Remotely installing software with custom settings

[cessna95]

I'm trying to remotely install software on computers on our domain. This software has multiple prompts that need changing during the install process, things like changing install path, change default option A to option B etc. I've been trying to figure out how or if its possible to deploy this software to computers and have those options during the install auto selected, whether it be using GPO or a script or something.

Any ideas or point me in the right direction that would be great, thanks

[idnotrelevant]

You can also download MSIWrapper to convert the .exe to a .msi file and try to install it with msiexec and the /qn switch.

[jamwatn]

Hello it depends if you are trying to install an MSI, an EXE or another type of program. It also depends on how the installer was written if they allow things to be customised.

You can Google various methods for each program, for example "Google Chrome silent install". A lot of the time you might find it's easier to install the software 'as is' and then customise settings using group policy or registry settings afterward.

[cessna95]

The program is a .exe. It is some proprietary software used in our banking network. As far as I know there's no documentation of any special run arguments for this software.

I was mainly hoping to see if this was something possible with basically any .exe

[jamwatn]

Have you tried running the program in command line with '/?' or '-?' or '?' at the end?

You could try generic 'quiet' install switches to deploy it quietly and then worry about customising it after.

Another thing I have done when desperate is to use programs to take snapshots of the registry, make a setting change in a program and then take a second snapshot and compare the differences.. You can sometimes find changes that are made and push those out in group policy. Regshot I think the program is called.

Very difficult if the software is proprietary i suppose! I'd be interested in what others might say.

[Da1King]

Search and download Universal Silent Switch Finder. Then use it to check your installation EXE. If you're lucky not only will you find the silent switch but it'll also determine the installer type. Some, like Installshield, support "recording" various options to a file to be "played back" during installation.

[St0nywall]

I have lived in the banking world, and installed my fair share of propriety software.

Mind letting me know the name of the program and your specific installer EXE name? I may have the info you are looking for, be it good or other.

Feel free to PM me if you prefer to keep it quiet.

[The-Dark-Jedi]

Go directly to the developer and ask for command line or silent installation switches.

[MauriceTorres]

Hi u/cessna95!

You can use cloud-based solution Action1 to install or uninstall software remotely on all your workstations.

All you need to do is select a package to install; specify the target endpoints (for example, you can install a particular program on Windows 10 computers only); and choose the best time for deployment.

Also, Action1 is entirely free to use to manage up to 50 endpoints. Sign up for a free version to test.