Today we will visit how to remote install Windows software on your domain computers using group policy.
In the past I have had to install applications directly on each user’s computer.
This was time consuming to say the least.
Then I started using Dameware for Windows 2000 that helped me remotely install applications.
It was far from free and was difficult to use.
This was still time consuming.
Now I am able to assign applications to computers automatically.
I do a remote install our Windows Microsoft Office software, and I will show you how.
The tool that you want to install will need to have a MSI file to deploy it.
An MSI file is simply a Microsoft installer.
If you do not have one there are methods to creating one like this.
after you snag the MSI file we can create answer templates to choose the options we want to pick.
This helps us customize the installations while keeping it automated.
When you are dealing with thousands of computers with hundreds of different requirements this is a necessity.
Now we can use our OUs or organizational units to deploy applications.
Let’s open up our Active Directory Users and Accounts.
Pick who you want to deploy the applications to.
Right hit that OU and choose properties.
Whatever is in the OU you choose, computers or users, they will all be affected.
In this situation it means they will have the software deployed to it.
We will next be taken to this screen:
This is called the group policy management screen.
This group policy deploys Office 2003 standard to the machines in this OU.
Now let’s see how to do it from scratch.
Right punch the OU and choosecreate and link a GPO here.
That will take you to a screen that will ask you to name your GPO.
It looks like this:
Name your GPO something that is helpful in understanding what it does.
I named minetest software installation.
That will take us to the same screen with the new blank GPO added.
I chose Office 2003 standard’s installer called STD11.msi.
and I am done.
That is really it!
You have deployed your first software package.
Imagine how much time this can save if used properly!
If you choose the computer configuration you would use a computer in that OU.
Sometimes it takes a reboot and in extreme cases two to see the installation.
How cool is that?
How do you remote install Windows software?
Do you have any tips or tricks for us?
