Deploying iTunes via Windows Group Policy

Might have a look here -> http://developer.apple.com/softwarelicensing/agreements/itunes.html

A few email addresses there.

I am trying to do deploy iTunes and Safari using GPO. As none of the original msi files are working, i am using WinINSTALL to create new. If anyone is interested i can post them here if i get them to work.

Just from reading some forums (i.e. I haven't tried deploying it myself), I think you need ISSETUPDRIVEN=0 (not 1), and SILENT_INSTALL=1.

See:
http://www.msfn.org/board/lofiversion/index.php/t30941.html

I've been deploying Quicktime via GPOs for the last year or two without too much headache. I just finished my package of iTunes and would be happy to share the steps I used if it's still useful.

Yes, please post the procedure for making msi package.

The installer files come as MSIs from Apple. To get all that you need, just download the iTunes installer as inside are the MSIs for both QuickTime and iTunes. As a note, I deploy both packages via Active Directory Group Policy GPOs. QuickTime I think should be installed before iTunes, but I've never encountered any problems by mixing up the install order in my testing, just so long as QuickTime is present, iTunes seems to work. Install and uninstall via the GPO, to date, has worked flawlessly. Both procedures have been copied from my notes. Some of the stuff is optional, like removing desktop shortcuts and turning off automatic updating, just personal preference, you can customize for your environment. Any questions, please feel free to post.



*Here is the procedure for QuickTime 7.55.90.70...*
Download the QuickTime installer from www.quicktime.com. The installer is a self extracting executable. Using an archival program such as 7-Zip or IZARC, extract the contents. All that is needed is the QuickTime.msi file.

Edit the MSI file with Orca and go to View -> Summary Information. In the Languages section, delete all but 1033 (otherwise it's installed in Japanese or something). Click OK and save the MSI file.

Now generate a new transform file and make the following modifications.

In the Launch Condition table, drop the for labeled NOT BNEWERPRODUCTISINSTALLED, if this is not dropped the software generates an error in the event log when deployed saying a newer version of QuickTime is already installed.

In the Property table, change the ProductName field to match established naming convention. Change the field SCHEDULE_ASUW from 1 to 0 to turn off automatic updating.

In the Registry table, use a previous deployment to find the field to drop, and drop the entry enabling QTTask.exe to remove the QuickTime tray icon if desired. This should be the only entry related to QTTask.exe in the table.

In the Shortcut table, drop the Uninstall, About, and Desktop icons for QuickTime.

Generate the transform, and rename the transform and MSI to established conventions.

Copy the MSI and MST to the distribution share.


*Here is the procedure for iTunes 8.0.2.20...*
Download the iTunes installer from www.quicktime.com. The installer is a self extracting executable. Using an archival program such as 7-Zip or IZARC, extract the contents. All that is needed is the iTunes.msi file. The iPhone and iPod Touch may also use the AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi and/or MobileMe.msi files as well. This is not yet tested or deployed.

Edit the MSI file with Orca and go to View -> Summary Information. In the Languages section, delete all but 1033. Click OK and save the MSI file.

Generate a new transform file and make the following modifications.

In the Component table, find the component titled "iTunesDesktopShortcuts" and change the condition from DESKTOP_SHORTCUTS="1" to DESKTOP_SHORTCUTS="0".

In the Property table, change the IAcceptLicense field to "Yes and the ProductName field to conform to established naming conventions. Set SCHEDULE_ASUW from 1 to 0 to turn off automatic updating.

In the Shortcut table, drop the "About iTunes" shortcut.

Generate the transform, and rename the transform and MSI to established naming conventions.

Copy the MSI and MST to the distribution point.



Wrap-Up:
Now just create your GPO and add the software package as an assigned package to the computer. I check the box to uninstall when it falls out of scope and add the MST file to the Modifications tab. The second step is mandatory, the first is just me being me. Note, you have to click Advanced when you first add the MSI to the GPO otherwise it doesn't let you add the MST later in the modifications tab. So long as everything in AD is working and the GPO is applied correctly to the computer's OU or group, the pc should receive the policy and install the software.

Message was edited by: sla161

Finally, this is exactly what I was looking for! After applying the transform with these modifications I'm able to deploy iTunes and QuickTime via Group Policy, which will be a huge time saver.

I was actually having the same problems as the original person who posted the question. When I attempt to deploy iTunes 8.0.2.20at work through GroupPolicy is does not install, and gives no error messages. When i followed the steps listed here, it still did not work. For some reason when I try to attach the transformation in the modifications, group policy does not allow me to even add iTunes as a package. I then tried all the same steps but instead of a transformation, I just changed the actual MSI. Group policy took it, but still did not actually install. Just confused because it works with previous iTunes. Anyone else have any suggestions???