How-To: Use Master Packager to Deploy and Maintain DEM Settings - Part 2/3

In this short series I explain how to:

1. Modify VMware´s MSI file so it contains the initial settings in the DEM Installer

2. Create an own MSI file to update (add/remove) DEM configurations

3. Update the DEM config files for ongoing maintenance using MSI versions

Here we go with Part 2.

Why

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Using a MSI file format to distribute your DEM configurations has three major advantages

1. No need for central accessible file shares - DEM works fully offline, once deployed

2. Versioning and centralized reporting on the "installation" estate in your environment

3. Ability to update or rollback using the UEM or PCLM tool of choice

Create the MSI

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Preparation

Things to download / create:

• Download and Install Master Packager if not already done

• Create your required DEM configurations using the DEM Management Console

In case you are using NoAD mode choose a local configuration directory like

\\localhost\c$\ProgramData\VMware\DEM

Kick-Off

Start Master Packager and choose "New MSI"

Name your file to something meaningful like "VMware Dynamic Environment Manager Configuration 1.0.msi" and click "OK"

On the General Information Section define the Product Name, Version and Manufacturer of your installer. Leave Product Code and Upgrade Code as they are, they will become very important on Part 3 (Updating your MSI) of this series.

You will find the specified name, version and publisher informations in the "Programs and Features" view (appwiz.cpl) in Windows as well as in the inventory of your UEM/PCLM tool

On the Uninstall or Change Program Section you have the option to add a custom icon, click on the "Change" button and choose a icon of your choice

For example the VMware DEM icon from FlexEngine.exe

On the Summary Information Section specify whatever information you like to add to your MSI. You can choose x64 as Platform if you want to make sure that only 64-bit Windows can install your configuration.

Note: All the information is visible on the resulting MSI file in the Details view in Windows Explorer

Add the DEM configuration files to the MSI package

Like in the previous blog we add our files into C:\ProgramData\VMware\DEM as this folder by default is not visible and is read-only for standard users.

Right-click "CommonAppDataFolder" and select "New Folder" and add VMware

Note: Later this does not overwrite anything existing in this directory, it give only the directive where to store files

We can now add all our files at once by right-click the newly created VMware folder and choose "Add Directory(s)"

Choose the DEM root directory which you use with the VMware DEM Management Console (in our example: \\localhost\c$\ProgramData\VMware\DEM); you will be asked how to store the files, choose "#Disk1.cab" & "Build CAB inside msi" to keep everything inside the MSI file and select BUILD NOW

If required you can set the Attribute of individual files to be Hidden and/or ReadOnly by switching to the "Tables"-View and click on Files > Attributes

If you need to change permissions on your files, you will find this feature in the Pro Edition of Master Packager.

Save your work

Click on File > Save ;-)

Upload and Deploy with Workspace ONE UEM

Go to Apps & Books > Native > Add and upload your VMware DEM Configuration MSI (VMware Dynamic Environment Manager Configuration 1.0.msi) file. Then deploy it to your devices as any other installer.

Time for the Bonus Round: Trigger UEMRefresh right after installation

If you again want to have your configuration being loaded right away you can add a "Custom Action" to your MSI to kick-off "FlexEngine.exe -UEMRefresh"; this time we need to specify the full-path of the executable as it is not longer part of our package, here is how:

1. Create a Custom Action

2. Add this action to your Install Execution Sequence as last step

In the Advance Editor-view (the Standard Master Packager view) click on "Custom Actions" and then on the Pencil-Icon on the top-right of the section:

Fill out the form ...

Name = CA.RefreshDEM // or whatever you like to name it
Type = Exe on Target PC
Execution Options = Immediate
Return Processing = Synchronous, ignore exit code
Scheduling Options = Always
Working Directory = CommonAppDataFolder // use the ... to choose any available folder; this is required to start the process
Command Line = "C:\Program Files\Immidio\Flex Profiles\FlexEngine.exe" -UEMRefresh

... and click Add; then go Back using the "Right-Directed-Back-Button" on the top-left of the screen :-)

Now click the Pencil-Icon on the "Install Execute Sequence" section and fill the form:

Action Type = Custom Action
Action Name = CA.RefreshDEM // or whatever you named it
Condition = <empty>
Sequence = 10000 // to make sure it run at the very end

... and click Add; again save your work.

Mission accomplished.