Make software available for network installation 1

[vickero007]

How do I make software available for installation over the network via the "Add New Programs" option in Windows 2000? I have Windows 2000 server and I would like to make Visual Studio .NET available.

-Volkoff007

 

[ashpp]

You use group policy to publish the MSI file for VS .NET to the clients.

Ash.

 

[vickero007]

Thank you Ash. What if there is no msi file like in InterDev? Do I have to create it somehow?

-Volkoff007

 

[amorielljr]

You would have to create the MSI file somehow. There is a utility on the Windows 2000 CD under the path \vlaueadd\3rdparty\mgmt\winstle. You can also purchase more robust software from companies like PCAnywhere, etc.

 

[agrappe]

On your W2k CD there's an application called WinInstall LE. It is similar to Novell's Snapshot. It creates an .msi file.

It's at D:\VALUEADD\3RDPARTY\MGMT\WINSTLE

 

[agrappe]

I'm just way too slow on my posts. Sorry about the repeated info....

 

[ashpp]

As amorielljr said you'll need to repackage the application into a MSI.

The other option is to use a .ZAP file to publish it (a simple ini file). ZAP installations arent as robust and cannot use elevated privledges. If this isn't a problem it'll be a quicker way to go.

If you search google you should find some info on ZAP installation - I personally never use ZAPs so have none to give.

Ash.

 

[vickero007]

Now I need help with .mst files. The only thing I really need to customize for the installation is having the CD-Key/serial# automatically input so that when users are using Add New Programs they don't have to do anything except click Add. What's the best way to do this?

-Volkoff007

 

[ashpp]

volkoff007,

On the server run Visual .NET installer with the switch /A. ie. SETUP /A. It'll ask you CD-KEY and for a directory to install the files to. The installer creates a new MSI in this directory - you then allocate this MSI out.

HTH

Ash.