Description

This document describes how to deploy Windows XP Sevice Pack 3 using LANDesk Management Suite and a Distribution Package. This is most easily done using the patch content in Patch Manager, however, it is possible to manually create a distribution package.  This document describes how to manually create this distribution package.

Step 1 - Obtaining the Software

Download XPSP3 from Microsoft.  Make sure to download the full version for network installations.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

Step 2 - Placing the Software on a Web Share or UNC Share

Put XPSP3 on the web share or UNC share where you packages are stored.  If you have not created a web share or a UNC share, create one now. Remember that the Core Server and the agent workstation must be able to access this web share or unc share.

Step 3 - Determine the Command Line Parameters to Use

Run the executable with a /? or /help to obtain a list of the possible command line parameters.

You probably only want one switch: /quiet.  But you may also want to use the /norestart if you don't want to reboot right away.  Or if /forcerestart if you really want the restart to occur.  If you no you don't ever want it uninstalled, you can add the /n switch to not backup files needed for the uninstall.  Open a command prompt on a test XP box and try out the switches until you have the ones you want.

Step 4 - Creating the Distribution Package

In the Console create a new Distribution Package of type executable.

1. Provide a name and description.
   
   
2. Configure the primary file to point to the executable on the UNC share or web share with that has the file.
   
   
3. There is a place in the Distribution Package to add the command line parameter that are desired.
   
   
4. Save the Distribution Package.
   
   

Step 5 - Create the Scheduled Task

Create a new Scheduled Task.

1. Add the distribution package
   
   
2. Choose your delivery method.
   
   
3. Save the Scheduled Task.
   
   
4. Drag some nodes to the scheduled task.
   
   
5. Right-click and choose Start now to start the deployment.
   
   

Important! The Service Pack has an option to extract the service pack first before deploying it. Using that method with LANDesk is only recommended if a Delivery Method is used that is configured to "Run from source".