Msi Install Part of Files

[Adonis Lee]

I have used SMS Installer with ISU or WinInstall LE 2003
to repackage a installation job into an msi file, then use
computer software installation group policy to distribute
to all our W2k workstations. The installation job include
merely copy several files into a specific folder, e.g.
C:\data, and not including any other registry change. I
found that the installation started at all workstation,
but it copy only a part of the files, but not all. The
result is the same for both software and for different
jobs with the same nature. I have checked that the
software have been placed at C:\winnt\Installer. I have
also enabled and checked the verbose logging for windows
installer and application distribution. I am quite sure
it is not a group policy or network traffic problem. It
should be a runtime problem when running the msi program
at workstation machine. Do anyone experience the same
thing or know why?

 

[JAWTCUP]

The MSI should error and preform a roll back if files are missing.
Open the package in the console, and verify the files are indeed in
the package. Higlighting the MSI and clicking on Files from the
DataView will list all files in the package. Clicking on a deployed
MSI shortcut should at least self-heal missing files.

It's also possible the files are being copied to another directoy.
You can check the directory at the component level. Each file should
have it's own component represented by a "green dot". The summary tab
show you the target directory. A simple search on a deployed computer
can also verify this. FYI the KeyPath on the summary tab is what will
self-heal for that component.

Are the files copied into a user specific folder? Under the install
mode tab, ensure the MSI is "Per Machine" and not "Per User". Per
Machine will install to the All user direcotory.

There is also a great BBS at http://bbs.ondemandsoftware.com

 

[Adonis Lee]

I have checked the verbose logging for windows installer
and find no obvious error(though I do not quite understand
the logging description especially some line stated that
it return a code with 0 or 1). Even I manually run the
installer at that machine using administrator a/c, it
still copy all files without problem. The components are
listed exactly what you describe. I have manually remove
some coponent about registry changed made in the model pc
but not for target pc. I am sorry that I don't understand
how "Clicking on a deployed MSI shortcut should at least
self-heal missing files". I want the installation
transparent to user but not want them to do any manual
work. Thanks!

Also, how the Keypath heal the file? It only shows the
file that will install in that component.

 

[JAWTCUP]

Noting that it works with an administrator account this may be a Per
User Per Machine issue. Ensure the install mode is "Per Machine" on
the install mode tab. What files are missing? Can we narrow this to
user profiles? What application are you packaging, there may be a
known issue.

Noting the package works with an administrator account, we should look
into how it is installed. I assume you have both computer and user
GPO settings to "Allways run Windows Installer with elevated
privilege". This will run under the computer system account. Take a
look at the problem and see if this could cause the issue.

The Key Path is validated when the MSI shortcut is clicked. Shortcuts
will point to a MSI feature (Multicolered Boxes). Basicly this will
check what the keypath are pointing to in each component in the
feature. If the Keypath file/reg is missing, the Windows installer
will repair itself. This will be noted in the event viewer.

Post this issue at bbs.ondemandsoftware.com. Ondemand support and dev
monitor these boards.

 

[Adonis Lee]

Both Elevated privilege are enable for windows installer
for computer and user configuration. Install mode is per
machine. I just package an job merely copying some files
to "c:\data" for example. One of the suspected reason I
think maybe come from NAI VirusScan 4.5. Maybe I need to
stop the antivirus services before starting copying and
start again after.

Does WinInstall LE or LE 2003 support adding commands to
start stop services into the package?

 

[JAWTCUP]

Can you verify NAV is the issue?
The Full version of WinINSTALL can stop/Start service via Custom
Actions. LE does not have this feature.