Admin Deployment Guide

Topics in this section

• Best Practices for installing Desktop Connector
• Download Options for Deployment
  • Standard Download
  • Custom Install Packages
• Preparing for an Installation or Upgrade
• Example Deployment Script
• Changelog Revision History for Deployment Script
• First Time Installation
• Uninstalling with Setup.exe (Option 1)
• Uninstalling with Standalone Uninstall (Option 2)
• Unusable "Ghost" Drive Left Behind after Administrative Uninstall
• Upgrading from v15.x (All connector users) or 16.x (Fusion connector users)
• Upgrading within v16.x or within 17.x
• Upgrading from v16.x to v17.x
  • Docs or Drive Connector: In-Place Upgrade
  • Fusion Connector: Uninstall and Reinstall Required
• Installing Desktop Connector using MSI vs. EXE
  • What are MSI and EXE files?
  • Desktop Connector Installation Files
  • FAQs for using MSI vs. EXE installs
• Configuring Delete Notification Settings
  • Registry Location
  • Available Settings
  • How to Configure Delete Notification Settings
  • Example Configurations
• Preparing for a network domain change

Best Practices for installing Desktop Connector

These instructions are intended for IT specialists with an understanding of Configuration Manager (formerly called SCCM). For more information on deploying Autodesk software using Configuration Manager, refer to this Using Microsoft Configuration Manager to deploy and manage Autodesk products.

• Always use the .EXE (ODIS installer) for installations and upgrades. This ensures that all necessary dependencies (like Identity Manager and ADSSO, .Net runtime, C++ runtimes, etc.) are installed along with the software.

• If you choose to use the .MSI file for installation, be aware that it does not bundle any dependencies - you are responsible for installing these separately.

• Avoid mixing the installation methods (MSI/EXE). Use the same method for both the initial installation and any subsequent upgrades. This can help prevent dual entries in the Programs list or other potential issues.

• Refer to Installing Desktop Connector using MSI vs. EXE within this document for more detailed information.

• Autodesk has changed the way the installers are extracted and files are downloaded prior to installation.

  • Refer to the next section Preparing for an Installation or Upgrade for additional information.

Download Options for Deployment

Standard Download

Download the latest version of Desktop Connector from the Latest Release Notes Page.

Custom Install Packages

For organizational deployments, you can create Custom Install packages through manage.autodesk.com:

1. Go to manage.autodesk.com
2. Navigate to Custom Install
3. Create your custom deployment package for Desktop Connector
4. Download the custom package for deployment across your organization

Preparing for an Installation or Upgrade

1. Download Desktop Connector using one of the methods described in the Download Options for Deployment section.

2. Open the downloaded package and allow it to extract.

3. The installer for version v16.8 and below will be downloaded to the default folder in Windows similar to the one shown. C:\Autodesk\Autodesk_Desktop_Connector_16_8_0_2169_Win_64bit

4. The installer for version v16.9 and above will be downloaded to the default folder in Windows similar to the one shown. C:\Autodesk\Desktop Connector 16.9 Install Files

   • Refer to Install Walk-Through for Version 16.9 and Above for specific installation instructions.

Example Deployment Script

• This PowerShell script demonstrates how Desktop Connector can be deployed as an IT administrator.
• It is intended as a reference for IT administrators using Configuration Manager (formerly SCCM) deployments.
• Do not run this script directly without first reading through the contents and making necessary changes.
• This script supports install, upgrade, and uninstall operations.
• For install workflows, this script should be run in the same directory as the Setup.exe executable.

Changelog Revision History for Deployment Script

First Time Installation

1. When installing for the first time, the installer prepared in the preceding section can be run directly.

2. When running the installer in a deployment, verify that you are providing the appropriate flags to run silently.

   • Refer to Modify a deployment from Autodesk Account for additional information on executing a silent installation.

