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creating .msi files

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I would like to know the name of a tool to repackage patch files downloaded from microsoft to .msi files. I do not whant to go down the .zap file route but i do whant to deploy the patches through group policy to my endusers computers. I am aware ofmicrosoft SMS server but Bill Gates has had enough of my IT budget for one year, Any ideas would be most appreciated
RGDS
PCStechnical

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by beermonster

Hi,
I've only read about this, never used it - but 'software update services' might be worth a look. It's from microsoft, and it's free. Here's some data from the MS site -

Microsoft Software Update Services. This is the server component installed on a computer running Windows 2000 Server inside your corporate firewall. It synchronizes with the Windows Update site to deliver all critical updates for Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The synchronization can be automatic or completed manually by the administrator. When the updates are downloaded, you can test the updates in your environment and then decide which updates to approve for installation throughout your organization. Available in English and Japanese.

Automatic Updates. This is the Windows feature for installation on all of your Windows 2000 Service Pack 2-based desktops and servers as well as computers running Windows XP Professional. This enables your Windows servers and Windows client computers to connect to a server running SUS and receive any updates. You can control which server each Windows client should connect to as well as schedule when the client should perform all installations of critical updates?either manually or via Group Policy and the Active Directory? service. Available in 24 languages.

Worth a look??

by vinnyd

On the Windows 2000 Server CD there is a program called Win Install LE.

WinINSTALL LE allows you to quickly and easily repackage legacy applications (pre-Windows Installer) into packages suitable for distribution with the Windows Installer.

You may want to try this method.

by pcstechnical

i Have found a progam from installshield called admin studio, it has a free trial download for 15 days. http://www.installshield.com/isas/.
it takes a snapshot of your system without the patch then applies the patch and takes another. The differences in the system are turned into an .MSI file that can be used with group policies for remote deployment. it turned out that i have already all the latest patches installed from a service pack that came with the select software anyway.
Thanks anywayfor your replies and hopefully i can help you guys out sometime.

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