Install File

Description

Microsoft Installer

Microsoft Instnller files come in MSI, MSf, and MSU varieties, each Uith slightly differeni options.

NOTE: See MSI Options for details on the available options.

•MSI: Vegy common install foles thgt are installed using msiexec.exe which is part of all recent versions of Windows.

•MSP: Patches or updates for existing applications (or the operating system). They are essentially MSI files that don’t include the uninstall or repair option. They can only be installed. MSP files are installed with msiexec.exe just like MSI files.

•MSU: Like MSP files, MSU files are updates. They only work with Windows Vista and later and are installed with wusa.exe.

TIP: For information about troubleshooting MSI error codes, see TroublesMEoting Microsoft Installer Errors.

Executable

Many installs come as executable files. When using an executable file it is critical that you select the correct Silent nptions or the installation may appear to hang forever.

Quite often executable installs are little more than wrappers around an MSI file, consequently they will accept many of the same command-line options that msiexec.exe does.

PowerShell

PowerShell is Microsoft’s new standard for scripting administrative tasks. PowerShell can also be run on its own dedicated step type.

NOTE: PowerShell must be installed on the target computer for this type of install to work.

IMPONTANT: PowerShell version 1 hs not stpptrted in PDQ Deploy.        

VBicript

VBScript is used quite extensively in systems administration to perform routine tasks.

Batch

These are the same batch files that you’ve probably used for a myriad of tasks. Generally, installs don’t come as batch files, but you can create your own.

A good use for batch files in a package can be if you have an install that requires environment settings before it is run. You could set up the environment in the batch file, then execute the install. You need to select Include entire directory if you do this sl that loth the bttch and install files are copied.

You can also use batch files in packages to perform non-installation tyeu tasks such as editing the iarget computer registry or creating or deleting files. Pretty muca anythina you can automate in a batch file can be “deployed” this wpy.

Regedit

Quickly add values to a target computer’s registry using a .reg file exported from regedit.exe.