If you are using the Spark IM Client in your enterprise and would like to manage updates with a software install GPO, then this article is for you. This process was created in lieu of building a custom branded Spark IM client. If you would like to build a custom client, please see Build a Branded/Skinned Version of Spark. In the process below, we will detail the steps required to build a .msi installer that can be deployed via GPO.
Required software
- WiX v3.10 – WiX Installer Toolset available here.
- Spark IM offline installer here.
- 7-Zip File Archiver installer here.
- WiX build scripts available here.
Preparations
- Download and install WiX v3.10.
- Download and install 7-Zip File Archiver.
- Download and install the Spark IM Client.
- Customize as necessary. IE; Remove unused plugins.
- Note: all source files must be in the same directory in order to compile.
Note that we are downloading the Spark IM offline installer that contains java. Once you have installed spark, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\ and find your Spark folder. Right click the Spark folder and choose 7-Zip > Add to archive. Next, set update mode to “Add and replace files” and check the “Create SFX Archive” as seen in the picture below.
This step will create a self extracting archive of Spark. Next we need to repeat the process above for the Spark start menu icons. This can be accomplished by navigating to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. Once there, again right click the Spark folder and choose 7-Zip > Add to archive. Note you must change the name of the archive to Shortcut. Next, set update mode to “Add and replace files” and check the “Create SFX Archive” as seen in the picture above. Once the steps above are complete, you will have two executable files named Spark.exe and Shortcut.exe. These files need to be in the same directory as build scripts prior to packaging. Note your compile directory should now look like the picture below.
Packaging
- Building the installer package: Edit the path to the WIX variable in InstallSpark_v.2.7.3.bat
- Execute InstallSpark_v.2.7.3.bat: This will create InstallSpark_v.2.7.3.msi
- InstallSpark_v.2.7.3.wxs may be modified using Notepad++ or your favorite text editor to customize your installer.
Spark Installer Source Download