MSI FAQ: 11. How do you install 2 MSI packages, after installation of 1st MSI the machine has to reboot and upon start of the machine 2nd MSI installation has to be triggered? Once installation of 2nd MSI is completed the User has to notify with a Message that 2 MSI Installation has been completed. How do you perform the Task? ( If 1st MSI installation has failed then 2nd MSI installation shouldn’t happen)

There are multiple ways to achieve the above task. I will list two methods and I will recommend the first method as its easy, simple, less error prone and has more changes of compliance with company policy.

Method 1: Use Corporate Package Distribution System such as CA DSM (not sure about SCCM)

•     Create two normal packages and then import them in CA DSM, Set the reboot after installation on the install procedure of the first package. (DO NOT LET MSI reboot itself)

•     In CA DSM create a policy with install procedures of both the packages.

Isn’t is simple. What happens that when the procedure is deployed on the package first package is installed and then CA DSM reboots the machine, once the machine comes back online then the second package is installed. If the installation of first package fails then CA DSM will not install the second package. :)

Method 2: Use of Active Setup

•     Create package B, add the created package in the files section of package A. Set REBOOT property to Force.

•     Set active setup in package A, in the stub section add the details to silently install package B.

NOTE: PLEASE FOR GOD SAKE, do not create a nested msi or create a script which will install the msi files.

MSI Interview Questions. Ver: 0.0.1 Beta 4

Hello all,
I have updated the MSI Interview Questions, the updated document can be downloaded from http://sourceforge.net/projects/mayadeploy/files/FAQ/FAQ%20on%20MSI%20packaging%20and%20repackaging_0.0_1Beta4.pdf/download.
Enjoy solving the last 3 questions.
As always the questions & answers might be wrong.
so please correct me if that is the case .
Enjoy,
Mayank Johri

Alpha 1 Version of App-V Interview Questions

Dear All,
My first try to consolidate all the app-v interview questions. http://sourceforge.net/projects/softgridhelper/files/Documentations/AppV%20Interview%20Questions_Ver_0.0.1Alpha1.pdf/download
As always your comments and suggestions are most welcome.
Enjoy,
Mayank Johri

FAQ: MSI Interview

I am posting the first draft of FAQ of MSI packaging & repackaging. It can be downloaded from here

More App-V Interview Questions

1. Why the Flag files in OSD Scripts should be saved in Virtual File System instead of Physical System


2. How to create default.sprj file.

App-V Interview Questions

1. What is App-V Sequencing
2. What is VFS Sequenging
3. What is MNT Sequencing
4. What is SystemGuard
5. What are the protocols supported for streamming
6. What is active upgrade
7. Which applications can be sequenced.
8. How to manage exclusion list
9. Can network shortcut applications be sequenced
10. Can host files be sequenced
11. What are the different phases in sequencing app-v applications
12. Define the normal upgrade process
13. What precausions are needed while sequencing
14. How reboots are handled while sequencing
15. Can all types of services be sequenced
16. Why application is launched more then once while sequencing.
17. How much disk space is required on sequencing machine
18. Which hardware component be updated to get better performance in sequencing process.
19. What is a suite and how we can create them
20. What is the difference between update and active upgrade
21. What is the difference between suite and dynamic suite
22. Why only Q drive is necessary for sequncing can we have any other also.
23. Name few disadvantages of using SCCM server for deploying App-V Applications
24. Name few advantages of using SCCM server for deploying App-V Applications

Updated list of questions can be downloaded from my AppvHelper project website. http://sourceforge.net/projects/softgridhelper/files/

SFTSequencer.com failes with "Installer failed in execution"

Resolution:
shutdown the windows update service.

FAQ: AppV : Can I stream application if it was sequenced on other OS

Short Answer is Yes & No.

Long Answer: If the application was sequenced on WinXP and streamed on Vista then there is more chances for the application to work but reverse is not recommended.

FAQ: Resolving the "ImportError: No module named decimal" Error

Error Message:

ImportError: No module named decimal

Description:

Error occurs when executable created using pyinstaller is executed which uses pymssql module

Resolution:

import decimal in the python program

If you are using pymssql module in python program and creating

FAQ: MAV: Removing the Servers from the Softgrid Management consoles.

Delete / rename the SftMMC which is located at "%appdata%\Microsoft\MMC" directory will remove all the settings and sever details also from the Softgrid Management Consoles.

FAQ: How to enable file streaming in softgrid 4.5

The File Streaming can be enabled in 4.5 by setting the following key to 1 (DWORD)

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SoftGrid\4.5\Client\Configuration\AllowIndependentFileStreaming

Can I virtualize hosts file.

No, hosts file can not be virtualized using Microsoft Softgrid Application Virtualization technique.

Softgrid FAQs : Why I am getting the “Invalid directory” error message.

I have only seen this error message under following conditions.

1. OSD is referring of a Network file under script or FILENAME tag which user can not access.


2. WORKINGDIR tag refers to a directory which does not exist.


3. WORKINGDIR tag contains directory name is between Q0tes ("")

Softgrid FAQs : When it is safe to remove the WORKINGDIR Tag

It might be safe to remove the workingdir tag only if

1. 
   
   When launching the app you are getting Invalid dir error.
   
   

Softgrid FAQs : Blank Icons on published Applicataions.

I have seen this due to two reasons.

1. 
   
   While capture the icons were not captured properly:
   
   
   
   
   1. 
      
      Resolution: Extract the icons from the executable and then use it.
      
      
   
   
   
   


2. 
   
   The icons does not have proper icons size 16x16
   
   
   
   
   1. 
      
      
      

      Resolution: Extract the icons from the executable and then use it

      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   

Note: One can use iconsucker, IconSnatcher or similar tool. Always remember to save the icon in 16x16 size and do not forget to update the OSD files to point to the new icons.