Software Deployment

If you already have an MSI for a release, I don't see why you couldn't create a patch for that MSI using the standard tools...

It appears that Mozilla only releases Firefox as an EXE not an MSI. There is a site that has available to download as an MSI but they are a few versions behind. Running into a situation where about 100 users in our environment are using Firefox (everyone else is on IE) and they need to be patched. It's going to be a chore if we're going to need to re-package every version into an MSI (since they do not offer patches). What are the standard tools you're referring to?

My apologies. As you were referring to patching, I assumed that you had packaged FF into an MSI.

As to whether or not the app gets patched, that depends. If users have rights and download the regular updates then that's what I'd call a patch. But, since you sound like a sensible fellow and wouldn't allow your users such rights, then unless you *want* to create an MSI (and subsequent patches), you're going to have to uninstall the old version and then install the new. That's no big deal: FF isn't huge.

EDIT:What are the standard tools you're referring to?I was hoping you'd tell us which you're using! LOL. There are the clunkers - Wise and InstallShield - or the QADs - Orca and InstEdit. I wouldn't recommend the latter unless you're very experienced with WI, its tables, the MS MSI utiltities and so on.

Mozilla do offer .EXE patches - you can get them from their FTP site. It's what Firefox uses to update itself rather than pulling down a new full installation.

You could wrap that execuatble in an MSI and deploy, but then for a new installation it would require the multiple patch files on top. Or let your deployment tool manage the chained patches etc.

I looked at it at the time I was doing FF alot, and decided against it, sticking with a packaged MSI (with upgrade codes etc) and educating the business that we can't keep updating every week.

I think we decided on x amount of updates a year for Firefox - it was only used for website testing and IE was the main browser in the company.

Hope that helps,

Dunnpy

VBScab - I misunderstood - yes we use Wise Package Studio and 99% of users do not have admin rights so they would be unable to patch Firefox themselves.

Dunnpy - would you happen to have the link to the Mozilla FTP site for individual patches so I can take a look?

I guess I need to figure out how we're going to remove it since most of these users probably installed it themselves (1% of the population).

I wasn't able to find the patches on the FTP site (http://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/) so I decided to make two packges as VBScab suggested.

One script will remove the old Firefox client silently: "C:\program files\Mozilla Firefox\uninstall\helper.exe" /s

One script will install the new Firefox client silently: "\\Server\Software\Firefox\Firefox Setup 3.6.8.exe" -ms -ma

Now I just have to test to make sure it doesn't wipe out their settings and favorites between the uninstall and install!

Guys One quick question regarding Firefox.

How do we install firefox addins through command line. For example if I want to install Firefox extensions(xpi) polish language through command line .how ido it. Please advise.

You should find this page helpful

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Installing_extensions

Sorry for the late reply - been working on a client site..

I mis-remembered what the update files were... but just had a look on the ftp site and it's a.MAR file you want. You can then run 'updater.exe' from the Firefox installation directory (with some switches) to apply the update.

Hope this helps,

Dunnpy

ORIGINAL: dpolishsensation

One script will install the new Firefox client silently: "\\Server\Software\Firefox\Firefox Setup 3.6.8.exe" -ms -ma



Hi.
There is any param(s) for installation, wich at the first launch of Firefox don't propose to user to import or not settings from Internet Explorer and if the Firefox will be or not the default browser?

why do people keep resurecting posts rather than starting a new one????

Anyway the answer is no, it's not as simple as that. But theres loads of information in the knowledge base I've added a link at the top of the thread

I looked at it at the time I was doing FF alot

The best understatement I've heard all day ;)

Hope you're well mate
Al