Feature Request: Ability to break out download step from install step
There might already be a way to do this, and I'm just missing it.
If we could have a computer download packages at 10am, and install at 12pm, that would be amazing. We were trying to deploy a new install of AutoCAD to 40 computers, and it did not go as smoothly as hoped.
If there was a way to pre download the packages to PCs before scheduling an install, it would make large application deployments much smoother.
For example:
Step 1: Download AutoCAD.exe and directory
Step 2: Sleep until 12pm
Step 3: Message: Please close AutoCAD. Click OK to begin Installation.
Step 4: Install AutoCAD.exe
Comments
There is not a way to predownload packages.
However, there are a few things to try.
Look into Push vs Pull. Using Pull Copy may make copying the files faster for large applications. https://www.pdq.com/blog/pdq-deploy-1-4-pull-file-copy/ https://www.pdq.com/blog/pdq-deploy-know-copy-mode/
You can try this too. It may be easier and work in your situation.
Download the files to the server.
Create a package and use the file copy step to copy the files to devices.
Run package that will display your message.
Use a script to run the installer locally on the device.
Hi,
Patrick is correct, there is not a way to do this directly within Deploy, but you could accomplish something similar with schedules, and some manual cleanup.
Schedule 1: File-Copy all required files to the target machines (pre-stage)
Schedule 2: Command step executing the installers with proper parameters
Schedule 3: Command step removing the previously copied installers
You could make sure that you are getting files on machines, and removing them with a file and directory scanner:
https://support.pdq.com/knowledge-base/941
-Josh