Scratch 2.0 Install Method (no .msi)

[Andie]

I need to install Scratch 2.0 offline editor onto 98 domain laptops. It's a .air installer. Currently there is no .msi available. It also needs Adobe AIR installed to make it run. Adobe AIR also currently has no .msi.

 

Is there a clever way to throw this out to all the laptops without needing an .msi? Or do I just have to go to each one...?

 

And I know there is a web based version of Scratch 2.0, but headteacher doesn't want to use this as encourages pupils to sign up for an online account and ours are all under 13.

 

Server is Windows Server 2013, but these laptops are currently XP. In the process of updating to Win 7 but need a fastish solution if possible to get Scratch out there now they've had the training.

Edited May 19, 2014 by Andie

[fiza]

Can you create your own installer using something like Wininstall?

[synaesthesia]

Air is certainly MSI'able if you go through the usual methods from Adobe for distribution.

[fiza]

Air is certainly MSI'able if you go through the usual methods from Adobe for distribution.

 

Has this changed recently? The last time I wanted to deploy Air via MSI (GPO) I found that it wasn't possible.

[fiza]

"Deploying Adobe AIR via Group Policy Objects (GPOs) or Active Directory is not a supported option. If you require this type of deployment, send an email to [email protected] so that Adobe can notify you when that feature becomes available."

 

Taken from here : Adobe AIR Runtime Distribution | Adobe

[tekins]

We deployed Air last week using SCCM, got the MSI from adobe.

[Oaktech]

We've done the above and it works just fine...

[fiza]

I guess its possible through SCCM but not GPO.

[edutech4schools]

but headteacher doesn't want to use this as encourages pupils to sign up for an online account and ours are all under 13.

 

Curious how the software encourages pupils to sign-up. We use the on-line one at lots of primary schools and I have not been informed that this is an issue (so far).

[synaesthesia]

SCCM just used the standard MSI. If SCCM can do it, you can do it with GPO or script too.

[fiza]

SCCM just used the standard MSI. If SCCM can do it, you can do it with GPO or script too.

 

I guess the blurb from Adobe does says "not supported" doesn't mean it wont work.

[synaesthesia]

This is Adobe after all. Bum and elbow syndrome. If they weren't too busy sitting on their elbows doing nothing they'd notice their documentation was a bit rubbish!

[Arthur]

The last time I wanted to deploy Air via MSI (GPO) I found that it wasn't possible.

The MSI is hidden inside the AdobeAIRInstaller.exe. Extract all of the files using WinRAR or 7-Zip.

 

You may also want to disable the automatic updater using an MST (see attached).

Adobe AIR v13.0.0.111.mst

[fiza]

The MSI is hidden inside the AdobeAIRInstaller.exe. Extract all of the files using WinRAR or 7-Zip.

 

You may also want to disable the automatic updater using an MST (see attached).

 

I made the mistake of taking what they said on their website as gospel so didn't get as far as trying to extract the MSI from the EXE. Will do next time I need it though!

[Andie]

Air is certainly MSI'able if you go through the usual methods from Adobe for distribution.

 

Ok, thanks. I've applied for the AIR distribution licence. However, I still have the problem with Scratch. It comes as an AIR package. Any ideas??? Also, I can't work out how to extract an MSI from an EXE. Looked at WinRAR trial website, but it doesn't list EXE as a package it can extract from. Sorry - I need more basic help with this one.....

[themightymrp]

Use 7zip to extract it (although WinRAR definitely does work). Sometimes it might be easier to double click the .exe and wait until you get the first splash screen. You can then browse to %temp% and see the files/folders it just extracted. Nab it from there

[themightymrp]

To silently install a .AIR application from a script use:

 

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe AIR\Versions\1.0\Adobe AIR Application Installer.exe -silent -euleAccepted -programMenu "Full path to .air file"

[nicholab]

I have done this but still not sorted the accepting the licence.

[themightymrp]

Check this link for the command line guide:

 

AdobeFlashPlatform * Adobe AIR Runtime Redistribution Instructions

 

I've also noted on the above I mis-spelled eula and put eule, so its actually -eulaAccepted

[plexer]

universal extractor from legroom software is my go to tool for extracting the contents of files.

 

Universal Extractor | LegRoom.net

 

Ben

[Andie]

To silently install a .AIR application from a script use:

 

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe AIR\Versions\1.0\Adobe AIR Application Installer.exe -silent -eulaAccepted -programMenu "Full path to .air file"

 

I've noted the correction to the eulaAccepted (and edited it in above). Can I just dump this command into a domain startup script as it is? I assume I'll have to work out a way for it to check for the file first.....?

 

I've got a script somewhere that we used for upgrading Sophos across the domain. I'll have a look at that, but would be grateful for any help to point me in the right direction.

[themightymrp]

You will need to use an IF EXIST or a IF NOT EXIST command to check whether a) Adobe AIR is installed and b) if the application is already installed.

 

Something looking like:

 

if not exist "c:\program files (x86)\common files\adobe AIR\versions\1.0 (or 1.1)" then goto END
if not exist "c:\program files (x86)\application name" then goto install
goto END

:install
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe AIR\Versions\1.0\Adobe AIR Application Installer.exe -silent -eulaAccepted -programMenu "Full path to .air file"
goto END

:END

 

If you are using a GPO to deploy the MSI of Adobe Air then this will work. If you want to install adobe air in the same script then insert something like:

 

msiexec /I path/to/adobe.msi /q

[Andie]

You will need to use an IF EXIST or a IF NOT EXIST command to check whether a) Adobe AIR is installed and b) if the application is already installed.

 

Something looking like:

 

if not exist "c:\program files (x86)\common files\adobe AIR\versions\1.0 (or 1.1)" then goto END
if not exist "c:\program files (x86)\application name" then goto install
goto END

:install
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe AIR\Versions\1.0\Adobe AIR Application Installer.exe -silent -eulaAccepted -programMenu "Full path to .air file"
goto END

:END

 

If you are using a GPO to deploy the MSI of Adobe Air then this will work. If you want to install adobe air in the same script then insert something like:

 

msiexec /I path/to/adobe.msi /q

 

Brilliant! Thanks! I'll give it a go and report back.

[themightymrp]

Some slight variation on the above should see you right. I would create the script and run it on one machine manually first to make sure there's no bugs in it

[busby]

New download of Scratch contains .MSI

 

http://cdn.scratch.mit.edu/scratchr2/static/sa/Scratch.exe