Uninstalling with Setup.exe (Option 1)

This is the first option for uninstalling Desktop Connector. This option requires the original Setup.exe to still be available

1. Shut down all running Desktop Connector processes.

2. Run the Reset Utility

3. Execute the original Setup.exe

   • Example usage: Setup.exe --silent -i uninstall

For more information, refer to Modify a deployment from Autodesk Account for additional information.

Uninstalling with Standalone Uninstall (Option 2)

The second option for uninstalling the Desktop Connector does not require any of the original install files. This method, which is used in the example deployment script, is shown as follows:

1. Shut down all running Desktop Connector processes.

2. Run the Reset Utility

3. Obtain the uninstall string for the installed version of desktop connector.

   • This can be obtained from the registry under the following key:

     HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\

4. Execute the uninstall string

   • Include the silent flag, "silent", to verify that no GUI is shown.

Unusable "Ghost" Drive Left Behind after Administrative Uninstall

After uninstalling Desktop Connector with Configuration Manager or other administrative means, users may be left with an unusable "ghost" drive like in the following picture:

If you are planning on reinstalling Desktop Connector, no further action is required. Desktop Connector will automatically clean up any disconnected drives when it starts up.

If you need to remove this "ghost" drive, have the affected user:

• Download the ZIP file from this link: DC Reset Utility.

  • Extract the contents of the ZIP file to a local folder or your desktop.
  • Run the ResetDesktopConnector.exe file included.
  • Verify that the "ghost" drive is removed

For further information on the Reset Utility, refer to this video Reset Desktop Connector Automated Utility.

Upgrading from v15.x (All connector users) or 16.x (Fusion connector users)

To uninstall Desktop Connector follow these steps:

1. Shut down all running Desktop Connector processes.

   • Exit Desktop Connector by right clicking the tray icon and selecting Exit.

2. Run the Reset Utility:

   • See the Reset Utility page for detailed instructions.

3. Verify the Reset Utility deleted local workspaces for all users. The Reset Utility should have automatically deleted these folders. Confirm the following locations no longer exist (to quickly navigate to your user profile folder type %userprofile% in File Explorer address bar):

   • C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Desktop Connector
   • C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Web Services\DesktopConnector
   • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Desktop Connector
   • C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Desktop Connector

4. Uninstall Desktop Connector.

   • Refer the Uninstalling Desktop Connector page for additional information and steps to perform a clean uninstall.

5. Install the v16.x or v17.x version using the same steps described in the First-Time Installation section.

6. You may have to perform a reboot for Desktop Connector to become available in your system tray. Upon installation you can select your projects to be added to your local drive.

Upgrading within v16.x or within 17.x

To upgrade from one v16.x version to a newer v16.x version (e.g., v16.8 to v16.9) or from one v17.x version to a newer v17.x version (e.g., v17.0 to v17.1), use in-place upgrade for all connector types:

1. Deploy the newer installer using the same steps described in the First-Time Installation section.

2. The older version will be automatically removed during the upgrade. User project selections are preserved.

Upgrading from v16.x to v17.x

Docs or Drive Connector: In-Place Upgrade

For Docs or Drive Connector users, upgrade directly without uninstalling:

1. Deploy the v17.x installer using the same steps described in the First-Time Installation section.

2. The older v16.x version will be automatically removed during the upgrade. User project selections are preserved.

Fusion Connector: Uninstall and Reinstall Required

For Fusion Connector users, you must uninstall v16.x before installing v17.x:

1. Follow the uninstall steps in the v15.x upgrade section above.

2. Then install v17.x using the First-Time Installation steps.

Installing Desktop Connector using MSI vs. EXE

What are MSI and EXE files?

A MSI (Microsoft Installer) file and an EXE (executable) file are both types of installation files.

• The main difference between them lies in their customization and deployment capabilities. MSI files are database files, used by Windows Installer, that store installation settings for software applications. They allow for more customization and are used for network-wide software deployment.
• On the other hand, EXE files are standalone executable files that initiate an installer for a software program. They are simpler and less customizable.

