Rolling out software without an MSI through Group Policies

[Renfield-64]

Does anyone know how to roll out software to networked computers using Group Policies if the software doesn't contain an MSI file? Is it possible to create an MSI or do I have to buy software to do this?

[Norphy]

You have a choice.

 

If you're dead set on deploying through group policy, you can either repackage the installer as an MSI using a product such as AdminStudio by Flexera or (if you can still find it) WinInstallLE. However, this can be complicated and isn't for the faint hearted!

 

Otherwise, you can see if the installer for your package has any command line switches to make it install silently and deploy it using a startup script.

[Renfield-64]

Hi

Thats great, thanks for your help.

 

[themightymrp]

For help with finding silent install methods for popular software, check out this site (formerly AppDeploy.com)

 

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[sparkeh]

Take a look at: WPKG | Open Source Software Deployment and Distribution

I used to use it before getting SCCM, its awesome.

[jamesfed]

What is the item of software you are looking at?

 

Sometimes you will find that the MIS is 'hidden' within a EXE or the software dev has a MSI tucked away but they only hand out the EXE unless you ask for the MSI...

[Renfield-64]

Hi,

yes since my last post I have managed to extract the MSI out of the EXE file.

Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[free780]

Run the exe on a script provided the system account has access to the install files and it can run silently, which is usually issue. Or use pdq deploy.