How to uninstall Acrobat Standard X while Acrobat is running (Silent) - Property to handle this???

[tim_h1]

We have several thousand customers where we need to remove Acobat Standard X from the computers to install an update.  However, some customers may leave the product running even if they aren't using it.  Now if you run the uninstall with a /qb you get a prompt saying that the application is running, there is an option to ignore, but I can't seem to figure out how to "click" that using commandline options.  There must be a property that handles that, right?  Thanks.

[EnterpriseHelp]

You should use an MSI or Windows cmd to shutdown the app. Google should get you to the answer.

Adobe properties are here, but there isn't one to do what you want: http://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/AdminGuide/properties.html

hth,

Ben

[tim_h1]

Thanks Ben.  What I didn't actually try before was the ignore button.  It doesn't actually work the programmers just left that in there since that is the default options.  So looks like i will need to sell the idea of possible data loss when we close the program.  No other way to get around that.  It would be nice if Adobe, like Microsoft, could program there software so the applications can still be running and uninstall just fine.  Thanks again Ben for the properites page that may be useful for other things that aren't included in the CustWiz.  Thanks.

[Test Screen Name]

In Windows, it's impossible to delete the EXE file for an app that is running. So an uninstaller would either have to stop the app, or schedule a deletion on reboot. If there's an IGNORE button it's a cert that neither option exists, it means "try deleting it anyway, but it will probably fail".

[tim_h1]

I understand that an .exe can't be deleted if it is running.  However, Microsoft, seems to have figured out how to uninstall an application even if it is running (App remains running, and functions perfect), and then install a newer version.  No issues.  Yes a reboot may be required, but even that can be suppressed.  Close the running Appliation open the new one and amazingly the software works.  Just saying Adobe may want to figure out how they do that becuase it would be EXTREMELY helpful for enterprise deployments.   Thanks.

[Guest]

Windows can already do this for you:

Tasklist:  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc730909.aspx

Taskkill: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc725602.aspx

[tim_h1]

Sabian, I know how to kill a process running that isn't my problem (In fact personally I think it is easier in PowerShell than what you mentioned), I'm trying to have as little impact to the customer as possible.  My comments above were purly to point out Adobe has some work to do with their MSI's, if this isn't possible, since other software companies can clearly get around this problem with no ill effect.

Here is one solution for anyone else wondering what can be done:

Create a pop-up/message box as part of the deployment stating they need to close out of Adobe or it will close in a specific time frame.  Once the OK button is clicked or the time expires, it forces a kill command (In PS that would be Stop-Process), then go onto the install.

The only problem with this is first customers will contact the helpdesk because even with an e-mail lets face it, people don't read their e-mail. Second, there is potential for data loss if people choose to ignore the message.  (If they choose to ignore it, well that is on them in my opinion).  Thanks.

[Guest]

I think the message pop-up feature you are looking for/thinking about is already available in SCCM as an advertisement.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb694110.aspx