Updating the client

An existing installation of the primedocs Desktop Client can be updated in two ways: through central software deployment using the MSI package, or through the updater that the server provides on its download page. This page describes the updater.

The updater (primedocsInstaller.exe) is the same program used for a fresh installation. On start, it detects an existing installation and switches to update mode.

When to use the updater

Situation	Recommendation
No central software deployment, users may update themselves	Updater
Central software deployment (for example Intune, Configuration Manager, GPO)	Distribute the MSI package, see MSI parameters
Terminal Server or Citrix	Distribute the MSI package, see Terminal server installation

Do not combine with central software deployment

When the download is enabled on the server, clients can update themselves. Combined with central software deployment this leads to competing installations. Either enable the updater or deploy centrally.

On a Windows Server operating system, the client does not check for new versions. The update notice does not appear there, even when the download is configured.

Prerequisites

On the server

• The windowsClient section is configured in primedocs.config, including updaterLocation and the MSI paths. Without it, the download page provides no updater. See primedocs.config — Client download and update.
• An OIDC client for the Windows sign-in is registered (userAuthType="FromLogin" without redirectUri).
• The updater and the MSI package on the server come from the same version. If they differ, the updater stops with a corresponding message.

On the workstation

• The primedocs client is already installed. Without an existing installation, the updater asks for a setup code and performs a fresh installation.
• The primedocs server is reachable. The updater determines the package through the configured service address and downloads it from there.
• Microsoft Office 2013 or newer, consistently in the same bitness. If 32-bit and 64-bit products are mixed, the updater stops.
• An installation for all users (“per-machine”) requires administrator rights. The updater requests them through User Account Control. A user-only installation does not need them.
• Office applications can be closed. Otherwise Windows has to be restarted.

Procedure

1. Open the download page https://your-url.example.com/app/web/download and download the updater.

2. Start the updater. It compares the installed version with its own:

   Installed version	Behaviour
   No installation present	Fresh installation, setup code required
   Older than the updater	Update
   Identical	Message “primedocs is already installed”, start only
   Newer than the updater	Downgrade: uninstall, then install

3. Update starts the process. The updater downloads the MSI package, verifies its signature, closes running primedocs and Office applications, and runs the installation.

4. At the end, the updater reports completion. If files were still in use during the installation, it requires a Windows restart; until then, the previous version stays active.

No setup code is needed for an update. The service address, client ID and client secret, default datasource, cache and SSO settings, the ribbon configuration and the installed feature set are taken from the existing installation.

The “fresh installation” option

This option completely uninstalls the previous version before installing the new one. All local data and settings are lost, including the cache. For a downgrade, the option is always set.

New version notice in the client

If minimumVersion or maximumVersion are set in primedocs.config, the Desktop Client checks its own version when connecting. If it falls outside the range, the client shows the configured notice with a link to the download page.

When the update fails

Message	Cause and action
“The installer does not match the version of the installation package.”	The local updater is older or newer than the package on the server. Use Open Download Page to obtain the current updater.
Notice about different Office bit versions	32-bit and 64-bit Office products are mixed on the device. Consolidate Office, then repeat the update.
Notice about an Office version that is too old	primedocs requires Office 2013 or newer.
Generic error during download or installation	Evaluate the logs, see Logs for failed updates.