TITLE
    Software Installation Over a Network
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		14648
2/11/94
3/9/98
TOPIC

    This article tells you how to set up software on a file server for installation over a network. This process works with many software packages that use the Apple Installer, such as At Ease and System 7, but does not work for system software versions earlier than 7.0.

DISCUSSION

    NETWORK INSTALLATION SERVER SETUP
    =================================

    Most software installation scripts, especially those that use the Apple Installer, specify the name and contents of each disk used in the installation. You can substitute folders for disks, as long as their names and contents are exactly the same as the disks.

    To set up a network installation, you need to have write privileges on the file server. If you cannot create files on the file server, ask your file server administrator to grant write privileges, then follow these steps:

    Step 1:

    Create a folder on a server volume, and give it an appropriate name, such as "System 7 Net Install".

    Step 2:

    Insert the first installation disk and drag its icon to this new Net Install folder. All files on the disk will copy into the new folder. Repeat this process for the remaining installation disks, except the Disk Tools disk.

    Step 3:

    Double-click the Net Install folder to open it.

    Step 4:

    Find the folder with the name of the first installation disk and open it.

    Step 5:

    Drag the Installer icon and the Installer Script icon to the root (top) level of the Net Install folder.

    NOTE: If you are setting up a network installation for System 7 Pro, the instructions differ slightly from previous versions of system software. Make these changes:

    The Installer and Installer Script remain inside the Install Me First
    folder.

    Create an alias to the Installer and the Installer Script, and drag
    the aliases to the top level of the Net Install folder.

    Step 6:

    Be sure the server users have privileges to "See Folders" and "See Files" for the Net install Folder and all enclosed folders. Ask your file server administrator for help, if necessary.

    Step 7:

    Test the server by logging on from your own computer and running the installation.

    NETWORK INSTALLATION
    ====================

    Preinstallation Checklist
    =========================

    Have a Recent Backup
    --------------------

    It is always advisable to have a recent backup of your hard disk data. There are several software utilities available that perform this operation, or you can select the items you want to back up, and then copy them to another disk. If you cannot back up your entire hard disk, at least make a backup copy of your System Folder.

    Run a Compatibility Checker
    ---------------------------

    If you are installing system software, you may have a Compatibility Checker with the package. If so, run it before installing the new software. It checks all your applications and extensions for compatibility, and lets you print out the report. Remove any incompatible or questionable extensions from your System Folder. Contact the vendors of the incompatible applications for update information.

    Turn Off Security and Virus-Protection Software
    -----------------------------------------------

    Turn off all security software and virus-protection software, and restart. Refer to the manuals that came with the software for instructions.

    Check for Directory Problems
    ----------------------------

    Before upgrading system software, it is advisable to check the disk for directory problems. Start the workstation with the Disk Tools disk, and Run Disk First Aid on all connected hard disks. Repair any damaged hard disks you have connected to your Macintosh.

    Update Hard Disk Drivers
    ------------------------

    You may want to update hard disk drivers, especially if you are upgrading from System 6 to System 7. If you have an Apple hard drive, you should update the drivers with the version of Apple HD SC Setup that is on the Disk Tools disk. Start the Macintosh with the Disk Tools disk, open Apple HD SC Setup, and click on the Update button.

    If HD SC Setup cannot update the hard disk driver (indicated by a "dimmed" Update button), consider these possibilities:

    If a third-party utility formatted your hard disk, you should obtain
    the latest version of the utility to update your hard disk.
    If a version of Apple HD SC Setup more recent than the version on the
    Disk Tools disk formatted your hard disk, do not update the hard disk
    drivers.

    If a System 6 version of Apple HD SC Setup formatted the drive, it
    may not have left enough room for the updated driver. You don't have
    to update the hard disk drivers. However, if you intend to use file
    sharing or have a Macintosh that can use virtual memory, then you
    need to back up the disk and re-initialize it with HD SC Setup. This
    erases the disk, so be certain you back up the hard disk first.
    If the driver is corrupt, the Macintosh does not recognize the disk
    (that is, the disk does not show on the desktop when you start from a
    floppy disk). You may want to re-initialize it with HD SC Setup.
    This erases the disk, so be certain you back up the hard disk first.

