Software Deployment

I have created a WSI from the snapshot methodology and compiled it into a MSI. This includes 4 features that can be installed or not when the MSI is installed - Admins have the option or altenatively using the ADDLOCAL switch for remote installs.

eg - \\MSISOURCEPATH\Test123.msi /qb-! ADDLOCAL=Complete,DreamWeaver,Feature,Feature1

For example I have repackaged the Macromedia Studio MX suite as a featured install. The suite install only includes the Dreamweaver / Extension Manager / Fireworks / Freehand - no Flash. And when installed manualy or remotely (using the above ADDLOCAL switch) the features can be also installed or not as required.

However when removing the application from either local PC - Add & Remove programs - or remotely you do not have the option to remove ceratin features and leave ones required.

The only way I can foresee around this would be to write some If statements with specific arguments for each feature so that it only removes the program files and registry files for that features and leaves the rest.

However whilst writing this post the question came to me - WHY? Why would the client ever want to do this?? This I cannot answer and think the way forward for this will be to remove the entire MSI and re-install what ever feature is required - after all you the client would not try and remove Dreamweaver to install a newer version they would re-purchase the Studi MX suite and have to repackage. What do you think???

Many thanks and a very Happy New Year to you all!