Deploy the RMS Client by using Group Policy

Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2

The Software Installation and Maintenance feature of Group Policy can be used to deploy the RMS client on target computers. Group Policy is the recommended method for actively managing the deployment of the RMS clients for small- to medium-sized organizations or ones that are not already using a corporate update management solution such as Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007.

This procedure assumes the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is being used. To download GPMC, see Group Policy Management Console with Service Pack 1

The following procedure provides a quick guide for administrators unfamiliar with Group Policy–based distribution of software. This example shows how to deploy the x86 version, x64 version, and the IA64 version of the Windows Rights Management Services client via GPO. These steps can be modified as necessary to meet the needs of each organization.

To Remotely Deploy the Windows Rights Management Clients

1.       Download WindowsRightsManagementServicesSP2-KB917275-Client-ENU-x86.exe, WindowsRightsManagementServicesSP2-KB917275-Client-ENU-x64.exe, and WindowsRightsManagementServicesSP2-KB917275-Client-ENU-I64.exe

2.       Create 3 new directories named x86, x64, and IA64.

3.       Extract each one of the executable files above to the directory that corresponds to the executable. Follow the instructions from the Installation through System Center Configuration Manager section to do this.

4.       Create a network accessible share

5.       Copy all of the directories (x86, x64, IA64) into the share

6.       On a Domain Controller, go to Start, Administrative Tools, and Group Policy Management.

7.       Expand Domains, right-click on the server and select Create a GPO in this domain and link it here.

8.       In the box for name enter WRM Client GPO.

9.       Click OK.

10.   On Group Policy Management expand the forest Fabrikam.com, right click on WRM Client GPO and click Edit.

11.   In the Group Policy Management Editor expand User Configuration, Policies, and Software Settings.

12.   Right-click on Software Installation and select New and package.

13.   In the File Name box, enter the full Universal Naming Convention (UNC) of the shared folder we created in Step 4. Do not use the Browse button to access this location. Use the UNC. Click Open

14.   Open the x86 folder and select MSDRMCLIENT.msi file and click Open.

15.   On the Deploy Software screen, select Published and click OK.

16.   In the Group Policy Management Editor, on the right, right-click on Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 and select Properties

17.   On the Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 Properties under Name: change Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 to Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 (x86). Click OK.

18.   In the Group Policy Management Editor Right-click on Software Installation and select New and package.

19.   On the Open box,navigate up one level, open the x64 folder, select MSDRMCLIENT.msi file and click Open.

20.   On the Deploy Software screen, select Published and click OK.

21.   In the Group Policy Management Editor, on the right, right-click on Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 and select Properties

22.   On the Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 Properties under Name: change Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 to Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 (x64). Click OK.

23.   In the Group Policy Management Editor Right-click on Software Installation and select New and package.

24.   On the Open box,navigate up one level, open the IA64 folder, select MSDRMCLIENT.msi file and click Open.

25.   On the Deploy Software screen, select Published and click OK.

26.   In the Group Policy Management Editor, on the right, right-click on Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 and select Properties

27.   On the Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 Properties under Name: change Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 to Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 (x64). Click OK.

28.   In the Group Policy Management Editor Right-click on Software Installation and select Properties.

29.   On the Software installation Properties box, click the Advanced tab.

30.   Under 32-bit applications on 64-bit platforms, remove the check from Make 32-bit X86 Windows Installer applications available to Win64 machines and click OK.

31.   Close Group Policy Management Editor and close Group Policy Management.

32.   To test, Log on to a client computer, with either 32-bit or 64-bit Windows XP.

33.   Go to Start and click Control Panel.

34.   Click Add or Remove Programs.

35.   On the left, click Add New Program.

36.   Under Add programs from your network, click on Windows Rights Management Client with Service Pack 2 (x86) and click Add.

37.   Follow the installation prompts.