Deploying Multiple Packages With OS TS

[Robbie Wallis]

Hello,

I am stuck on how to deploy multiple application packages with the OS install task sequence. I could add in each software package individually but I'd like to use that multiple option to keep things tidy. Thing is I cant get my head round it!!

 

Any help/simple steps to follow would be appreciated!!! All I really got out of the instructions was to have the packageid:packagename? in the box seperated by semi colons for next package but doesnt make sense to me

 

Thanks

 

Robbie

[anyweb]

have you seen this ?

 

does it help at all ?

[Robbie Wallis]

have you seen this ?

 

does it help at all ?

 

Not really

 

I don't understand where to set the task sequence variable for each application to install that you reference in the "multiple packages installation" of the task sequence

 

That post mentions adding it under conditions of the task sequence? But against which stage of the task sequence? *scratching head

[ejon]

I'm also i little confused.

[anyweb]

did you see this then ?

 

 

Install multiple applications

Select this option to configure the Install Software task sequence step to install multiple applications in sequence. This step specifies the base variable name for a series of task sequence variables that each contain a <packageID: program name> pair separated by a colon.

 

The series of variable names is formed by appending a numeric suffix between 001 and 999 to the specified base name. The variable names and associated values form a dynamic package list. The list of packages ends when no variable name exists with the next sequential numeric suffix. The associated packages will be installed in the order specified in the list. Each package installation will be completed before the installation for the next package begins. When you specify the Package ID always specify the Package ID using uppercase. The program name is case-sensitive and must exactly match the name assigned to the program when it was created.

 

Virtual application packages distributed via the Configuration Manager 2007 R2 application virtualization feature cannot be distributed as part of a list of multiple applications.

 

If the value of a variable is not created in the correct format or does not specify a valid package ID and program name, the installation of the package will fail. If no variables with the specified base name and "001" suffix are found, no packages are installed and the action succeeds.

 

The program you select must meet the following criteria:

 

* It must run under the local system account and not the user account.

 

* It should not interact with the desktop. The program must run silently or in an unattended mode.

 

It must not initiate a reboot on its own. The program must request a reboot using a 3010 return code. This ensures that the Install Software task sequence step will properly handle the reboot.

 

For example, to install a single application by using a task sequence variable called AA001, you specify the following:

 

Variable name: AA001

 

Variable value: CEN00054:Install

 

To install three applications, you would specify the following additional variables:

 

Task Sequence variable: AA002

 

Value: Package CEN00107:Install Silent

 

Task Sequence variable: AA003

 

Value: Package ID: CEN0031:Install

 

ImportantImportant

The program specified must have the Allow this program to be installed from a list of software packages in the “Install Software” task sequence step without being advertised option selected or the installation will fail. This option can be selected when adding a program to an existing package in the New Program Wizard. Alternatively, you can specify this option by right-clicking an existing program, selecting clicking Properties, and then clicking the Advanced tab.

 

If an application installation fails, continue installing other applications in the list

Check this box to have the Install Software task sequence continue in the event that an application installation in the list fails. If this box is not checked and the installation fails, the task sequence step will end immediately. If the box is checked, the next package or program in the variable list is installed regardless of errors.

 

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb680842.aspx

[CPS_TECH_DTAFT]

Not sure if you guys are still confused or not. But in summary to what he said

 

 

Verify Package Can Be Installed Without an Advertisement.

Open the program properties for your package.

Go to the advanced tab

Check "Allow this program to be installed from the Install Software task sequence..."

Click Apply than OK

Update Distribution Point

 

Now look at your package while on the Packages Node. Write down your "Package ID" and the EXACT name of your program.

 

Asumming you are using the default Install Software. The variable it uses is PACKAGES.

 

So open up the collection that contains your computer. Or create one and Add a membership for your computer.

 

Next right click on the collection. E.G. "All Systems" or "All Unknown Computers" select "Modify Collection Settings"

 

Click on the "Collection Variables" tab.

 

Click on the starburst icon.

 

Ok now the name is going to be our varible from our Install Software action plus three numbers in sequence.

 

So the name will be. PACKAGES001 , PACKAGES002, PACKAGES003, and so on you get the idea.

 

So your first software package lets say is firefox and its Package ID is W0100017 its program name is Silent Install

 

Name = PACKAGES001

VALUE = W0100017:Silent Install

 

Click ok, and your next package would be PACKAGES002, and so on.

 

Hope that is pretty much crystal clear.