Using Silent Install Scripts to Deploy Software to MS Windows PCs.

Larry Carpenter, P.E.

CAx Administrator / FE Analyst Siemens Healthcare Molecular Imaging Division Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 [email protected]

(847) 304-SDRC (7372)

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Topics

 The Need For Install Scripts  Why Use Windows Batch Scripting?

 Silent Install Methods  Usage & Syntax Examples  Complete Install Scripts

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The Need for Install Scripts

 Manually installing various types of software on multiple PCs is:  Time consuming  Error plone Error Prone  BOOOOOORRRRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNGGGG!!!

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Why Use Batch Scripting?

 Easy to learn and use  Been around since days of DOS  Doesn’t require any real programming knowledge  Only requires a text editor (Notepad)  Easy for others to follow if needed  Is capable of a lot of the same stuff as other languages  Uses same command line syntax as performing a silent install.

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Silent Install Methods

 InstallShield’s “setup.exe” method is used by:  I-DEAS 11 & earlier versions  Teamcenter Engineering 9.1.3 & earlier versions  Older Java versions  Many other programs  Windows Installer (MSI) method is used by:  NX4+ & I-DEAS 12+   TC Visualization  NX Nastran

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Silent Install Method - MSI

 ‘msiexec’ syntax example: msiexec /i "%IDEAS_DIST%\Java\Java.msi" /quiet /passive INSTALLDIR=C:\j2sdk1.4.2_05 ALLUSERS=1 /l* %LOG%\%COMPUTERNAME%.log

 More information can usually be found in the application’s install guide, related documentation, or simply enter “msiexec” at a command prompt to view general usage syntax.

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Creating a Simple Install Script

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Create a text file named with a .bat or .cmd extension and place the logic for the silent install(s) into the file. You can do consecutive installs from the same script.

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Place the newly created batch file in a network location accessible by each client.

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On every PC, double click the batch file to begin the install.

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Things to Add to the Install Script

 Log script progress  Remove old software  Check for success of install or uninstall  Configure OS settings (system variables, registry settings, etc.)  Create directory structures & set file permissions  Copy client customizations  Apply patches  Set it up for remote deployment (via SMS for example)

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Log Example

 Create a new batch file redirecting STDOUT to a file using the ‘>’ operand.

 For example, the contents of this new batch file may contain the following:  The Install_NX5.bat is the actual install script. All output is sent to a log file in the local temp directory.

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Check for Existing Program Example

 Check for existence of Java 1.5.0_06 and route as necessary.

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Remove Software Example

 You can usually find the uninstall command string for your application within the Windows Registry.

 Use ‘regedit’ to open the Registry and browse to:  HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall  Search for your app’s key and ‘UninstallString’ value.

 Place this string value into the uninstall script.

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Configure OS Settings Example

 Create, or Edit Registry settings using ‘reg’ command. For help, type ‘reg /?’ at a command prompt.

 reg add HKLM\Software\UGS /v LICENSESERVER /d 28000@licserver  reg import NX5_defaults.reg

 reg query  Set System Variable  Add ‘tools’ directory to system %PATH%  setx Path "%Path%;C:\CAxPLM\tools" -m ‘setx’ is a Windows Resource Tool Kit utility available for free from Microsoft’s website.

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Check for Successful Install Example

 Install NX5 and check to see if it was installed successfully before continuing.

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Copy Customizations Example

 You can perform client side customizations.

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Create Directories and Set File Permissions Example

 Create model file directory and set permissions on it to full control for CAD users and managers.

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Create Scheduled Tasks Example

 Create a Scheduled Task to execute a nightly maintenance routine such as defragmenting a hard drive or backing up local user files.

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Preset Firewall Exceptions Example

 Preset firewall exceptions to avoid the Block/Unblock dialog boxes and work around the I-DEAS 12 Orbix bug.

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Apply Patches Example

 Update NX5 with a Maintenance Release  Update Teamcenter 2007.1 Visualization to MP2

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Putting It All Together

 Install Scripts that I have available to share:  NX5, Patches, Documentation, & Prerequisites  NX I-DEAS 5, Help Library, SFAM, & Prerequisites  Teamcenter Visualization 2007.1

 NX Nastran 5.1 & Documentation  TCEng 2005SR1 2-Tier Client Install using TEM.

 TCII5.0

 To get copies of these script for your use, send me an email. You’ll have to taylor these scripts for your own use.

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Thank You!

Contact Info: [email protected]

847-304-7372

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