Create "Package from Definition" in ConfigMgr

System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) is often used for Software distribution. When creating new applications in ConfigMgr 2007 or 2012, create "Package from Definition" can be selected. In this blog I will explain what's the advantage when using this instead of creating a normal software package.

Some people don't know the difference between a normal software package and a package from definition maybe? The big difference is that with a normal software package an separate program must be created, and with a program from definition this program(s) will be created for you! The only condition here is that a MSI file must be used, not an executable file.

Let's have a start now. In ConfigMgr 2007 rightclick on Software Distribution > Packages and choose "Package from Definition". Now browse to an MSI file, downloaded before, and choose "Always obtain files from a source directory" and then Next, Next, Finish.

The good news here, is that the Programs will be automatically created. Normally there will be 6 (six) default programs created:

• Per-system attended (is not often used, manually installation)
• Per-system unattended (the best option here, when deploying to devices)
• Per-system uninstall (will be handy to uninstall applications from devices)
• Per-user attended (is not often used, manually installation)
• Per-user unattended (the best option here, when deploying to users)
• Per-user uninstall (will be handy to uninstall applications from users)

The command lines are all automatically filled-in.

Now let's have a look in ConfigMgr 2012 to. All steps are almost the same here! In ConfigMgr 2012 rightclick on Application Management > Packages and choose "Create Package from Definition". Now browse to an MSI file again, and choose "Always obtain files from a source directory" and then Next, Next, Finish. Same steps, same functionality. 

The good news is that there will be again 6 (six) default programs created. The only thing left is to put them on a Distribution point, and advertise/deploy the application with the right program.

Now everything is done to deploy this application to devices and/or users with ConfigMgr 2007 or 2012.