File distribution

Files can be distributed to workstations with an installed Agent. For more information about Agents, see the chapter Agents.

To distribute files:

1.Select the Distribution tasks in the main menu.

2.In the Distribution tasks window, select Add. Specify the task Name and Description (optionally).

3.If you want to copy files, Add the files to be distributed. You can specify a Destination folder. If the field is left empty, a temporary folder will be used (C:\Windows\Temp).

4.If you want to run files, go to the Execution tab. Specify the execution folder and parameters (optionally, e.g. silent and unattended installation).

5.In the Devices tab, select Add devices. Use the list to add devices on which you want to run or distribute files. When the action is complete, click OK.

The created distribution task will be added to the list. If the destination machine is turned off, tasks will be queued and executed upon the first contact between the Agent and nVision. Progress can be checked at any time in the Distribution tasks window.

Pending tasks are also displayed in the Agents tab in the main nVision window.

To distribute and install an MSI package:

1.Select the Distribution tasks in the main menu.

2.In the Distribution tasks window, select Add. Specify the task Name and Description (optionally).

3.Add the MSI package to be distributed and specify the destination folder.

4.Navigate to the Execution tab, check the Run program field and fill the options as shown in the following screenshot.

5.In the Devices tab, select Add devices. Use the list to add the devices on which you want to distribute and run the MSI package. Then click OK.

The generation of the MSI package distribution task can also be automated in the following manner:

1.Check the Agent(s) icon.

2.Right click the Agent icon, use the pop-up menu to select Agent / Install an MSI package.

3.Select the MSI installer file in the dialog box.

4.When the installer file is specified, the distribution task properties window will appear with automatically filled task parameters. Along with adding the file, the following parameters will be filled automatically:

•name,

•description,

•command,

•default parameters for silent installation (unattended by the user),

•devices on which the task is to be executed will be added automatically.

All of the described parameters can be edited.

5.To finish the wizard and perform the task, click OK.

The Agent also allows for the remote uninstallation of the software installed with use of MSI packages. During the workstation inventory, the Agent also collects information on the manner of software installation (through scanning registry entries). The option of uninstallation from the level of the nVision Console is only available for the programs installed by the Windows Installer (MSI packages).

The software uninstallation task is performed immediately, if the Agent is connected to the Axence nVision® Server. Otherwise, the task is queued and performed at the next connection.

To uninstall software remotely:

1.Navigate to Device details / Inventory / Program window.

2.Find the program to be uninstalled in the installed applications list. Select it.

3.Use the toolbar to select Uninstall or right click and select Uninstall.

4.The status in the Uninstallation progress column will change to Pending.

or

1.Go to the Devices / view menu, Agents / Software audit.

2.Find the program to be uninstalled in the detected applications list. Double-click its name to open the detected installations window.

3.Select the name of the machine from which the program will be uninstalled, and use the toolbar to select Uninstall or right click and select Uninstall.

4.The status in the Uninstallation progress column will change to Pending.

The Uninstallation progress column presents information on the remote uninstallation support and task status:

•Supported – remote uninstallation possible,

•Unsupported - remote uninstallation not possible,

•Pending – task was ordered, waiting for Agent connection,

•Task in progress – task is currently executed,

•Error – an error occurred (additional message is displayed in a “bubble” by the mouse cursor).

The task can be cancelled if the Agent has not connected with the nVision Server yet. To cancel the task, make sure the status in Uninstallation progress is displayed as Pending, right click and select Abort uninstallation in the pop-up menu.

nVision allows for the remote distribution of files to Windows machines. This is performed with use of WMI service, which requires the appropriate configuration of login credentials in device properties. Additionally, WMI service must be enabled on all remote machines.

To distribute files:

1.Right-click the Agent and select Actions / Distribute file with WMI....

2.Select the file to be distributed.

3.The selected file can be an executable file (e.g. installation file). It is possible to run such a file after it has been copied to a remote machine. This mechanism can be used to distribute programs or updates (fixes). Specify the runtime settings in the Parameters field and enable the Run file when copied option.

4.Select All to distribute a file to all machines or Selected to choose a specific group.

5.Click the Install button. A window will appear, displaying the distribution progress and allowing its successful completion to be checked.