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Deploying MSI packages using Certero Distribution

2 min read

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This article explains the process for creating deployments of MSI packages within Certero Distribution. We will be deploying Adobe Reader DC within this example.

Creating the package

1. Download Adobe Reader DC and save to a UNC path that is accessible by clients on your network.

2. Navigate to Distribution > Packages and select 'New'.

3. Enter a name and description for the package and then enter the appropriate UNC path and credentials for accessing the UNC path (if required):

4. Select the 'Procedures' tab and click 'Add New'.

5. Create an install procedure with the following details:

Command = %WINDIR%\System32\msiexec.exe
Parameters = /i "%PKGDIR%\AcroRdrDC2200120142_en_US.msi" /qn
Execution Context = Device Based
Allow User Interaction = Unchecked
N.B. '%PKGDIR%' is an alias for the UNC path entered above

6. Next we will create an uninstall procedure with the following details:

Command = %WINDIR%\System32\msiexec.exe
Parameters = /x {AC76BA86-1033-1033-7760-BC15014EA700} /qn
Execution Context = Device Based

In the above example, we have referenced the applications uninstall string within the uninstall procedure,  you can find the uninstall strings within the following registry location: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Alternatively, you can retrieve uninstall strings from inventory data gathered by Certero as displayed below:

7.  We have now completed the creation of an MSI package to be deployed via Certero Distribution.  The completed package should look like the example below:

As we have now created both install and uninstall procedures the package is now complete and ready to be deployed.  We would recommend deploying to a test system before proceeding with wider deployment.

Deploying the Package

1. Navigate to Distribution > Active Jobs and click 'New'

2. Enter a name and description, then select the appropriate operating system, package and procedure.

3. Select the 'Schedule' tab and configure as required, we would recommend configuring the job as shown below when testing deployments:

4. Click the 'Options' tab and configure as required and click save, in this example we will proceed with the default settings shown below:

5. As we have selected 'Manual Selection' we will now need to add some target systems to the Active Job.  To do this right click the Active Job > Actions > Add Targets:

6. Select the required targets and click OK

7. You can monitor the progress of deployments within the Active Jobs area of the platform by navigating to Distribution > Active Jobs.

If you are experiencing failed deployments:

Certero Distribution Windows system error codes