There is a way to deploy the tools completely to the end user. Specifically, deploy and activate tools to multiple computers without end user intervention.


Solution


The TOOLS4BIM Dock can read the installconfig.xml file during installation. 


The first step is to download and save all necessary .msi files of the TOOLS4BIM Dock and tools in the same folder as installconfig.xml:

 

 

You can control these settings with an XML file:

 

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

<InstallOptions>


  <DockConfiguration>


    <StartDockOnRevitStartup>false</StartDockOnRevitStartup>  TOOLS4BIM Dock hidden/shown when Revit. starts


    <InstallAppsInProgramData>false</InstallAppsInProgramData> Tools and Dock installation location: User based folder if set to false (%appdata%) or machine-based installation (%programdata%) if set to true. 


    <StoreTabVisibility>false</StoreTabVisibility>


    <UpdateSettings>Allow</UpdateSettings>


    <NetworkLicensePath> http://SERVER_nameOrIP:8731 </NetworkLicensePath> Set network license server URL automatically. 


  </DockConfiguration>


  <DockAppOptions>

  

<InstallProductGroups>

    <ProductGroup Name="Product Group Name">  

        <InstallProducts>

            <Product Name="Product Name">

                <InstallTools>

    <App Name="Tool Name" File="RevitTools202x_MSI_FILE.msi" IncludeInRibbonMenu="true" IncludeInFavoriteToolsTab="true"/>

    <App Name="Tool Name" File="RevitTools202x_MSI_FILE.msi" IncludeInRibbonMenu="true" IncludeInFavoriteToolsTab="true"/>

                </InstallTools>

            </Product>

        </InstallProducts>

    </ProductGroup>

 </InstallProductGroups>


</DockAppOptions>

</InstallOptions>

 

All tools' .msi files can be downloaded from these simple download pages, categorized by Revit version:

 

http://api.dock.agacad.com/public/vendors/aga/products/downloads?year=2023

http://api.dock.agacad.com/public/vendors/aga/products/downloads?year=2022

http://api.dock.agacad.com/public/vendors/aga/products/downloads?year=2021

http://api.dock.agacad.com/public/vendors/aga/products/downloads?year=2020