MSI Package manager

Axence nVision Agent also enables management of software installations on monitored computers through:

•Installing required company programs

•Uninstalling unauthorized programs

Software installation management is based on a repository of MSI package files. An MSI package is an object created based on an installation file with the extension MSI, which is compatible with Windows Installer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Installer). Installation packages are considered unique when the properties of the MSI file differ in terms of product code (productCode), product version (productVersion), and product language (productLanguage). The Agent's functionality also allows for installing updates but does not permit downgrading applications.

Agent Operation Scheme:

1. The Agent installs packages only after downloading all the ones configured for it, taking into account priorities specified in the package properties.

2. Agent action permits installation only if the application is either not installed at all or is installed in an older version than what the Agent received (update). The Agent periodically checks if all applications from the packages assigned to it are installed. If any are missing, it initiates a reinstallation. This process occurs independently of the option to scan information about software in the Agent's profile.

The list of applications (packages) for uninstallation is generated based on information collected by Agents through monitoring the registry entries of installed applications and reading information about installations from MSI packages. The Agent periodically checks if an application marked for removal has been installed; if detected, it proceeds with its uninstallation.

To manage MSI packages and software presets through the MSI packages manager:

1. Select "MSI package manager" from the main program menu.

2. In the "Manage MSI Packages" window, click the "Add" button.

3. In the dialog box, specify the MSI installer file.

4. In the package addition window, set the installation priority (considered when installing multiple packages within one group) and additional launch parameters (copied from the MSI installer's manufacturer's page). Click "Save."

NOTE! Removing launch parameters or entering incorrect launch parameters can result in the MSI package not being correctly installed on the workstation.

5. Go to the "Software presets" tab, click the "Add" button. Create a new group by specifying:

  - Preset name,

  - Devices on which the designated applications should be installed or uninstalled,

  - Packages to be installed (created in step 4) or applications to be uninstalled (based on information collected by Agents through monitoring the registry entries of installed applications). Click "Save." The task execution status on devices is presented in the next tab of the "Manage MSI Packages" window, i.e., "Preset audit".

Both packages and software presets can be edited by double-clicking or selecting and clicking the "Edit" button. There is also an option to change the priority and download the MSI package in the "Preset audit" tab, where you can check the progress of the installation.