This guide explains how to install Soda PDF Desktop using Group Policy Objects (GPO). It covers command lines for installation and activation steps.
Topics:
GPO Package & Activation
Download the Soda PDF Installation Package
Make sure you download the correct version of the Soda PDF package for your deployment:
You will create an administrative image for deployment across the network. The GPO package includes several MSI files, allowing selective or full installation based on your needs. If bandwidth is a concern, you can install only the necessary modules.
Creating an Administrative Installation Point
To set up an administrative installation point, use the /a parameter. Specify the target directory where the server image will be created. This server image can be reused for future deployments.
Command Example:
msiexec.exe /a "soda-desktop14-startup-14.0.20.19644-x86.msi" TARGETDIR="C:\Deployment\" /quietActivating Soda PDF with a License Key
When deploying via GPO, you must activate Soda PDF by adding the product key to the startup MSI command. Include the license key as a parameter:
Command Example:
msiexec.exe /a "soda-desktop14-startup-14.0.20.19644-x86.msi" TARGETDIR="C:\Deployment\" PRODKEY="XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" /quiet
Available MSIs and Custom Parameters
You can customize the installation by adding parameters to the startup MSI. Below are some of the MSIs and their respective commands:
| MSI File | Command Example |
| Startup | msiexec.exe /a "soda-desktop14-startup-14.0.20.19644-x86.msi" TARGETDIR="C:\Deployment\" /quiet |
| OCR Tess Module | msiexec.exe /a "soda-desktop14-ocr-tess-module-14.0.20.19644-x86.msi" TARGETDIR="C:\Deployment\" /quiet |
| OCR Module | msiexec.exe /a "soda-desktop14-ocr-module-14.0.20.19644-x86.msi" TARGETDIR="C:\Deployment\" /quiet |
| Edit Module | msiexec.exe /a "soda-desktop14-edit-module-14.0.20.19644-x86.msi" TARGETDIR="C:\Deployment\" /quiet |
List of Installation Parameters
Below are common parameters used to customize the installation:
| Parameter | Description | Values |
|---|---|---|
CREATE_DESKTOP_SHORTCUT |
Creates a desktop shortcut. | 1 = Yes, 0 = No |
CREATE_QUICK_LAUNCH_SHORTCUT |
Creates a quick launch shortcut. | 1 = Yes, 0 = No |
ENABLE_AUTOMATIC_UPDATES |
Enables automatic updates. | 1 = Yes, 0 = No |
SET_AS_DEFAULT_APPLICATION |
Sets Soda PDF as the default PDF application. | 1 = Yes, 0 = No |
APPLICATION_LANGUAGE |
Specifies the language for the application. | Language code (e.g., en, fr, de) |
Example Command with Parameters
Below is an example command incorporating multiple parameters:
msiexec.exe /a "soda-desktop14-startup-14.0.20.19644-x86.msi" TARGETDIR="C:\Deployment\" PRODKEY="XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" ENABLE_AUTOMATIC_UPDATES=1 CREATE_QUICK_LAUNCH_SHORTCUT=1 SET_AS_DEFAULT_APPLICATION=0 APPLICATION_LANGUAGE="fr" /quiet
Language Codes
| Language | Code |
|---|---|
| English | en |
| French | fr |
| German | de |
| Spanish | es |
| Italian | it |
| Japanese | ja |
| Russian | ru |
| Portuguese | pt |
Installing Soda PDF Using GPO
Custom Script Installation
-
Create the Script:
- Write a batch script with the necessary installation command lines.
- Save the script with a
.batextension.
-
Apply the Script via GPO:
- Open Group Policy Management and right-click the appropriate organizational unit (OU).
- Select Create a GPO in this domain, and link it here….
- Name the GPO, then right-click and select Edit.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Policies -> Windows Settings -> Scripts (Startup/Shutdown).
- In Startup Properties, click Add… and browse to the folder containing the batch file.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Soda PDF will be installed the next time users log in.
Standard Installation via GPO
-
Create the GPO:
- Follow the steps above to create and link a new GPO.
- In the Group Policy Management Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration -> Policies -> Software Settings -> Software Installation.
- Right-click and select New -> Package.
-
Add the Soda PDF MSIs:
- Browse to the folder containing the MSIs.
- Select the startup MSI first and click Open.
- In the Deploy Software dialog box, choose Assigned.
Repeat these steps for each additional MSI you want to install. Soda PDF will be installed at the next user login.