Newbie Repackaging Question
We have a program called CPS Classroom Performance System. It was created with InstallShield.
The setup will not run unattended, even with the /s switch. And we need it to, so I'm trying to "repackage" it.
As it turns out, InstallShield extracts and runs an msi file.
But before doing this, it extracts and installs a bunch of prerequisite software (things like .NET Framework, MDAC, MS Office Interop Assemblies, etc). The installers for these prerequisites are .exe files and .msi files.
I'm still pretty new to repackaging, and I'm not sure the best way to do this.
I've read in several places on this web site that you shouldn't repackage an msi; you should use a transform instead.
So should I create a transform to install the prerequisite software? Is that even possible?
P.S. - Each of the prerequisites, individually, can be run in silent mode. I just need to chain them all together.
P.P.S. - I'm using Wise Package Studio and Caphyon Advanced Installer.
The setup will not run unattended, even with the /s switch. And we need it to, so I'm trying to "repackage" it.
As it turns out, InstallShield extracts and runs an msi file.
But before doing this, it extracts and installs a bunch of prerequisite software (things like .NET Framework, MDAC, MS Office Interop Assemblies, etc). The installers for these prerequisites are .exe files and .msi files.
I'm still pretty new to repackaging, and I'm not sure the best way to do this.
I've read in several places on this web site that you shouldn't repackage an msi; you should use a transform instead.
So should I create a transform to install the prerequisite software? Is that even possible?
P.S. - Each of the prerequisites, individually, can be run in silent mode. I just need to chain them all together.
P.P.S. - I'm using Wise Package Studio and Caphyon Advanced Installer.
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Posted by:
aogilmor
15 years ago
ORIGINAL: michelsr
We have a program called CPS Classroom Performance System. It was created with InstallShield.
The setup will not run unattended, even with the /s switch. And we need it to, so I'm trying to "repackage" it.
As it turns out, InstallShield extracts and runs an msi file.
But before doing this, it extracts and installs a bunch of prerequisite software (things like .NET Framework, MDAC, MS Office Interop Assemblies, etc). The installers for these prerequisites are .exe files and .msi files.
I'm still pretty new to repackaging, and I'm not sure the best way to do this.
I've read in several places on this web site that you shouldn't repackage an msi; you should use a transform instead.
So should I create a transform to install the prerequisite software? Is that even possible?
P.S. - Each of the prerequisites, individually, can be run in silent mode. I just need to chain them all together.
P.P.S. - I'm using Wise Package Studio and Caphyon Advanced Installer.
See what docs the vendor can provide for deployment. You are correct that things like .NET Framework, MDAC, MS Office Interop Assemblies, etc that you mentioned shouldn't be repackaged for sure. Look to microsoft for guidance on how to install or deploy these apps. the app itself might need to be repackaged, but sometimes installshield is just a wrapper for an msi. the vendor could be a source of info. or just look in the %temp% and see if it's an msi or not. you can chain them together with a batch file or wise script. good luck and welcome.
Posted by:
anonymous_9363
15 years ago
So should I create a transform to install the prerequisite software? Is that even possible?Absolutely. Use WPS's InstallTailor to create what's called a response transform.
I just need to chain them all together.How will the final package be deployed? Group Policy? SMS/SCCM? Altiris?
Posted by:
anonymous_9363
15 years ago
LOL...the one deployment tool I know diddly-squat about :) Sorry! Maybe someone more familiar with it can provide guidance on how you might call multiple command lines for one 'package'.
Posted by:
michelsr
15 years ago
That's okay. Zenworks I know; it's the msi stuff I don't.
In fact, I could write a script to:
1) Check for prerequisite software A and silently install it if necessary.
2) Check for prerequisite software B and silently install it if necessary.
3) Run MainProgram.msi /passive
I just thought it might be more elegant to put all the prerequisite checks/installs inside the MainProgram.msi file.
What do you think?
In fact, I could write a script to:
1) Check for prerequisite software A and silently install it if necessary.
2) Check for prerequisite software B and silently install it if necessary.
3) Run MainProgram.msi /passive
I just thought it might be more elegant to put all the prerequisite checks/installs inside the MainProgram.msi file.
What do you think?
Posted by:
anonymous_9363
15 years ago
I'd certainly add the checks for the pre-reqs in to the MSI. That way, you have a fail-safe for a situation where the script may have failed. You can do that using AppSearch (AS) and LaunchCondition (LC). BTW, if you're using Wise package Studio, note that, by default, the LC action appears before the AS action. One of the first steps when setting up WPS from scratch is to correct this idiocy by editing the templates.
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