How can I detect the version of Rublon for Windows for MECM Deployment?

When deploying Rublon for Windows using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), it is important to detect the currently installed version of Rublon for Windows on client machines. This detection ensures that MECM can verify whether an update is needed, preventing Rublon for Windows from reinstalling itself unnecessarily. This process is known as the "Detection Method" in MECM.

Typically, the detection method involves checking a registry key, file, or directory that contains the installed application's version information. This article explains how to locate Rublon for Windows' version information in the Windows Registry to configure MECM's detection method properly.

Locating Rublon for Windows' Version Information in the Registry

Rublon for Windows's installed version is recorded in the Windows Registry in two consistent locations. You can use either of these registry keys to detect the installed version:

Option 1: Rublon's Custom Registry Key

Registry Path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Rublon\WindowsLogon\Data

• Value Name: Version

• Description: This registry key is specifically defined by Rublon for Windows to store the application's version. The Version value contains the complete version number as a string. This key is stable and will not change in future releases, so you can reliably use it for version detection.

• Usage in MECM:
  Configure your detection method in MECM to check the Version value at the above registry path. Compare this value against the version you wish to deploy to determine if an update is necessary.

Option 2: Windows Uninstall Registry Key

Registry Path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{FF8E23F0-68F5-4ED9-9B09-67DA991736CF}_is1

• GUID Explanation:

  • {FF8E23F0-68F5-4ED9-9B09-67DA991736CF} is a fixed Global Unique Identifier (GUID) for the Rublon for Windows connector.

  • The _is1 suffix is part of the registry key name created during installation.

  • This GUID will remain constant for Rublon for Windows and can be considered stable for detection purposes.

• Relevant Values:

  • DisplayVersion: Contains the version number as a string.

  • VersionMajor and VersionMinor: Numeric values representing the major and minor parts of the version number.

• Description: This registry key is automatically created during Rublon for Windows's installation. Windows uses it to display the application in the Control Panel's "Programs and Features" list.

• Usage in MECM:
  You can configure MECM's detection method to check one of the following:

  • DisplayVersion: Compare this string value to the desired version.

  • VersionMajor and VersionMinor: Use these numeric values for more granular version checking.

Configuring the MECM Detection Method

To set up the detection method in MECM using the registry keys above, follow these general steps:

1. Open MECM Console:
   Launch the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager console.

2. Navigate to Application Deployment:
   Go to Software Library → Application Management → Applications.

3. Select or Create Your Rublon for Windows Application:

   • If you already have a Rublon for Windows application created, select it.

   • If not, create a new application for Rublon for Windows deployment.

4. Edit Detection Method:

   • In the application properties, go to the Detection Method tab.

   • Choose to Add Clause and select Registry as the setting type.

5. Configure Registry Settings:

   • Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

   • Key:

     • For Option 1: SOFTWARE\Rublon\WindowsLogon\Data

     • For Option 2: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{FF8E23F0-68F5-4ED9-9B09-67DA991736CF}_is1

   • Value:

     • For Option 1: Version

     • For Option 2: DisplayVersion or VersionMajor and VersionMinor

   • Data Type: Select the appropriate data type (usually String for Version and DisplayVersion, Integer for VersionMajor and VersionMinor).

   • Operator: Choose Greater than or equal to or another appropriate operator based on your update logic.

   • Value: Enter the version number you wish to compare against.

6. Apply and Save:
   Complete the configuration and save your settings.

Helpful Links

Rublon MFA for Windows Logon and RDP - Documentation