Microsoft Installer (MSI) packages are files that contain all the installation files for software. Network administrators typically need to install the same package on multiple computers at a time. The administrator can automate this process by using the group policy editor. Group policies are settings used to control client computers, network resources and permissions. An administrator sets up an install group policy, so each remote computer installs the package when the user logs in to the network.
Instructions
1. Click the Windows "Start" button and type "gpedit.msc" and press "Enter." This is the shortcut command to open the group policy editor.
2. Double-click the "Computer Configuration" icon to expand some options. Click "Software Settings." Right-click "Software Configuration" and select "New Package" to open a "New Package" wizard.
3. Click the "Open" button and point to the location of your MSI file. This can be on a network drive, or on the network server. Click "Open" to save the location.
4. Click the "Assigned" option and click "OK." The "Assigned" option assigns it to network users. You can disable the package in the future by editing the group policy properties and removing this check box.
5. Click "OK" to save your package. The new package is shown in the details pane and it takes effect the next time your users log in to the network.
Tags: group policy, Assigned option, Click Open, group policy editor, policy editor