A very simple questiion
My task is simple. I need to convert several exe files to msi format and only apply \S parameter for GPO deployment. No other customization.
I have downloaded freeware "Exe to msi converter" by Qwertylab and their full version trial.
The full version is able to inspect the exe file, detect installer used and list possible parameters that can be accepted in the conversion.
So, I apply /S parameter and convert to msi package. When I try runnning msi, it starts with regular non-silent install (choosing language, installation folder etc...)???
If I add it to GPO and GPO is applied to a computer it hangs with the message "installing XY application". I assume it opens the dialogue and waits for input. No go.
With this version I have however managed to convert and install sucessufully some EXE's with "record my moves and script it" method offered by the program. But it doesn't work for all EXE's (I suspects timeout intervals between actions may be responsible beacuse script hangs if the next dialogue does not appear in time - ie. - it takes longer than expected to copy files to a folder). Event record shows:
"The assignment of application XY from policy Software failed. The error was : Fatal error during installation."
Freeware version creates msi files which truly perform silent install without asking for anything but when added via GPO this version also fails with:
"The assignment of application exe2msiSetupPackage from policy Software failed. The error was : Fatal error during installation."
I have also found AppDeploy Repackager. But it either wants recipe file or some kind of brute force method "let's record what the installation does to the system and compile the changes to msi installation."
After that you have to look at the changes and exclude the things that have nothing to do with the install. Very dirty.
Can I use simple conversion just applying the swithches with AppDeploy Repackager? Can someone provide sample recipe file?
Can you please recomend a simple method to covert exe to msi for making a silent GPO compliant installation.
Thanks
P.S. I know i have used world "simple" many times. Just longing for such a solution.
I have downloaded freeware "Exe to msi converter" by Qwertylab and their full version trial.
The full version is able to inspect the exe file, detect installer used and list possible parameters that can be accepted in the conversion.
So, I apply /S parameter and convert to msi package. When I try runnning msi, it starts with regular non-silent install (choosing language, installation folder etc...)???
If I add it to GPO and GPO is applied to a computer it hangs with the message "installing XY application". I assume it opens the dialogue and waits for input. No go.
With this version I have however managed to convert and install sucessufully some EXE's with "record my moves and script it" method offered by the program. But it doesn't work for all EXE's (I suspects timeout intervals between actions may be responsible beacuse script hangs if the next dialogue does not appear in time - ie. - it takes longer than expected to copy files to a folder). Event record shows:
"The assignment of application XY from policy Software failed. The error was : Fatal error during installation."
Freeware version creates msi files which truly perform silent install without asking for anything but when added via GPO this version also fails with:
"The assignment of application exe2msiSetupPackage from policy Software failed. The error was : Fatal error during installation."
I have also found AppDeploy Repackager. But it either wants recipe file or some kind of brute force method "let's record what the installation does to the system and compile the changes to msi installation."
After that you have to look at the changes and exclude the things that have nothing to do with the install. Very dirty.
Can I use simple conversion just applying the swithches with AppDeploy Repackager? Can someone provide sample recipe file?
Can you please recomend a simple method to covert exe to msi for making a silent GPO compliant installation.
Thanks
P.S. I know i have used world "simple" many times. Just longing for such a solution.
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Posted by:
vesrus
13 years ago
My logfile in "exe to msi converter" not freeware says "MSI was created successfully"
Do I need to use /s parameter at all. I've heard it is used automatically by GPO.
I've also tried "Administrative installation point" option where small msi is created together with GUID folder with exe file in it. That doesnt work either.
1. If I do a record and script method it fails but creates add/remove record (program icon) and program folder. No icons on desktop and no start menu items.
2. If I do simple conversion it creates add/remove record (generic icon) but no program folder. No icons on desktop and no start menu items.
msi file created by freeware version and \s parameter installs properly (silently) when run on spot (no GPO). It fails swiftly without cretaing any record when applied from GPO.
