Article: KB-MSIUPDATE

Module: WTXUpdatePac.msi

Build: 9.2 (And Later)

This article will guide the systems administrator through setting up the WordTricks Update Package to be distributed via Microsoft Active Directory.

The WordTricks MSI Update Package

The WordTricks Update Package is a Microsoft Installer (MSI) based update mechanism that allows systems administrators to update WordTricks on workstations that have restricted permissions.

How does it work?

The file "WTXUpdatePac.msi" is distributed to each client system via the normal WordTricks Internet Update service (iWTX) and placed in the ..\WordTricks\WTX_Updates folder. This MSI package contains all of the files and registry entries necessary to update WordTricks to the current version.

For workstations that are "locked down" so that users may not add or register programs, the normal WordTricks Update (WTX_Update.EXE) cannot update and register some critical components. Therefore, it is necessary to distribute these updates to the workstations via Active Directory, which allows for elevated privileges during the update process.

Setting Up the WordTricks MSI Update Package

Open your Active Directory Administration Console

Select or create an Active Directory Organizational Unit to contain the WordTricks Updates
And Click the Properties Button

Click the "Group Policy" Tab and the "New" Button, Naming the Policy "WordTricks Updates" or something similar.

Then click the "Edit Button"

Creating the Software Installation

In the Explorer Window, Drill Down to:
. > User Configuration
. . . > Software Settings
. . . . . > Software Installation

In the right window, Right-Mouse-Click and choose "New > Package"

Browse to your [WordTricks Network Folder]\WTX_Updates and select the MSI file:

"WTXUpdatePac.msi"

Select "Advanced" and click OK

Select the Deployment TAB and:

• Choose Deployment Type "Assigned"
• Deselect "Auto-install this application by file extension activation"
• Select "Install this application at logon"
• Choose "Basic" (Installation User Interface)

Then click OK.

Exit From the Group Policy Editor

Notes

The "WTXUpdatePac.msi" file is periodically updated via the iWTX service. However, it is not updated with every WordTricks update release. Only when when significant programming changes make it necessary (for example WordTricks revision 9.2 to revision 9.3) is the Update Pack revised.

When the "WTXUpdatePac.msi" is updated, you will receive a special notification that requests that Active Directory be updated and the Update Pack be redeployed.