Installing the MSI Client
General Facts
The Windows Installer (MSI) is the default choice for installing software in Windows. In addition, Windows supports the distribution and installation of MSI files in AD environments. For this reason, DSM provides the option of turning a computer into a DSM managed computer or to update a managed computer via an MSI installation. With a special MSI file, the DSMClient.msi file, the administrator can easily install the DSM Client using parameters.
Determination and Change of the Installation Method
Usually, DSM client computers are always managed in the same way. Once you have decided which way you want to manage your DSM Client compute, we recommend that you keep this method. We do not recommend changing this method; however, if this is necessary, please contact DSM Support.
The following table shows the supported update paths:
| Update from...to | Classic CSM | MSI via CSM | MSI manual | MSI via GPO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InstallClient.exe | Yes | No | Yes* | Yes* |
| MSI Client manual | No** | Yes*** | Yes | Yes |
| MSI Client via GPO | No** | Yes*** | Yes | Yes |
* Possible but may lead to issues when uninstalling the DSM clients.
** Can be enforced with a registry key
*** Can be deactivated via the ICDB
Installation Files and Parameters
The DSMClient.msi comes together with a Windows batch file (InstallDSMClient.bat). The following MSI settings can be changed in the batch file when you install the DSM Client:
- INITIALCONFIG: Path to the ICDB (ncp files)
- INSTALLLEVEL: Default(1)=Without installed DSM Inventory; YES(2)=With installed DSM Inventory
- AUTOSTART_AGENT: Default=NiAgnt32 (DSM Agent) is not started (0) or is started (1) during logon
- DISABLE_ETRAY_AUTOSTART: Start the AutoInstaller at logon (0)
- LOGFILEPATH: Location of the log file during the installation of the DSM Client
- LOGLEVEL: Logging level during the installation of the DSM Client
Managing Computers with the MSI Client
A user of an online computer can start the installation of the DSM Client via MSI by connecting to the site server's DSM share and by executing the InstallDSMClient.bat file that resides in the <Server>\<DSMShare> directory.
Managing Offline Computers via Storage Medium
We recommend to turn offline computers into managed computers or to update them only with the MSI Client. For this purpose, the system copies all of the files required for installation of the MSI Client when creating the storage medium. You can start reinstalling the MSI Client by running the InstallDSMClient.bat. The NetinstallMedia.exe will perform an update later.
Managing Computers via AD Group Policies
The rollout via AD group policies only supports MSI transforms. These transforms contain the required parameters for installation. A wizard helps you create a transform file (DSMClient.mst). After a DSM update (e.g. with a new patch), this transform has to be updated as well. You can store the parameters in an INI file so that you can refer to the settings that are already used and to use them again. The MSIClient.msi file in the depot share is used to install and update clients via group policies.
Creating an MSI Transform with the MSI Client Transform Wizard
You can call the Transform Wizard directly with the ClienttransformWizard.exe or in the DSMC from the Infrastructure view for a specified site.
The administrator has to update the MSI Clients after every update of the DSM binaries. i.e. after every patch or release. The INI file can be used to apply existing parameter values to the new ClientMSI.mst file. We recommend that both files (MSI and MST) reside in the same directory because an MSI always refers to an MST. Use an individual share with its own access permissions - not the DSM share. Use the depot path stored in the ICDB under Site > Depot share for DSM MSI Client installation for creating the MSI Client.
Example:
\\<server>\<Freigabe>\DSMClient\7.1.0.1680
MSIClient.msi, MSIClient.mst
How to create the MSI transform for the DSM Client installation:
- Start the DSMC.
- Open the Infrastructure view and select a site for which you want to update the MSI Client.
- Select the task Update the group policies share for the client MSI file.
This starts the wizard that creates the MSI transform. - Enter a directory for the log files that are written during the installation of the DSM Client.
- Close the wizard.
The MSI Client files are updated in the share.
How to customize the installation of the MSI Client:
- Start the Client Transform Wizard via <SiteServer>\<DSMShare>\ClientTransformWizard.exe.
- Enter a location for the MSI Client files. Specify the share on the site server.
- Enter the path to the INI file if an earlier configuration has been stored there.
- Continue with the wizard.
The changes you performed can be stored in a new INI file when you are finished with the wizard.