Agent Deployment for LANDESK Management Suite

General Information

  Standard Push:The agent files are located on the core server and distributed via a push task. The credentials used in the Scheduler configuration on the core server are critical for this type of distribution.

    Self-Contained Executable: Agent files are compiled into a completely self-contained executable that is portable. This method is efficient and helps with a lot of network configurations however the executable does not get updated when the configuration changes or when files are updates by patches or new releases. It is recommended to keep these executables in a central location and perhaps date them as well so that they can be rebuilt as needed. Two self-contained executables are created for this option one with status (shows GUI to the user) and one without.

    Advance Agent: The primary purpose of this agent deployment method is to control the amount of bandwidth used during agent install. However, the design has many other uses. The agent is broken up into two files (and MSI and an EXE). The MSI will install a temporary service on the client where it will gradually stream down the main executable and install the agent. The temporary service is removed. Since the temporary service comes in MSI form this design also makes it favorable for deployment using an Active Directory login script. (Note: Including security definitions with the agent can make the primary executable very large and greatly increase agent download/install times)

     Wscfg32.exe: This is an executable located on the core server in the ldlogon sub-folder. When executed on a client it will pull the settings in a default windows configuration and launch an agent install window. Changes can be made to the configuration before starting the agent install.

     Other Operating System Information: Macintosh and Linux/Unix agents will work somewhat different than Windows based ones. For details on those agents please check their component landing pages.

Supported Platforms and Compatibility Matrix for LANDesk Management Suite

Install and Configuration

• Video:Agent Installation Methods
• Video:Agent Configuration
• Video:Management Suite 9 Fundamentals Agent Configuration
• How to create an Advance Agent
• How to create an Advance AgentDocumentation for Agent Configuration and Deployment (Best Known Method for LANDesk 9)

Troubleshooting and Known Issues

     General Troubleshooting Recommendations:

• The LANDesk agent (just like any other program) can be affected by Anti-virus, Spyware, and other blocking programs. Closing or suspending such programs may help with agent installation.
• When right-clicking on an agent two of the options will be "Schedule agent deployment" and "Schedule update to agent settings". The difference between these two is that the update will not deploy any files and only make changes to when scan run etc. If a new feature is added to the configuration or removed then a full agent deployment will be required.
• If an error occurs during the creation of the agent (advance agent or self-contained) a log file is generated. Typically the agent configuration was told to include a certain file and the process either couldn't find the file or didn't have access to it.
• Troubleshooting Agent Installs

• Advance Agent install process and troubleshooting tips
• Why can't I install the Advance Agent over itself on a client?
• UninstallWinClient.exe may not run correctly on Windows 7 under UAC
• How to completely remove LANDesk from a remote console or client device

Additional Options and Information

• Video:Agent Deployment via Login Script
• Video:Agent Deployment via WSCFG32
• Customizing the LANDesk Agent using the NTSTACFG.IN# file
• How to uninstall the LANDesk Agent on Windows Platforms
• How to uninstall the LANDesk Agent on Macintosh Platforms

Notice:Any E-Learning content is available by default to Members who have a minimum support agreement at Professional level.

NOTE: This article is not a comprehensive list of documents and issues. You can continue to search the rest of the community or the portion specific to Agent Deployment if this page hasn't helped.