How do I distribute driver packages automagically?

[PM-5411]

We have about 20 measurement systems that uses NI5411.
When we update the measurement software (VB application) we usually just need to redistribute the exe-file to all the systems and that is easy enough: just to replace the old exe-file in the program directory on each computer.

The app that uses the NI5411 uses NIFGEN to control it. NIFGEN requires NI-DAQ, NI-VISA and IVI. Each of those packages comes with their own install program.

Is there a simple way to distribute updates of these packages to all the machines automatically? Like some way to start a quiet installation? Or maybe just to copy some key DLL files? Any ideas?

Thanks

P

[Felsen]

If you are using NI-FGEN 2.0, then it is possible to run a silent install on a machine.

Using "setup.exe /q" as the command will invoke the installer in quiet mode. It will automatically reboot at the end if it needs to.

Using "setup.exe /q /r:n" as the command will also suppress the reboot.

Using "setup.exe /q /r:f" as the command will force the reboot.

These options are displayed if you run a "setup.exe /?" at the command prompt on the installer's setup.exe file.

If you need to install multiple installers that all reboot, use the /r:n to suppress all but the last one. Then either use /r:f on the last one to make sure it reboots, or use the /r:n and pop up your own message saying it is done, and will work once rebooted. This will let you set up
a batch file to call all of the installers from a network or CD location.

Note 1: You might not have to perform this on each of the installers. NI-DAQ 7.0 and later includes NI-VISA and IVI in the installer. NI-FGEN 2.0 and later includes NI-DAQ, NI-VISA, and IVI as long as it is the CD Installer. The NI-FGEN Web Installer does not include these parts.

Note 2: For NI-DAQ 7.0, use the setup.exe file under the distribution folder. The one at root level controls a dialog box that it pops up, and is not the real installer executable.