Using response files

This topic describes how to use response files.
Note: Before performing an operation such as installing service or uninstalling, refer to the instructions specific to the task you are performing in addition to this topic.

For uninstallation you are advised to use the Sample response files supplied with WebSphere Event Broker.

Response files can also be used during the installation of service updates, for further information see:
If you want to install or uninstall in silent mode (see Modes of installation and uninstallation), but want to use values other than the defaults, you can pass a response file to the program. A response file is a text file that contains options that define the choices that the wizard makes. For example, you can tailor several options in the installation and uninstallation wizards to cause the operation to be completed in a particular way.
  • Specify a non-default installation location
  • Choose a custom installation (typical is the default) (runtime components only)
  • Choose which components to install (runtime components only)
  • Specify if the program is to check for prerequisite software (runtime components only)
Note: Commands in this topic illustrate the use of response files whilst installing service, however, this information is equally relevant to uninstalling the product. To use response files whilst uninstalling, substitute uninstaller for installer where it occurs in the example commands. In the example commands, uninstaller and installer denote where the specific names of the uninstallation or installation wizards should be entered. For the names of the uninstallation and installation wizards, and full details of these tasks, see Installation Guide, Applying service to runtime components and Uninstalling.

Sample response files

Sample response files are supplied with WebSphere Event Broker. You are advised to use these response files when uninstalling the product. The sample response file includes detailed information about the options that you can change, and the values you must enter to change them. You can tailor this file to your requirements. The sample response files are located in the sample_scripts directory of root CD directory.

Generating response files

The command for generating a template uninstallation response file, without installation being performed is:
installer -options-template responsefile
where responsefile is the full path and name of your chosen response file. The generated template response file contains full instructions on how to edit it to specify your required options. Uninstallation is not performed.

You can edit the file to change the options to define the operation that you want to be performed.

If you are uninstalling, ensure the response file is not deleted as part of the uninstallation, by creating it in another directory.

Recording a response file

The command for recording a response file during uninstallation is:
installer -options-record responsefile 
where responsefile is the full path and name of your chosen response file. You are recommended to create this in a directory different to the one in which the product is installed.

The uninstallation wizard starts in graphical mode, and requires your input as it progresses. Your responses are recorded during uninstallation. When uninstallation is complete, the response file contains all the choices you have made during uninstallation.

If you want to record a response file during a console mode uninstallation, use the following command:
installer -options-record responsefile -console
If you are uninstalling, ensure the response file is not deleted as part of the uninstallation, by creating it in another directory.

Calling response files in commands

To run a program specifying the silent options and the response file that you want to use, use the following command:
installer -options responsefile -silent
where responsefile is the full path and name of your chosen response file. The program runs without interaction according to the options selected when you recorded the response file.
Related reference
Using response files