Carlson Software Knowledge Base

Note: These instructions apply to Carlson "add on" to CAD software, such as AutoCAD or IntelliCAD. This does not apply to our programs with "Embedded ACAD" (also known as OEM or Standalone).

Whenever an administrator needs to install the program to several identical computers, it may be beneficial to record all the input from a single install and then deploy the rest of the computers using the recorded input.

Carlson is using InstallShield InstallScript engine which supports this feature in the following manner:

Start the command prompt and change to the the drive letter corresponding to CD-ROM drive where Carlson disc is located.

Note: If you are working with a download from our website, you may substitute the "setup.exe" from the procedure for the downloaded executable file.

1. Run Carlson install with additional switches like this:
   setup.exe /r /f1c:\some_folder\setup.iss /f2c:\some_folder\setup.log
   where:
   • /r designates recording
   • /f1 response file
   • /f2 log file
   • c:\some_folder\ is a drive and path of your choosing where the files should be sent
   Please note lack of space after /f switches. Apparently, simple paths with no special (non-alpha) characters are required.
2. Copy setup.iss to location accessible on the network
3. On the target machine, run the setup as the following:
   setup.exe /s /f1network_folder\setup.iss /f2c:\some_folder\setup.log
   where
   • /s designates silent install
   • /f1 pre-recorded response file
   • /f2 log file
   • network_folder\ the folder location used in step 2 above.
   • c:\some_folder\ is a drive and path of your choosing where the file should be sent

The install runs very stealthy and does not generate any messages. The log file will contain return code of 0 on successful install.

Please note that this method will use an identical Carlson serial number on all the silently installed machines. This is correct in case of network license mode, but is not proper for local (individual) licenses. In that case, prior to registration of the serial number, please:

1. Navigate to Help, About Carlson, Change registration
2. Remove scripted number
3. Add the proper unique serial number assigned to the workstation.
4. Register the proper serial number.