Before running Domino's silent server install on a Microsoft® Windows® or UNIX® system, do the following:

• Make sure that the required hardware and software components are in place and working.
• Read the Lotus Domino Release Notes for operating system and network protocol requirements. Check the Release Notes for last-minute changes or additions that may impact the silent server install.
• Temporarily disable screen savers and turn off virus-detection software.
• Before running any Domino setup command, complete any pending reboot actions you may have from installing other applications.
• Make sure that all other applications are closed; otherwise, you may corrupt shared files, and the Install program may not run properly.
• If you are upgrading from a previous Domino release, see the upgrade information available at http://www.redbooks.ibm.com.

There are three methods of customizing silent server installs. Create or record the response file, which contains the installation configuration information, or modify the sample response file provided in the install kits.

For instructions on how to use the template file to create a response file, see the topic Creating a response file based on a template.

Creating the response file for silent server installation

A typical (non-silent) install uses dialog boxes to receive input from you during installation. The silent (automated) server install does not prompt you for input. Instead, response files are used to provide the detail information for the install process. There are two methods of generating response files, the template and record methods.

A response file created using the template method contains the literal values that are used during the install process. It is generated prior to the execution of the installation and contains all of the default installation options and paths. You can manually customize this file by editing options. The benefit of using a template file is that you do not need to install a server in order to create the file.

A response file created using the record method is generated after the server install completes, at the time the wizard exits and stores the values of the applicable wizard properties in the file. The recorded response file is useful for saving a record of a specific wizard execution session which can later be reused in a silent or modified installation. When you install a server, your customizations are saved to the resulting response file, eliminating the need to edit the response file. This is the "safer" method because you do not create issues caused by typos or incorrect entries and values.

Creating a response file by modifying a sample response file

Use this procedure to create a response file by modifying one of the response file templates that are provided in the install kit. Response files contain installation configuration information. The sample response files, sample_response.txt or unix_response.dat., are located on the CD with the other installation files.

1. To modify the sample response file, do one of these:

• Open the template file, modify the file as necessary, and then save the file to a new name.
• Save the file to a new file name, modify the file, and then save the file again.

Creating a new response file template

Use this procedure to create a new response file.

It takes several minutes for the response file to be created. When the SETUP.EXE or ./install file and the JAVA.EXE file have finished running, the new response file is ready for use. To determine whether SETUP.EXE or ./install and JAVA.EXE have finished running, check the Task Manager on Microsoft® Windows®, or the UNIX® system processes.

1. Do one of these:

• On Microsoft Windows, run

   setup.exe -options-tempate c:\temp\file.txt

• On UNIX, run

  ./install -options-template /local/response.dat

3. Run the silent install referencing the response file.

Creating a new response file template

Use this procedure to record a new response file. It takes several minutes for the response file to be created as you must complete the server installation on the system.

1. Do one of these:

• On Microsoft Windows, run

  setup.exe -options-record c:\temp\file.txt

• On UNIX, run

  ./install -options-record /local/response.dat

3. Run the silent install (on other systems) referencing the response file

Using a response file

To use a response file, specify the -options parameter and the exact path to the response file on the command line. Enter the command in the format shown in the example according to platform:

For Microsoft® Windows® platforms

setup.exe -silent -options c:\temp\file.txt

./install -silent -options /local/response.dat

See also

Installing and setting up Domino servers
Installing Domino on Windows systems
The Domino Server Setup program
Using Silent Server Install on Linux on zSeries systems

Glossary