Group Policy software roll-out

Hi,

We are running SBS2000 with around 45 clients and we have a file server on
the domain running Win03 Server Std as a member server.

We are running ACT! and wish to roll-out a newer version. Previously, we
have gone around to all machines and run the install from a shared CD-ROM
drive on the network - but naturally this takes a lot of time.

We wish to install the software using Group Policy. Please can someone tell
me how I can do this so that I can pop the CD into the SBS and run the
install from all clients.

Skc

Dave
Thu Dec 09 10:33:32 CST 2004

AD's software installation feature requires the install mechanism for the
app to be in MSI format, and preferably support a silent install (assuming
you don't want users to have to enter product keys, make feature choices and
such). And is only supported on Win2k and up. If those criteria are met,
you can fully automate the install during a reboot of the PCs by "assigning"
the software in the policy, or allow the users to install themselves by
"publishing the software. Failing those criteria, and depending on the level
of rights your users have on their PCs, there are probably other options
using logon scripts, RunOnce reg key, or the Add Software wizard if you use
that function of SBS.

Explanation of how to set this up could be fairly simple, or very detailed.
I don't know ACT!, so I can't be specific as to what you might need to do -
suggest reading up on deployment methods in the vendor documentation, then
post back with more info about what is supported, and any limiting factors
in your particular config with regards to OS, user rights, and how you hope
this would work.

Hope that gets you started in the right direction...

DS

"Skc" <Skc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:07457A55-6241-4CE7-B6A1-E5FB919AE38C@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
>
> We are running SBS2000 with around 45 clients and we have a file server on
> the domain running Win03 Server Std as a member server.
>
> We are running ACT! and wish to roll-out a newer version. Previously, we
> have gone around to all machines and run the install from a shared CD-ROM
> drive on the network - but naturally this takes a lot of time.
>
> We wish to install the software using Group Policy. Please can someone
> tell
> me how I can do this so that I can pop the CD into the SBS and run the
> install from all clients.
>
> Skc

Skc
Fri Dec 10 05:49:10 CST 2004

Dave,

The clients are Win2K (SP4) and XP Pro (SP2). I will check ACT! if the
install mechanism is in msi format. All users have been granted Local Admin
rights to the PCs to make the install easier. How do I assign ACT! to be
part of the SBS install so that I can assign it to the login script when they
login?

skc

"Dave Stoecker" wrote:

> AD's software installation feature requires the install mechanism for the
> app to be in MSI format, and preferably support a silent install (assuming
> you don't want users to have to enter product keys, make feature choices and
> such). And is only supported on Win2k and up. If those criteria are met,
> you can fully automate the install during a reboot of the PCs by "assigning"
> the software in the policy, or allow the users to install themselves by
> "publishing the software. Failing those criteria, and depending on the level
> of rights your users have on their PCs, there are probably other options
> using logon scripts, RunOnce reg key, or the Add Software wizard if you use
> that function of SBS.
>
> Explanation of how to set this up could be fairly simple, or very detailed.
> I don't know ACT!, so I can't be specific as to what you might need to do -
> suggest reading up on deployment methods in the vendor documentation, then
> post back with more info about what is supported, and any limiting factors
> in your particular config with regards to OS, user rights, and how you hope
> this would work.
>
> Hope that gets you started in the right direction...
>
> DS
>
> "Skc" <Skc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:07457A55-6241-4CE7-B6A1-E5FB919AE38C@microsoft.com...
> > Hi,
> >
> > We are running SBS2000 with around 45 clients and we have a file server on
> > the domain running Win03 Server Std as a member server.
> >
> > We are running ACT! and wish to roll-out a newer version. Previously, we
> > have gone around to all machines and run the install from a shared CD-ROM
> > drive on the network - but naturally this takes a lot of time.
> >
> > We wish to install the software using Group Policy. Please can someone
> > tell
> > me how I can do this so that I can pop the CD into the SBS and run the
> > install from all clients.
> >
> > Skc
>
>
>

Dave
Fri Dec 10 09:03:42 CST 2004


"Skc" <Skc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:FA416295-BA22-49CC-9168-360763DAE612@microsoft.com...
> Dave,
> How do I assign ACT! to be
> part of the SBS install so that I can assign it to the login script when
> they
> login?
>

Open the SBS Administrator Console > To Do List > Define Client Applications
and follow the wizard.

Now I'm wondering whether the SBSCLNT program actually works with XP or
not...
I know you don't use the client setup disks with XP, but I don't know
whether the call
to sbsclnt.exe in the logon script functions once the XP is joined to the
domain.

Maybe someone will chime in about that, else will look on MS for docs...

DS

Dave
Fri Dec 10 09:52:38 CST 2004

Ack...
This article actually recommends using the "Setup Computer" wizard for XP
SBS clients, then goes on to explain how to set them up manually. So I'm
still unclear about SBSCLNT, but it would seem MS is saying it works, so I
suppose it does. I know I've seen posts recommending against using the
setup disk with XP though.

My confusion is mostly due to the fact that I don't use the wizard to join
computers to the domain, or to install software. I used to several years
back, but not since.
Hopefully someone can clarify the issues, if any.

DS

"Dave Stoecker" <david_stoecker@hotCOFFEEmail.com> wrote in message
news:ugUm1ks3EHA.1152@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>
> "Skc" <Skc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:FA416295-BA22-49CC-9168-360763DAE612@microsoft.com...
>> Dave,
>> How do I assign ACT! to be
>> part of the SBS install so that I can assign it to the login script when
>> they
>> login?
>>
>
> Open the SBS Administrator Console > To Do List > Define Client
> Applications and follow the wizard.
>
> Now I'm wondering whether the SBSCLNT program actually works with XP or
> not...
> I know you don't use the client setup disks with XP, but I don't know
> whether the call
> to sbsclnt.exe in the logon script functions once the XP is joined to the
> domain.
>
> Maybe someone will chime in about that, else will look on MS for docs...
>
> DS
>
>

Dave
Fri Dec 10 09:54:07 CST 2004

...and the article woud be nice, Dave.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];316418


"Dave Stoecker" <david_stoecker@hotCOFFEEmail.com> wrote in message
news:ugUm1ks3EHA.1152@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>
> "Skc" <Skc@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:FA416295-BA22-49CC-9168-360763DAE612@microsoft.com...
>> Dave,
>> How do I assign ACT! to be
>> part of the SBS install so that I can assign it to the login script when
>> they
>> login?
>>
>
> Open the SBS Administrator Console > To Do List > Define Client
> Applications and follow the wizard.
>
> Now I'm wondering whether the SBSCLNT program actually works with XP or
> not...
> I know you don't use the client setup disks with XP, but I don't know
> whether the call
> to sbsclnt.exe in the logon script functions once the XP is joined to the
> domain.
>
> Maybe someone will chime in about that, else will look on MS for docs...
>
> DS
>
>

Skc
Wed Dec 22 03:39:02 CST 2004

Thanks for this guys. Last night I used the SBS software install (via the
login script) and also made an image of the install CD on the server (shared
out).

skc

"Skc" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> We are running SBS2000 with around 45 clients and we have a file server on
> the domain running Win03 Server Std as a member server.
>
> We are running ACT! and wish to roll-out a newer version. Previously, we
> have gone around to all machines and run the install from a shared CD-ROM
> drive on the network - but naturally this takes a lot of time.
>
> We wish to install the software using Group Policy. Please can someone tell
> me how I can do this so that I can pop the CD into the SBS and run the
> install from all clients.
>
> Skc