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MSI Install defaults User install, instead of System Install

Open GraphicHealer opened this issue 5 months ago • 0 comments

Describe the bug

When installing PDF Arranger onto a PC, it will default to installing for only the current user, instead of System-Wide. I am a Systems Administrator, and we deploy PDF Arranger to several of our departments where I work.

The main issue we have right now is we are having to manually tell PDF Arranger to install to C:\Program Files\PDFArranger using the TARGETDIR value in msiexec. All of our other packages just automatically install to Program Files, with no hassle.

We are also having to run a separate script to manually create the Desktop and Start Menu icons for PDF Arranger, because it will again default to creating the icon on the user level instead of the system level.

To Reproduce

Steps to reproduce the behavior:

  1. Download the latest PDF Arranger installer
  2. Run the MSI

PDF Arranger will now be installed to C:\Users\<USER>\AppData\Local\PDFArranger, and a Desktop Icon will be created at C:\Users\<USER>\Desktop\PDF Arranger.lnk

Expected behavior

PDF Arranger should install by default to C:\Program Files\PDFArranger (Or C:\Program Files (x86)\PDFArranger, depending on the Architecture), and should create Shortcuts in both C:\Users\Public\Desktop and C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu to account for both the Desktop and Start Menu for all users. This would allow for MUCH easier management of the PDF Arranger application.

An option could also be added that can specify User-Level or System-Level in the Installation GUI, allowing the choice. For example, the Android SDK Setup Wizard: image

In general, MSI Installers should default to System-Level install when executed, especially if run in an Administrators or NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM context.

System and Versions

  • v1.11.0, v1.10.1, v1.10.0, v1.9.2, etc.
  • Windows 10/11
  • Various Desktops and Laptops

GraphicHealer avatar Aug 26 '24 18:08 GraphicHealer