Creating MSI's

[adamyoung]

We use WinInstall LE to create MSI's but are having some probs with certain programs (namely Lanview).

When the MSI is executed manually by an administrator it installs and runs fine, but when it is automatically deployed then a student logs on it doesnt work properly.

I understand that FileMon and RegMon can be used to configure it so that the apps run with admin rights but when we try to run these as a student to see which bits dont work it says the user doesnt have Debug rights?

Can anyone help?

OFSTED tommorrow!

[ajbritton]

Need more information about what Lanview does. Does it install services etc.
AFAIK FileMon and RegMon will not help you run an application with Admin priv. There is an MS utility called EPAL (elevated permission application launcher) which might be of use. Have you talked to the supplier about how to deploy on the LAN? It would make sense for a LAN application to have a simple method of deployment. Also, make sure you are not trying to repackage what is already an MSI. Some MSI's come hidden inside self extracting .EXE files. Run the .EXE and look in %TEMP%.

[adamyoung]

It does add services.

LanView is a free program for monitoring kids activities and block net access (mst-software.com)

Will try your suggestion

[ChrisH]

It's already in MSI format look under the RM download.

[adamyoung]

I tried installing the RM MSI but it doesnt work, well it does if i log on as administrator and run it manually

If i deploy it the software doesnt run properly when a student logs on, which is where permissions come in.

[OverWorked]

I had this problem. Most MSI's failed for users, but worked for admins, when we had mandatory profiles.

Since switching to roaming profiles the problem has gone away.

I don't have any problems with roaming profiles because pupils desktop is heavily locked down with GP.

It drove me mad for months.

I also use Ondemand WinInstall LE. For a free product, it's pretty good when you get used to it. It messes up shortcut icons if they're not pointing to a .exe with embedded icons.

(Last time I looked, though, they are charging $50 for it. It was free when I got it).

[Geoff]

Deploy your MSI's from the Machine settings not the User settings.

[adamyoung]

We have roaming profiles but still it doesnt work

[ChrisH]

I tried installing the RM MSI but it doesnt work, well it does if i log on as administrator and run it manually

If i deploy it the software doesnt run properly when a student logs on, which is where permissions come in.

Very strange. I am not currently using it at the moment but when I tried it a few months back it ran fine. Try asking on their website.

[OverWorked]

I'd second Geoff's suggestion. In the GPO, are you assigning the msi to users or computers? I only ever assign to computers.

Adam - MSI's really did drive me mad for months. I've pretty much got them cracked now so I know what your going through. They are worth persevering with. I rarely install anything manually. I do the great majority with msi's.

Another question: Do you have trouble with vendor supplied MSI's, or is it just your home-made ones? Can you deploy something like MS Office from the MSI on the CD?