*Geek question* Unattended RightFax install...

[SilentJay]

For those of you who are technically inclined, i've been scratching my head at this problem for a day now. I've tried WinBatch, but it's simply too cumbersome. Essentially, I need to install RightFax 9.3 (i've already altered the MSI and .ini to reflect all necessary settings as default), and it's subsequent 2 patches after a reboot, on about 150 machines in one night. For some reason, the unattended install switches in the ini don't seem to work.

Ideas?

[ElegantGremlin]

Whats the network setup like? Is it a domain?

[marvin24k]

If you're in a Domain setup best thing to do is to install through domain policies.

[SilentJay]

It's on a domain, even equipped with SMS2003, but lets just put it this way: I'm only in charge of support services, but have been doing things way out of scope because the sys admins are complete and absolute morons. I'm not kidding, they were plucked out of the sales call centre and put in their roles...

Anyhoo, lets just say I don't have access to that option.

[ElegantGremlin]

Also depends on the OS of the server.

Windows 2003: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816102

Windows 2000: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314934

Edit: in that case, you're FUBAR'd. I can't think of any other option unless you go computer-to-computer. I'll consult some of my buddies.

Edit 2: I found something worth a shot. Called PsExec and you can download it here (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897553.aspx) and an idea on how to use it here (http://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Microsoft_Operating_Systems/Q_23002905.html). More specifically this post:


Essentially - two scripts (generic exe type)

1 (batch) with:

psexec @file -u user -p pass cscript \\server\script.vbs

and the 2nd (vbscript) with:

WshShell.Run "cmd /c \\server\share\install.exe /quiet /norestart", 0, True

But it really depends on the application you are trying to push install.

I haven't tried it so no guarantees.

[SilentJay]

I'll take a look at that software, but I don't think I clarified enough. I've stored the software on a server accessible to those machines (although they have UNC disabled by default, i've enabled it with some batch scripts before) so getting the software onto the PCs isn't the issue, I just don't want to sit at each workstation and supervise "clicking next".

[ElegantGremlin]

That's what the VBScript does. If you change it from Install.EXE to the UNC path of the MSI file than with the /quiet switch it will run the install without any prompts to you. Also, if the program needs to reboot after install, remove the /norestart.

[SilentJay]

:P I'm afraid I don't really know vbscript - the last official bit of programming I had touched was C++ and VB6 years and years ago.

I've tried adding the /quiet, /qn, etc, switches to the .ini file, and it does hide the installation, but it just doesn't actually install :P

[ElegantGremlin]

Try this. Download PSExec I linked to before and put this into a Command Prompt (replace %srv% with one of the computer's name/IP and the path with the UNC to the MSI):


psexec \\%srv% -w "c:\temp\install_enav" Setup.exe /SILENT

If that doesn't work, I'm really out of ideas.

[vanpatrick81]

Just in case question. You're installing the RightFax FaxUtil client I hope and not the server components right?

[optiklenz13]

call 4-HELP, oh wait, that is you..!!!! LOL.

[SilentJay]

Just in case question. You're installing the RightFax FaxUtil client I hope and not the server components right?

Yeah, just the client + patches

[SilentJay]

call 4-HELP, oh wait, that is you..!!!! LOL.


You!! >.< Get outta my post!