How do you combine MSIs using Wise Studio
Currently we deploy packages using VBS script and Group policy. So for example if we needed to install application Myapp.msi we would just use group policy to publish that myapp.msi. The problem is when the application requires several other applications before installing. For example myapp.msi may require dot net framework and windows installer 3.1 before installing. So what i would like to do is create a MSI that basically launches those three in a particular order that way i could just publish the one MSI instead of writing a vbs script that launches each one. We use Wise Studio 7 for repacking of apps and of course that only applies if the application is in exe format rather then msi. Any help would be appreciated thanks,
Ryan D
Ryan D
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Posted by:
aogilmor
16 years ago
If you have Wise Package Studio it's pretty easy to create Wise Scripts - wse files that compile into .exe files, which would let you launch a series of programs or MSI installations.
Posted by:
duplexrj
16 years ago
Sounds like a good idea, but still makes me rely on deplying that exe via a script of some sort. I would like to only deploy one msi that could do what you say that exe could do. If thats not possible then i'll have to stick with the exe launching multiple msi solution.
Posted by:
AngelD
16 years ago
I would install these separatly through GPO.
You could use a tool called ASSM (Assigned Software Sequence Manager) to change the sequence order the assigned packages will be installed from the Group Policy object. This should enable you to install the required applications prior to others (ex. myapp.msi).
You could use a tool called ASSM (Assigned Software Sequence Manager) to change the sequence order the assigned packages will be installed from the Group Policy object. This should enable you to install the required applications prior to others (ex. myapp.msi).
Posted by:
AngelD
16 years ago
So what i would like to do is create a MSI that basically launches those three in a particular order
The Altiris KB article 2955 describes how to create nested/concurrent installs, thus I still do not recommend it.
https://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=2955&p=1
The Altiris KB article 2955 describes how to create nested/concurrent installs, thus I still do not recommend it.
https://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=2955&p=1
Posted by:
duplexrj
16 years ago
It sounds like this nested / concurrnet installs is exactly what i'm looking for, but curious why you do not recommend it?
We will soon be using System Center Configuration Manager 2007 in our environment and Microsoft recommended that deploy software using MSI's instead of VBS scripts. I'm perfectly fine with that approach but how do many of you out there deploy applications that have several MSI's? Do most of you use exes that launch multiple MSI's? Thank you all for your previous help
We will soon be using System Center Configuration Manager 2007 in our environment and Microsoft recommended that deploy software using MSI's instead of VBS scripts. I'm perfectly fine with that approach but how do many of you out there deploy applications that have several MSI's? Do most of you use exes that launch multiple MSI's? Thank you all for your previous help
Posted by:
AngelD
16 years ago
Hi Ryan,
The biggest problem with nested install is that you cannot handle them separetly. This means you cannot uninstall a nested MSI without uninstalling the main MSI (wrapper). So forget about trying to upgrade or patch a nested MSI.
Even Microsoft doesn't recommend nested/concurrent installs due to these obstacles.
With SMS you can still use the MSIs but I would use a vbscript that would install the MSIs in the order you want them. You can from the vbscript check if the required applications (MSIs) are already installed and if not then install them before your myapp.msi.
The biggest problem with nested install is that you cannot handle them separetly. This means you cannot uninstall a nested MSI without uninstalling the main MSI (wrapper). So forget about trying to upgrade or patch a nested MSI.
Even Microsoft doesn't recommend nested/concurrent installs due to these obstacles.
With SMS you can still use the MSIs but I would use a vbscript that would install the MSIs in the order you want them. You can from the vbscript check if the required applications (MSIs) are already installed and if not then install them before your myapp.msi.
Posted by:
aogilmor
16 years ago
it is possible but IIRC still not recommended by MSFT, for various reasons.
do a google search for embedded MSI if you're interested.
I just suggested wise script because it's easier to work with and prettier for the users than a vbscript.
good luck!
do a google search for embedded MSI if you're interested.
I just suggested wise script because it's easier to work with and prettier for the users than a vbscript.
good luck!
Posted by:
anonymous_9363
16 years ago
ORIGINAL: duplexrjMy current client does! We found deployments marginally quicker this way than having dependent sub-groups. It's easy: just 'Add package' again, which is what I think Kim (angelD) was trying to tell you. Add the MSIs to the GPO in the order you want them installed.
how do many of you out there deploy applications that have several MSI's? Do most of you use exes that launch multiple MSI's?
BTW, I had no luck whatsoever searching for ASSM (which you would use to re-order the install sequence) a while ago (all links were dead) so, if the order needs changing, there's no choice but to delete all the MSIs from the GPO and do them again.
Edit:
What do I know? :) http://rs31.rapidshare.com/files/14383882/ASSM_0.3.zip
Posted by:
AngelD
16 years ago
Ian,
If I recall correct Nick did contact sywan but they removed the download link due to to much support calls for this free tool.
I think Nick posted a working download link but can't find it.
If I recall correct Nick did contact sywan but they removed the download link due to to much support calls for this free tool.
I think Nick posted a working download link but can't find it.
Posted by:
anonymous_9363
16 years ago
Kim, The link in my edited post does work. There's some sort of sponsor/payment nonsense goes on but you can just wait it out and the ZIP will download.
Rating comments in this legacy AppDeploy message board thread won't reorder them,so that the conversation will remain readable.