I have a client-server application where the server delivers the client software to a workstation using ActiveX technology. I was told the best way to deploy the client to all the workstation was to simply send the users a hyperlink to server and after users click the link, the client will automatically install.

This idea works but it does require users to confirm the installation of the ActiveX component. I am now task in finding a way to deploy the ActiveX client to all the workstation so our end users are not bothered with having to approve the ActiveX install. FYI: We do allow ActiveX software on our PCs.

The question is, is there a way I can push out the ActiveX client / with the signed certificate to all the workstations ? Can this be done via an MSI package ?

Hope I get some help on this.

Thanks.

By the way, our ActiveX uses CAB file and the CAB file is signed with an approved CA. This means, I need to push the CAB file and the certificate to all the workstations.

I've had pretty good sucess with converting cab based controls to msi (either with VS for in house or capture install for oddball vendor controls). Here's a thread over at Appdeploy that is covering a similar topic.

Topic: Large Scale Deployment of Active X controls, How can users install Active X controls?
http://www.appdeploy.com/messageboards/tm.asp?m=3659&mpage=1

Linked in the above thread is the following MS KB article.

Name: How To Install ActiveX Controls in Internet Explorer Using the Active Directory (KB280579)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/280579

Assuming the MSI registers the CLSID, you should be able to get away without the cert.

Hope that helps