KACE SMA kScript set up example for standard MSI File install (Windows) (4262834)

How to create a KScript to install an application via MSI on Windows OS

In this example an Online Kscript will be created to illustrate how to launch the installation of an application using a msi file.

Pre-requisites:

1. Installer file (.msi)
2. Installation parameters (these can vary depending on the application publisher)

Steps to create an Online Kscript to install an application using a msi installer:

Configure

1. Fill in the Script name
2. Select type "Online Kscript"
3. Select the desired Script Category and add any description or notes as desired

Deploy

1. Select the target devices for the script to be launched
2. Select the target OS. This step is important as some kscript options under Tasks will only be made available after selecting a specific OS family. In this example, select "Windows"
   

Windows Run As

1. By default "Local System" is selected. For this example this should be enough, however depending on the script target and elevation needs, the script can be ran as the user logged in, all users logged-in or a specific user such as Administrator
   

Dependencies

1. Upload .msi installer file under dependencies by clicking on "New Dependency"
   

Tasks

1. Verify - For this example, the script will verify if the file chrome.exe exists. If the file exists, the script will end since no installation is required; otherwise, it will proceed to install the application.
   1. Click "Add"
   2. Search for "Verify a file exists...". Please note there are many other options available to verify an application is installed or running on a system.
   3. Determine the directory and the file to be verified.
   4. Save Changes.
      
2. On Success - This is the action that will take place if the verify step returns "True"
   1. For this example, a Log Message output will be added.
   2. Save Changes
      
3. Remediation - This is the action that will take place if the verify step returns "False"
   1. Click Add and select "Launch a program"
   2. Set directory to: $(KACE_SYS_DIR), this is equivalent to C:\Windows\System32
   3. File: msiexec.exe
   4. Parameters (silent install): /qn /i  $(KACE_DEPENDENCY_DIR)\installer_name.msi
   5. Save changes
      
4. Save Script

A similar process can be followed if creating an Offline KScript, the difference from an Online KScript will be found mainly under the scheduling options available where an offline type of KScript is able to run even if the device is not online/connected in the KACE SMA inventory at the scheduled time.
For more information and details about KScripts, please see KACE Kontinuing Education (KKE) Recording: Introduction to K-Scripting.