Using MSI Command Line Switches to install SEP 12.1 fails to install or fails to abide by switch parameters

Article:TECH177946

Created: 2011-12-29

Updated: 2012-09-04

Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH177946

Article Type
Technical Solution

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Problem

Using msi cmd.exe switches (" /S /v "/qn /quiet /passive /norestart ENABLEAUTOPROTECT=0 SYMPROTECTDISABLED=1 RUNLIVEUPDATE=0 REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS").

Install either fails entirely, or does not follow switch parameters.

These switches worked with SEP 11.x and with previous SAV 10.x installations.

Error

Can vary.

Most frequently, in customer's testing, the install simply does not complete.

Environment

Following is a sample of msi cmd used by customer to install SEP 12.1 client, which fails. (Note installation from network share, which has never been recommended!);

"\\some_network_share_path\setup.exe<file:///\\some_network_share_path\setup.exe>" /S /v "/qn /quiet /passive /norestart ENABLEAUTOPROTECT=0 SYMPROTECTDISABLED=1 RUNLIVEUPDATE=0 REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS"

Cause

SEP 12.1 reduced the availability of msi cmd.exe switches that can be used to install the client.

SEP 12.1 will only accept /S for a silent install /v to pass the remaining switches to msiexec.exe which than takes over the installation. Previous cmd switches; /qn, REBOOT=REALLYSUPPRESS, etc., are no longer supported.

The install parameters are now entirely contained in the Client Install Package which is created in SEPM. They are added by using the SEPM GUI to designate Client Install Settings and Client Install Feature Sets.

Command parameters can be seen by extracting setup.exe (if using single executable), or by opening the Full Install package. Command parameters are found in setup.ini and setAid.ini.

Solution

Set all client install settings and features using SEPM.

Resulting Setup.exe uses the /S for a silent install /v to pass the remaining switches to msiexec.exe which than takes over the installation.

SEP 12.x still supports the Cache install switch, but the parameter has changed to CACHE_INSTALLER=1 or 0.