Summary

This article explains how to perform a silent installation or uninstallation of GibbsCAM using the InstallShield command-line options included with the GibbsCAM installer.

Silent installations allow IT administrators to deploy GibbsCAM to multiple workstations without requiring user interaction. You can perform a basic installation using the default settings or create a customized installation using an InstallShield response (.ISS) file.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview

Beginning with GibbsCAM 12, the installer uses InstallShield and supports Silent Installation Mode.

Silent mode allows GibbsCAM to be installed or removed without displaying the normal installation wizard, making it suitable for enterprise software deployment.


Applies to:

GibbsCAM Version(s): GibbsCAM 12 and later (InstallShield Installer)

Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11 (64-bit)

Before You Begin

Before performing a silent installation:

  • Download the correct GibbsCAM installer.

  • Log in using a Windows Administrator account.

  • Close all running applications.

  • Ensure sufficient disk space is available.

  • Verify that the installer version matches the intended GibbsCAM release.

Important: When using an .ISS response file, the installer executable must be the same version that was used to create the response file.

Option 1 – Silent Installation Using Default Settings

If you want to install GibbsCAM using the default installation options, use the /s switch.

Syntax

<InstallerName>.exe /s


Example

GibbsCAM_x64_v26.0.27.10_en-US.exe /s


The installation runs in the background using the default installation options.

Option 2 – Silent Uninstallation

To silently uninstall GibbsCAM, use the /x and /s switches.

Syntax

<InstallerName>.exe /x /s


Example

GibbsCAM_x64_v26.0.29.2_ja-JP.exe /x /s


The uninstall process runs without displaying the uninstall wizard.

Option 3 – Create a Custom Installation Response File (.ISS)

A response file records all installation selections made during an interactive installation. It can then be reused to deploy identical installations across multiple computers.

Record the Installation

Run the installer with the /r switch.

Syntax

<InstallerName>.exe /r /f1"<Path>\<FileName>.ISS"


Example

GibbsCAM_x64_v26.0.36.8_en-US.exe /r /f1"D:\Temp\Auto26368.ISS"


Complete the installation normally.

When the installation finishes, the response file is created.

Option 4 – Silent Installation Using an ISS File

Once the response file has been created, use it for future installations.

Syntax

<InstallerName>.exe /s /f1"<Path>\<FileName>.ISS"


Example

GibbsCAM_x64_v26.0.29.10_en-US.exe /s /f1"F:\GibbsData\GC_SilentInstall.ISS"


The installer performs the installation using all of the options stored in the response file.

If Windows User Account Control (UAC) prompts for permission, approve the request.

Optional Logging

InstallShield can generate a log file during either the recording process or the silent installation.

Use the /f2 switch to specify the log file location.

Syntax

<InstallerName>.exe /s /f1"<Path>\<FileName>.ISS" /f2"<Path>\<LogFile>.txt"


Example

GibbsCAM_x64_v26.0.29.10_en-US.exe /s /f1"F:\GC_SilentInstall.ISS" /f2"C:\Temp\GCInstallLog.txt"


The log file can be reviewed if the installation fails or behaves unexpectedly.


Expected Result

GibbsCAM installs or uninstalls successfully without requiring user interaction.

When using an .ISS response file, each deployment uses the same installation options that were recorded during the original installation.

Additional Information

For additional information and instructions see the Installation Guide.PDF found here:

https://online.gibbscam.com/software_downloads.php

Troubleshooting

Problem: Silent Installation Does Not Start

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect command-line syntax

  • Running the command from the wrong folder

  • Insufficient permissions

Resolution

Open an elevated Command Prompt, navigate to the folder containing the installer, and verify the command syntax.


Problem: Response File Does Not Work

Possible Causes

  • .ISS file created with a different installer version

  • Response file has been moved or renamed

  • Invalid file path

Resolution

Verify that the installer executable and the .ISS file were created from the same GibbsCAM version and that the /f1 path is correct.


Problem: Installation Fails Silently

Possible Causes

  • Antivirus software

  • Windows permissions

  • Corrupted installer

Resolution

Generate a log file using the /f2 switch and review it for installation errors.

Best Practices

  • Test the deployment on a single workstation before rolling it out to production.

  • Store response files and installers in a secure network location.

  • Generate a new .ISS file whenever deploying a different GibbsCAM version.

  • Use log files to troubleshoot deployment issues.

  • Document any custom installation settings used within your organization.

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Keywords

Silent Install, Silent Installation, Silent Uninstall, Unattended Installation, Enterprise Deployment, SCCM, Microsoft Intune, PDQ Deploy, Command Line Install, Automated Installation, Mass Deployment, IT Administrator, InstallShield, InstallShield Response File, ISS File, Response File, Software Deployment