How to install software without registing

I assume that your real goal is to have a computer setup complete with iLife, that then runs though the out-of-the-box routine so that people can setup their own accounts, etc. If so, then you have a few options:

1) Run through the installer, and then restart to another volume before going through the out-of-box routine. Then use the command-line 'installer' tool to install iLife onto the unbooted volume. This is likely to work.

2) Setup the computer as normal, including establishing a user and installing iLife. Then delete the file: /var/db/.AppleSetupDone and reboot. The computer will now go through the out-of-box routine. If you also want them to get the registration dialog then you also need to delete /Library/Receipts/.SetupRegComplete. Note that both of these file's names start with periods, so they are normally invisible in the Finder.

3) If you are doing this for multiple computers, then you probably want to create a system image with this setup. I write some software to make exactly this sort of an image called InstaDMG, and with 3 commands you can have a 'vanilla' image setup within a couple of hours (this includes making a copy of the installer DVD, and automatically pulling down all the needed updates). There are also some support forums up on AFP548.com's site.

 

Sorry to bring up an old thread.

Has anyone had any experience with this method? I'm just wondering how reliable it's likely to be?

 

Read #3 again, then follow the link.

Since writing that post I have had to give up writing InstaDMG (work has IP rules), but it is still in use at hundreds of organizations, including some very big names. There are people who are maintaining the catalog files, and a bit of rumbling on people submitting patches.

 

How do you restart to another volume?

 

Hold down the Alt/Option key when switching on. Then choose from the options shown.