[wpkg-users] no disk in the drive

[Mark Nienberg]

Mark Nienberg wrote:
> I have a package that runs a setup.exe file, which in turn runs some msi installers. 
>   The setup program works fine from a regular logged-on admin account, but when run 
> from wpkg at boot, some workstations pop up several error dialog boxes with
> 
> "There is no disk in the drive. Please insert a disk."
> 
> These error dialog boxes pop up while the logon is being delayed with the standard 
> wpkg alternating progress boxes.  I can manually click on the cancel button in the 
> dialog boxes and they will be dismissed and allow the script to complete.  It doesn't 
> happen on every workstation.
> 
> The program being installed is Autodesk Revit Structural.  Autodesk has apparently 
> written their own installer.  It is not one of the well known standards like 
> installshield, etc.

Here is an update on this situation, after more testing and more installation 
problems with other Autodesk software (I have not seen this problem installing 
non-Autodesk software).

As Paul McGrath indicated, the error occurs on workstations that are clones (ghost 
plus sysprep deployments).  It seems related to external drives and card readers, 
particularly USB.

Workaround: In my tests, the error can be solved by unplugging external USB card 
readers before booting the workstation that is going to install the wpkg package. We 
have monitors with built-in card readers, so I unplug the USB cable that connects the 
monitor to the computer.

Obviously, if I have to visit each workstation to physically unplug a cable, a large 
part of the silent installation benefit is lost. Does this discussion trigger an idea 
in anyone's mind about possibly disabling card readers with software commands in a 
wpkg package <install> section?  It could maybe be done just prior to the setup 
command for the application.  Then after a successful install, the card reader would 
return to functional after the next reboot.  Ideas on how to accomplish something 
like this appreciated.

Mark



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