Deploying an MSI package with our parameters via Group Policy involves creating a transform file (.MST) to embed the desired parameters. This method allows for customized installations without modifying the original MSI.

Steps to Deploy MSI with Parameters via GPO

Create an MST Transform File

• Utilize a tool like Orca (part of the Windows SDK) or InstEd It to open the MSI package.
• Create a new transform (Transform > New Transform).
• Navigate to the Property table and add the properties corresponding to the variables needed to fill the License Key, Company Name, Company Initials, Location Name, Elevation Mode and Blocker Mode

• Generate and save the transform file (Transform > Generate Transform) in the same network share as the MSI, ensuring it's accessible to target machines.

Prepare the Network Share

• Place the MSI package and the newly created MST file in a shared network location accessible by the target computers (e.g., \\server\share\Software).

Create and Configure the GPO

• Open Group Policy Management on your domain controller.
• Create a new GPO or edit an existing one linked to the Organizational Unit (OU) containing the target computers.
• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Software Settings > Software installation.
• Right-click Software installation, select New > Package.
• Browse to the MSI package using its UNC path (e.g., \\server\share\Software\package.msi). Do not use a local path.
• In the Deploy Software dialog, select Advanced and click OK.

Apply the MST Transform

• In the Properties dialog for the deployed package, go to the Modifications tab.
• Click Add and browse to the MST file you created, again using its UNC path.
• Click OK to close the properties and then OK to close the package deployment.

Apply the GPO

• Force a Group Policy update on the client machines by running gpupdate /force in an elevated command prompt.
• Reboot the client machines for the software installation to take effect, as software installations via GPO typically occur during startup.