Creating and editing response files

A response file is an XML file that contains the data required for Installation Manager to install your components and features silently.

The simplest way to create a response file is to record your installation choices in the Installation Manager user interface, but you can alternatively complete the response file templates available in your installation directory.

Recording a response file

Record a response file with Installation Manager:

  1. Create a directory in which to store the response file and its supporting content.
  2. Open a command line and go to <im_install_dir>\eclipse, where <im_install_dir> is your Installation Manager installation directory.
  3. Enter the following line to start Installation Manager, where <response.xml> is the name you want to give to your response file:
    Windows
    IBMIM.exe -record \path\to\<response.xml> -skipInstall \path\to\<tempDir>
    Linux® and macOS
    ./IBMIM -record /path/to/<response.xml> -skipInstall /path/to/<tempDir>
    Tip: The -skipInstall parameter allows you to record a response file without immediately installing on the current workstation.
  4. Complete the steps in the Installation Manager wizards. The selections you make are recorded in the response file. For information about how to complete the wizard panels, see Installing components on a single workstation

After you create a response file, Installation Manager uses the data in the XML response file to install packages.

For more information about installing in silent mode, see IBM Installation Manager External link opens a new window or tab.

Editing template response files

Modify previously recorded response files, or complete the response file template that you get when you install Operational Decision Manager:

  1. Locate the response file that you want to edit. The response file templates are in the following directories:
    • <InstallDir>/doc/silent/odm_silent.xml for Operational Decision Manager
  2. Open it in a text editor and replace the placeholders delimited with the ! character with the actual value.

    In the <InstallDir>/doc/silent/odm_silent.xml file:

    • Replace !PTR_REPOSITORY! with the installation repository for Profile Templates for Decision Server Rules.
    • Replace !PTDC_REPOSITORY! with the installation repository for Profile Templates for Decision Center.
    • Replace !INSTALL_LOCATION! with the installation path for Operational Decision Manager components.

    The list of the product component features are given in the response file. Replace the features placeholder with the feature that you want to install.

  3. Specify a package group and the profile values for each offering by completing the PROFILE_ID and offering id placeholders, respectively.
  4. Save your changes.