The application in question is http://sourceforge.net/projects/scribus/files/scribus-devel/1.4.0.rc3/scribus-1.4.0.rc3-win32-install.exe/
I have managed to install sucessfully via GPO other application using method 1. http://mirror.cs.wisc.edu/pub/mirrors/ghost/GPL/gs902/gs902w32.exe
I haven't tried method 2 with this app.
Do I need to use /s parameter at all. I've heard it is used automatically by GPO.
I've also tried "Administrative installation point" option where small msi is created together with GUID folder with exe file in it. That doesnt work either.
1. If I do a record and script method it fails but creates add/remove record (program icon) and program folder. No icons on desktop and no start menu items.
2. If I do simple conversion it creates add/remove record (generic icon) but no program folder. No icons on desktop and no start menu items.
msi file created by freeware version and \s parameter installs properly (silently) when run on spot (no GPO). It fails swiftly without cretaing any record when applied from GPO.
The application in question is http://sourceforge.net/projects/scribus/files/scribus-devel/1.4.0.rc3/scribus-1.4.0.rc3-win32-install.exe/
I have managed to install sucessfully via GPO other application using method 1. http://mirror.cs.wisc.edu/pub/mirrors/ghost/GPL/gs902/gs902w32.exe
I haven't tried method 2 with this app.
Posted by:
anonymous_9363
13 years ago
After that you have to look at the changes and exclude the things that have nothing to do with the install. Very dirty.You have partially described the packager's job function. That's what we do.
If you want to do the job properly, stop skimping and trying to get by with free tools and obtain a proper package authoring tool. There are only two runners, realistically: Wise and InstallShield. I leave you to download and install the 30-day trial versions and decide which is the tool for you. They're not cheap but neither are the proper tools for any job.
Before that, though, do some research on Windows Installer (you could do worse than start with Phil Wilson's The Definitive Guide to Windows Installer).
Posted by:
vesrus
13 years ago
It took a bit of a research and the solution is here, simple and free. The application is called Windows Installer Wrapper Wizard. It can be downloaded from here:
http://www.404techsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/WIWW02.zip
Usage is explained here:
http://www.404techsupport.com/2008/12/18/windows-installer-wrapper-wizard-and-a-better-firefox-3-enterprise-deployment/
Some will argue that it lacks customization, but this is all I wanted. Convert purely for the sake of GPO deployment and make it silent (it won't work otherwise)
Since the silent option is already included in the original exe installer all it takes is to wrap it in msi container and call for the original with proper switches.
Don't know why exe2msi by qwertylab commerical converter doesn't work properly with NSIS type installer.
Should be in Downloads - Repackagers (if it is not already there) for those who need quick and free solution.
http://www.404techsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/WIWW02.zip
Usage is explained here:
http://www.404techsupport.com/2008/12/18/windows-installer-wrapper-wizard-and-a-better-firefox-3-enterprise-deployment/
Some will argue that it lacks customization, but this is all I wanted. Convert purely for the sake of GPO deployment and make it silent (it won't work otherwise)
Since the silent option is already included in the original exe installer all it takes is to wrap it in msi container and call for the original with proper switches.
Don't know why exe2msi by qwertylab commerical converter doesn't work properly with NSIS type installer.
Should be in Downloads - Repackagers (if it is not already there) for those who need quick and free solution.
Posted by:
Secondlaw
13 years ago
3 posts and we have a book full of links with instructions on how to use your tools.
If I didn't know any better I'd say this is an advertisement for your product.
If I didn't know any better I'd say this is an advertisement for your product.
Posted by:
AngelD
13 years ago
Not quite Dave
"Windows Installer Wrapper Wizard" originally came from www.sywan.nl but they've stopped supporting it since some time ago
"Windows Installer Wrapper Wizard" originally came from www.sywan.nl but they've stopped supporting it since some time ago
Posted by:
vesrus
13 years ago
Sorry, this isn't true. Just found this small app while trying to resolve my problem.
Wanted to share it with others that might have the same problem (download link and explanation always comes handy)
Wanted to share it with others that might have the same problem (download link and explanation always comes handy)
ORIGINAL: Secondlaw
3 posts and we have a book full of links with instructions on how to use your tools.
If I didn't know any better I'd say this is an advertisement for your product.
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