Need a way to automate the install of our ActiveX clients.

[DrWho]

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.

[Hooligan]

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