    If the driver has been modified with compression or security software
    you will not be able to update the driver. Contact the vendor for
    additional help.

    Begin Installation
    ==================

    Step 1:
    Connect to the shared disk that contains the Net Install folder.

    Step 2:
    Double-click the Net Install folder to open it. A window appears.

    Step 3:
    Double-click the Installer icon (or alias, if you're using System 7 Pro).

    Follow the instructions under Easy Install or Customize Install.

    Easy Install
    ------------

    Step 1:
    Click the Switch Disk button to select the disk where you want to install system software.

    Step 2:
    Click the Install button. When installation finishes, a message appears saying installation was successful.

    Step 3:
    Click the Quit Button.

    Step 4:
    Choose Restart from the Special menu.

    Customize Install
    -----------------

    If you want to select the components of the software installed (for example, if you do not want to install file sharing software, or don't want all printer drivers installed), you can customize the installation.

    Step 1:
    In the Installer, click the Customize button. A screen appears.

    Step 2:
    Click the Switch Disk button if necessary to select the disk where you want to install system software.

    Step 3:
    Select the items you want to install. Shift-click to select multiple items. Your selections appear beneath the scrolling window.

    Step 4:
    When you've made your selections, click the Install button.

    Step 5:
    When installation finishes, a message appears saying installation was successful. Click the Quit button.

    Local Volume "Network Installation"
    ===================================

    This procedure also works on a local volume, such as an external hard disk or a RAM disk. This is useful for a Macintosh with only an 800K floppy drive, when you have high-density installation disks. Follow these steps:

    Step 1:
    Attach an external hard disk to a Macintosh with an Apple SuperDrive (formerly called FDHD).

    Step 2:
    Set up the Net Install folders on the external drive.

    Step 3:
    Connect it to the Macintosh with the 800K floppy drive.

    Step 4: Run the Installer.

    Clean System Software Installation
    ==================================

    A normal system software installation modifies and updates the existing System Folder. A clean installation disables the existing System Folder, leaving most files in place, and forcing the Installer to create a new System Folder.

    A clean system installation brings the system software back to the standard configuration. This is necessary when system software has been damaged or modified, preventing a normal installation. It's also useful in troubleshooting.

    Follow these steps to do a clean system software installation over the network:

    Step 1:
    Follow the previous instructions in this document about the Compatibility Checker and Disk First Aid, updating the hard disk drivers if needed, and disabling security and virus protection software.

    Step 2:
    Log on to the file server where the Net Install folder is.

    Step 3:
    Open the System Folder on your hard disk.

    Step 4:
    Drag the System (at the root level of the System Folder) into the Preferences Folder.

    Step 5:
    Close the System Folder, and rename it "Storage".

    Step 6:
    Proceed with the installation instructions in the Begin Installation section.

    After performing a clean installation, verify that problems are resolved before adding anything to the new System Folder. Adding items to the System Folder before resolving the problem defeats the purpose of a clean installation.

    When the Macintosh behaves as expected, check the Storage folder for other system files, fonts, and sounds that you may want to install in your new System Folder. Drag files to the Trash that duplicate those in your new System Folder. Other files you might find in the Storage Folder include:

    INITs, control panels, and device drivers (such as scanner drivers),
    which you should reinstall from the original floppy disks, if
    possible.

    Check the system suitcase for non-standard fonts, sounds, and
    keyboard layouts.

    Preference files from applications that store information about the
    application's settings, (such as the default font and margins).

    These files can sometimes become damaged -- unless you have spent a lot
    of time customizing the application, it is best not to reinstall
    these. The application recreates the Preference file with default
    settings when you launch it.

    Some applications install folders (such as Claris, Microsoft, Aldus,
    or a folder for electronic mail). You can drag these folders to the
    new System Folder.

    After you move all needed items from the Storage folder, drag the Storage folder to the Trash, and choose Empty Trash from the Special menu.


Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: General OS
Sub Category: General Topics

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