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Repackage setup.exe to MSI installer

Proposed Repackage setup.exe to MSI installer

  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 7:20 AM
     
     
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    Hi

     

    As part of my deployment I need to repack some different Engineering programs.

    Now all these are made by people with absolutely no regard for network deployment.. :-)) 

     

    So I am thinking it'd be a good idea to repack them as MSI installers.. .

     

    Or.. if you have any ideas for alternative ways... do let me know..

     

    Thanks in advance!

     

    Martin

    Kindest regards, Martin
     

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  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 7:46 AM
     
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    Hi Martin

    Repacking programs is a good idea but it usually ends in disaster. I always use repacking as a last resort with AdminStudio.
    A good resource for setup switches and such are http://www.appdeploy.com/

     
  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 7:55 AM
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    Good news is that most MSI installer Applications run great as-is through MDT or SCCM.

    However if you have custom in-house applications that need installation, and you want to know if they are going to work with MDT and/or SCCM, check out my article: http://deployment.xtremeconsulting.com/2010/01/20/how-mdt-does-application-installation/   Make sure your install programs follow these rules, and you should be OK!

     

    Keith Garner (KeithGa.com) - Deployment Consultant - http://deployment.XtremeConsulting.com
     
  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 8:04 AM
     
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    Hi

     

    What I am trying to do isn't installing msi's...

     

    it's installshield type programs.

    The reason I am trying to create msi's is to go all silent, which these installs cannot do.. unfortunately...

     

    I've been trying to use MSI studio, but to no avail...

     

    I will try AdminStudio also...

     

    Keith, I will definetely read up on your article...

    Kindest regards, Martin
    • Proposed As Answer by Surj_K Tuesday, March 01, 2011 9:07 AM
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  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 9:06 AM
     
     
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    Installshield have silent support but it requres a reponse file (setup.iss). Good companies have done this for you. If you don't see a setup.iss you have to record one yourself.

    http://www.appdeploy.com/tips/detail.asp?id=18

     

     
  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 9:09 AM
     
     
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    If it's an Installshield setup.exe then you will be able to run the setup quietly using switches:

    http://www.appdeploy.com/tips/detail.asp?id=18

     

    If you still prefer to repackage you will need to snapshot the installation using a tool like Wise package studio or Adminstudio.

     
  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 9:25 AM
     
     
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    If it's an Installshield setup.exe then you will be able to run the setup quietly using switches:

    http://www.appdeploy.com/tips/detail.asp?id=18

     

    If you still prefer to repackage you will need to snapshot the installation using a tool like Wise package studio or Adminstudio.


    Lol; I was first ;)
     
  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 9:28 AM
     
     
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    Currently testing installation via -r :-)

     

    Seems promising.. I should've thought of that ages ago...

     

    !!!!

    Kindest regards, Martin
     
  • Tuesday, March 01, 2011 9:40 AM
     
     
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    If it's an Installshield setup.exe then you will be able to run the setup quietly using switches:

    http://www.appdeploy.com/tips/detail.asp?id=18

     

    If you still prefer to repackage you will need to snapshot the installation using a tool like Wise package studio or Adminstudio.


    Lol; I was first ;)
    Ha ha! Sorry didn't see that at time of posting!
     
  • Sunday, September 02, 2012 6:34 AM
     
     
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    I really hate this product because no clear road map complicating the things.

    Hi Guys crystal clear questions do you answers not stories

    1)how to make msi using exe (clear document with screen shoot)
    2) how to make MST for a MSI (clear document with screen shoot)
    3) if some packages having multiple MSI how to evaluate (clear document with screen shoot)

    Thanks
    Vishnu
     
  • Monday, October 08, 2012 3:25 PM
     
     
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    Hi sccm ghost

      • There are number of different products out there that claim to make an MSI from an EXE: Advanced Installer, AppDeploy / ITNinja Repackager, QuertyLab's Exe to MSI Converter, WinInstall (Windows 2000) or WinInstall LE (Scalable), SmartPackager etc.  Unless someone has lots of time on their hands, I doubt very much someone is going to create step-by-step instructions, with or without screenshots, especially since its already documented elsewhere, like here.  Some of these are free while others are try & buy's (aka trial/time limited)
      • Like the above, there are multiple ways to create an MST for an MSI.  Microsoft Orca will probably be your best friend, unless you can get your hands on an old version of InstallTailor.  Again, its documented online like here and here among other places.  Once more, other apps are available and some may be trials.
      • This is an interesting question.  I've yet to run into an application that has multiple MSI's that are required for the install.  (e.g.: you install package1.msi but its not 'complete' because you have not run package2.msi)  I don't know how to overcome this without calling one install followed by the other (i.e.: a batch that runs both msi packages).  I don't have anything constructive to contribute here: You're on your own on this one.

    Fortunately this means you still have options:

    1. Start your own new thread to get help with packaging & explore the options those who responded suggested.
    2. Get in the trenches, do some grunt work; work that elbow grease! That is to say: hunt around online for solutions by way of bing, google or whatever search engine(s) you like.