Desktop Connector Installation Files

• The recommended method for installing the Desktop Connector is by running the downloaded .exe file located in the Downloads folder for the current user. When you download the desktop connector .exe it will be found at the following location:

  C:\Users\<username>\Downloads

  

• You will have to run the DesktopConnector-x64.exe and allow it to self-extract to the default location: C:\Autodesk. By allowing it to self-extract you may find the CDX.msi at the following location on your hard drive:

  

FAQs for using MSI vs. EXE installs

Can I use the .msi file for installation?

Yes, you can use the .msi file for installation, but it does not bundle any dependencies. You will need to install these separately.

What happens if I use the .exe for installation and the .msi for upgrade (or vice versa)?

Using different methods for installation and upgrade might result in dual entries in the Programs list. It's best to use the same method for both.

What are the dependencies that I need to install if I choose the .msi file?

The dependencies include but are not limited to Identity Manager/ADSSO, .Net runtime, and C++ runtimes.

Where can I find information about changes in dependencies if I decide to handle them myself?

Remember, these practices and FAQs are based on feedback and customer testing and might not cover all possible scenarios or questions. For the most accurate and comprehensive information, always refer to the official Autodesk support and documentation.

Configuring Delete Notification Settings

Starting with Desktop Connector v17.1, administrators can configure delete notification behavior through the Windows Registry. This allows you to:

• Disable delete notifications entirely for specific machines or users
• Adjust the file threshold that triggers a delete notification

[!WARNING] Disabling delete notifications is not recommended. Delete notifications serve as a critical safeguard to prevent accidental data loss. If you choose to disable this feature, you do so at your own risk. Consider adjusting the file threshold instead of disabling notifications entirely.

These settings are useful for organizations that run automations where delete confirmations can interfere with workflows, or for users who find the default threshold of 1 file too low.

Registry Location

The settings are stored in the Desktop Connector Advanced Settings registry key, the same location used for workspace configuration.

To apply to all users on the machine (HKLM):

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\Desktop Connector Advanced Settings

To apply only to the current user (HKCU):

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\Desktop Connector Advanced Settings

Available Settings

[!CAUTION] If the registry values are not properly configured (e.g., typos or incorrect value types), Desktop Connector may not launch successfully.

How to Configure Delete Notification Settings

1. Open the Registry Editor (search for regedit in the Windows taskbar).

2. Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\Desktop Connector Advanced Settings

   If the key doesn't exist, create it by right-clicking Autodesk and selecting New > Key, then name it Desktop Connector Advanced Settings.

3. Create the string values:

   • Right-click in the right pane and select New > String Value
   • Name it FeatureFlag.DeleteConfirmation or FeatureFlag.DeleteConfirmationFileThreshold
   • Double-click the value to set it

4. Restart Desktop Connector for the changes to take effect.

Example Configurations

Disable delete notifications entirely:

• FeatureFlag.DeleteConfirmation = false

Only show notifications when 10 or more files are deleted:

• FeatureFlag.DeleteConfirmationFileThreshold = 10

Combine both settings (show notifications only for large deletions):

• FeatureFlag.DeleteConfirmation = true
• FeatureFlag.DeleteConfirmationFileThreshold = 25

Preparing for a network domain change

Certain network changes can impact the stability of Desktop Connector and should be approached with caution and planning. Events like changing the network domain name will impact Desktop Connector and will require steps to restore normal Desktop Connector behavior. Properly planning the activities following a domain name change will ensure Desktop Connector continues to function as expected.

• Refer the Planning a network domain change page for additional information and steps for a network domain name change.

Related Concepts:

• Desktop Connector Folder needs to be cleared displays after installing or upgrading Desktop Connector
• You must be an administrator on this computer to start services when Autodesk Desktop Connector starts
• Desktop Connector System Requirements
• Reset Desktop Connector Automated Utility