4. Create a batch processing script

Compile a batch processing script that contains an installation command to run the MSI installation program on the target computers. You can use a command line tool such as msiexec to execute the installation command and set parameters as required, for example, set the installation path or select the silent installation option.

(1) Access the folder where mBlock-xxxx.msi is stored, and open the control panel as an administrator.

(2) Run the following command to install the MSI package.

msiexec /i mBlock-xxxx.msi DEPLOY_DIR="D:\mBlock" /l*V ".\mBlockMsi.log"

Note:

• The path of mBlock-xxxx.msi behind /i cannot be a relative path. 
• The command l*V ".\mBlockMsi.log generates the installation log at the target path.

(3) Uninstallation: You can uninstall the software in app management.

(4) Update: You can update the installed mBlock clients in batches by deploying the MSI installation package again as an administrator.

5. Use a deployment tool

You can use a deployment tool such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune to manage and execute the batch deployment. They provide more advanced functions, such as centralized management, remote deployment, and installation status monitoring.

Your organization can decide which installation method to use.

Problems you may encounter

Problem 1: The app name displayed in the User Account Control window is incorrect during MSI package installation and uninstallation.

What happens

Cause

By default, the MSI uninstaller is installed in the folder C:\\Windows\Installer\ insread of the installation folder. Therefore, to tell the software and its version, a unique ID is generated randomly as the name. The folder is a hidden one in the system and may require access permission, which does not affect the use of the software.

Problem 2: The uninstallation of the MSI package is slow.

What happens

The uninstallation is slow and the time displayed is incorrect. It may indiate that it takes more than 2,000 minutes, but in fact, the uninstallation has been done.

Cause

This happens due to the system mechanism. MSI installation and uninstallation is not simply done by running a program. It checks the status of the system, checks the status of the database that serves as a program to install the program, and then performs complicated calculation on how to coordinate the two parts. In addition, MSI installation and uninstallation involve registries to a large extent. As the system grows mature and the registries become larger or fragmented, MSI installation and uninstallation become slower.

Problem 3: In the app closing reminder window that appears when the app is running and you attempt to uninstall it, you click OK to close the app but it still runs.

What happens

You click OK to close the app but it still runs.

Cause

When you click OK here, the closing of the app is supposed to be done by the Windows system. This is not about the app itself and does not affect the subsequent operation.

Problem 4: A restart reminder window is displayed during the uninstallation. If you click No, there will be folders remaining in the system.

What happens

Solution

Restart the computer after the uninstallation.

Problem 5: If you install the MSI package and then the EXE package, the MSI shortcut icon on the desktop disappears.

What happens

After you install the MSI package, a shortcut icon appears on the desktop. Then, after you install the EXE package, the MSI shortcut icon disappears.

Solution

This does not affect the use of the app. To use mBlock 5, you need only to install one package, either the MSI or EXE one.