Intall multiple application by creating a single exe through installshield
Hi,
I have 3 applications namely Java (Msi) , CIS client (Msi) and symatec antivirus (Setep.exe).We have a request to create a single installation file in form of Setup.exe (or msi - which is not a good option) which will install all the 3 applications in a sequence.
I tried to add all 3 applications inside a installshield project but it did not got installed.
Please let me know if there is any way where i can achieve to create a single exe file which installs all applications
Thanks,
Answers (1)
There are a number of ways to pull this off.. The very simplest is to put all of the command lines for each install inside of a BAT file, but since you mentioned an EXE, you can use VB Script, AutoIT, or my favorite WiseScript.
If you have MSI installs that dont kick off embedded MSI's you could create a mostly emply MSI that runs the installs one at a time via Custom Action. This is called Embedded MSI. You will have to run alot of test to make sure that the process happens in the right order, and that each install is Waits for Exit Code before proceeding. Otherwise, it will fail because MSIEXEC process is already running.
Comments:
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Why?
They are separate applications that aren't related to each other.
Use your deployment tool to manage the installation and keep them apart.
What happens when you need to update Java? Do you recreate a new exe each time?
Whoever requested these together in an exe , I would imagine, doesn't understand the limitations and implications of what they've requested. You are the packager/expert and it should be you that guides the method - not the other way around.
If you must lump them together (don't) then i would use a vbscript that would be easily updated in the future and allows for new versions to be slotted in as and when required. - dunnpy 11 years ago -
DUNNPY is correct in that the best method is to allow each software to stand on its own 2 feet, that way updates of Prereqs don't require reworking every piece of software that needed it.
On that note, I forgot to mention SCCM or other deployment methods you might have at your disposal. You can create the same effect by the "Run Another Program First" option. - ekgcorp 11 years ago -
Thanks guys for your valuable inputs....i manage to create an setup.exe file by the inno setup software..i understand that its not a good practise to package the applications but the customer wanted that requirement - Gary 11 years ago
Flexera has InstallShield with the option to use InstallScript for this kind of challenges.
Sidenote: I find it kind of weird that the option to stuff all kind of pre-requirements in a single package has been chosen by your customer. It's a lousy way of preparing for the maintenance fase of support as you create all kind of hidden dependencies and upgrade drama's.
Java and Anti-Virus are 'living applications'that require endless updates. Smart move would be to suggest some modularity in application management. - EVEEN 11 years ago