Managing the Outlook Extension via GPO
This topic describes how to install, upgrade, enable/disable and uninstall the ContinuityA feature provided by GFI OneConnect that queues the emails sent and received in a Data Center and ensures that your organization can keep the mail flow even when the email infrastructure is down. Outlook Extension using GPOGroup Policy Object (GPO) is an Active Directory centralized management and configuration system that controls what users can and cannot do on a computer network..
NOTE
It is recommended that GPO administration is attempted only by system administrators who are familiar with creating and distributing software using GPO. Not all steps in the process are documented here, as each organization’s environment is unique and distribution practices may vary.
Installing the Outlook Extension using Group Policy
The Outlook Extension can be distributed through group policy. There are two versions of the Outlook Extension installer. The x86 MSI is for 32-bit Outlook versions. The x64 MSI is for 64-bit Outlook versions. For GPO deployment, you must create two policies, one for the x86 MSI and one for the x64 MSI.
This method is supported under the following guidelines:
- The Group Policy Object Editor provides configuration settings at the Computer and User levels. Outlook Extension packages should be assigned using the Computer Configuration hierarchy.
- The Group Policy Object Editor does not display full version numbers. Consequently, it is recommended to use the complete version number in the package name (for example,
Outlook Extension 6-3-0-8015).
To install the Outlook Extension using Group Policy, create a new GPO package using the Outlook Extension MSI.
- Open the package in the GPO editor.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Software Settings.
- Right-click Software Installation and select New > Package.
- Browse for the x86 Outlook Extension MSI and click Open.
- In the Deploy Software dialog, select Assigned, then click OK.
- Right-click the Organizational Unit (OU) and select Link an Existing GPO.
- In the Group Policy objects: field, click the x86 GPO and click OK.
Repeat this process to create a policy and select the OU for the x64 MSI.
Upgrading the Outlook Extension using Group Policy
To add a new Outlook Extension MSI to the existing policy for the x86 or x64 MSI.
- Open the package in the GPO editor.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Software Settings.
- Right-click Software installation and select New > Package.
- Browse for the Outlook Extension MSI, select it, and click Open.
- In the left pane, click Software Installation. In the right pane, right-click the Outlook Extension package and select Properties.
- Click Upgrades. In the Upgrades tab, Add Packages this package will update field, click Add.
- In the Add Upgrade Package dialog, click Current Group Policy.
- In the Package to Upgrade field, select Uninstall the existing package, then install the upgrade package. Click OK.
- Restart the machines.
Enable or disable the Outlook Extension using Group Policy
These instructions allow you to disable the functionality of the Outlook Extension using Group Policy.
Follow Microsoft instructions and guidelines for distributing registry changes using Group Policy. See http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727154.aspx
- To disable the Outlook Extension, set the
LoadBehaviorvalue to2under theHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins\ACM.Extensibility2key. - To enable the Outlook Extension, set the
LoadBehaviorvalue to3under theHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins\ACM.Extensibility2key.
Removing the Outlook Extension using Group Policy
These instructions allow you to remove the Outlook Extension from user systems using Group Policy.
- Edit the Group Policy Object.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Software Settings and click Software installation.
- In the right panel, right-click the package and select All Tasks > Remove.
- Select the immediate removal method, and click OK.