Automating application/software install/setup

[kleox64]

I want to be able to install applications very quickly without going through the setup dialogs, msi was an option but is in my opinion an overkill together with the time & effort required to package 30-50 applications (also to test each individual application). Is there a way to somehow record the clicks and setup dialog options the 1st first time and create an executable that will install on another machine. Installshield has this so called one-click technology but again its overkill and only available in the pro/ent versions.

Any ideas?

[danimal]

THere are programs that record the clicks and everything. I can't think of any of the top of my head. But for Installshield and most other ones you can start the installation with the silent switch and it will just install. With installshiel you have to run through the installation once with a switch so it can create a file that remembers your preferences of the installation

[ravendark]

indeed most installers have a command line switch to install silently or upon first install
write a config file to disk that you can then save and specify later to install silently/unattended

a good starting point is to check the web site/faq of the installer application

and when those dont work
go to the forums over at msfn.org and search to see if someone has listed the switches for
the app your trying to install

here (http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php) is a link to the forum, you want the
Application Installs sub forum