GroupWise Process. But essentially it is the same.. One difference.. GroupWise files come compressed in a SETUPIP.FIL file, the Novell client files do not.

Marvin Huffaker, MCNE

http://www.redjuju.com