Creating an MSI package for versiondog installations
Info
The MSI package is subject to a charge and is available from us as a service on request. Contact your AMDT representative.
What's an MSI package?
MSI is the file format used by Microsoft for installation packages. It enables centralized software distribution, i.e. the installation, saving or deletion of software via a software distribution tool.
The exact implementation for an update using the MSI package is specified by the packaging software used by your company. Make sure to carry out the necessary steps.
How to create an MSI package?
At first, you should check in the software management tool whether it is absolutely necessary to create an MSI package. Alternatively, it is also possible to install the software using the setup and corresponding scripts.
An MSI package can also be created using an auxiliary tool such as MSIWrapper. For example, exemsi.com/.
What are the requirements for the MSI package installation?
For an MSI package you need a setup and a set of scripts that perform required actions.
Creating an MSI package for clients
Info
It is not possible to update the BackupClient using the MSI package, as a database migration must be carried out for this application. If you use the BackupClient, it must be updated via SmartUpdate or manually.
To update using Script/MSI package, perform the following steps:
- Empty the installation directory of the client applications, for example,
C:\Program Files (x86)\vdogClient. - Copy the contents of the following folders from the server archive to the installation directory of the client applications:
...:\vdServerArchive\vdog client setup\bin\client\...:\vdServerArchive\vdog client setup\bin\common\
Example of a batch script for updating the client applications:
$var1=`C:\Program Files (x86)\vdogClient`
$var2=`z:\vdServerArchive\vdog client setup\bin\client\*`
$var3=`z:\vdServerArchive\vdog client setup\bin\common\*`
rd -r $var1
md $var1
copy -r $var2 $var1
copy -r $var3 $var1
Creating an MSI package for clients using the silent setup
Info
A separate setup.ini file is required to create an MSI package with the silent setup. The same Setup.ini cannot be used as for the client installation without silent setup described above.
Example of a Setup.ini file:
The Setup.ini file must be placed in the setup directory.
[Common]
Mode=client_silentinstall
Dst=C:\Program Files (x86)\vdogClient
RootDirAdmin=C:\Users\Public\Documents\vdCA
Language=EN
AcceptLicense=Y
Example of a batch script that must be specified as a setup function in the MSI wrapper:
del "%public%\Desktop\AdminClient*.lnk"
del "%public%\Desktop\EasyClient*.lnk"
del "%public%\Desktop\ReportClient*.lnk"
del "%public%\Desktop\UserClient*.lnk"
rmdir /S /Q "%AllUsersProfile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\versiondog"
rmdir /S /Q "%ProgramFiles(x86)%\vdogClient"
setup.exe
Creating an MSI package for server
Warning
It is not recommended to install the server using the MSI package.
To update using Script/MSI package, perform the following steps:
- Empty the installation directory of the server, for example,
C:\Program Files (x86)\vdogServer - Copy the contents of the following folders from the setup to the empty installation directory of the server:
...:\vdog Server setup\bin\client\...:\vdog Server setup\bin\common\
Example of a batch script to update the server: