MSI Packaging

[gilgamish]

Im trying to build a group policy for my domains users, forcing them to silently install the latest Microsoft updates packages whenever prompted by the administrator.
I want to gather all the up-to-date patches and fixes, and put them all in a MSI package.
where shall I start doing this?
I heared there are software to do such packages, but I dont have any clue of how and where to find them

 

[BT7990]

There may be an easier way to perform updates on a large scale. Look into MS Microsoft Software Update Services, and its free.

It redirects the each machine on your domain to SUS server which you setup in your domain. The SUS server acts as a windows update server which allows you control of patches and hot fix?s deployed. Only real cost is the MS W2K or W2003 server license.

Helpful links

MS SUS home
susserver.com which has a ton of info and forums

I just deployed SUS at work to 1700 machines - makes patch deployment much easier....

 

[InlineFive]

MSI has always packed my motherboards and video cards pretty well. You shouldn't have a problem with it.

 

[Bassyhead]

Originally posted by: PorBleemo
MSI has always packed my motherboards and video cards pretty well. You shouldn't have a problem with it.

not a very skilled reader, are you?

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: PorBleemo
MSI has always packed my motherboards and video cards pretty well. You shouldn't have a problem with it.

I'm hoping that was sarcastic :roll:

 

[gilgamish]

That's what I really like about this forum. skillfull guys such as BT7 giving valuable info just the way I needed.
Thank you BT7

 

[RussianSoldier]

Originally posted by: BT7990
There may be an easier way to perform updates on a large scale. Look into MS Microsoft Software Update Services, and its free.

It redirects the each machine on your domain to SUS server which you setup in your domain. The SUS server acts as a windows update server which allows you control of patches and hot fix?s deployed. Only real cost is the MS W2K or W2003 server license.

Helpful links

MS SUS home
susserver.com which has a ton of info and forums

I just deployed SUS at work to 1700 machines - makes patch deployment much easier....

I use this in a school environment, and it works out well, although it's specifications for a host server are quite hefty for simply downloading and sending out files over the network.

I just set the time I want the updates to be pushed out, and I can choose to have them install automatically, or upon user approval. It sure beat going around to 75+ Win2k computers and running windows update...

 

[BML]

I use SUS also in our network and it works great, it even supports service packs now. Something i found out is if you give the users admin rights on the local computer they will still be prompted to auto update. I thought forever it was not working until i found an artical explaining it.

 

[gsellis]

SUS does this (without packaging) and there are GPO settings for it. If you are using SMS, you can add the SUS update too.

If the apps are already MSIs, then it is a matter of switches.

But, you want to package, so you are talking about InstallShield or Wise. The tools are about $1k. It will also take you some time to get comfortable with the tools. Instructor Lead training should also be considered as there are some do's and don'ts that you need to learn to create MSIs that are self-repairing and work with MSPs (MSI Patch files.)

 

[Winchester]

There is also a group policy setting that allows you to set a time to download and install all updates, it doesnt require a restart (optional). Cant remember where though.

 

[Smilin]

Definately use SUS for this. Don't make it more difficult than it needs to be.