Prevent users from uninstalling the app

Updated November 02, 2023 20:33

Overview

This article explains how to specify CrashPlan app installation properties on Windows devices to prevent users from uninstalling the CrashPlan app from the Windows Control Panel or Start menu. This helps to better secure the information on user devices by ensuring CrashPlan backup is always running.

Considerations

The steps below only apply to Windows devices

Option 1: Multiple devices

To apply this setting to more than one device, add the ARPNOREMOVE= parameter to the CrashPlan app installation properties used in your software management tool (such as SCCM). The ARPNOREMOVE parameter does not require a value. Any value, including false or null, prevents uninstalling.

Create a deployment policy, then add the uninstall property

The CrashPlan console enables you to create a deployment policy, which automatically generates default installation properties for the CrashPlan app. Consider using these properties as a starting point, and then manually adding the ARPNOREMOVE= parameter before supplying the properties to your software management tool.

Option 2: During installation on a single device

Locate the CrashPlan app installer on the device and note the file path and filename.
From the Windows command line, launch the CrashPlan app installer with the ARPNOREMOVE parameter. For example:
```
msiexec /i C:\Users\<username>\Downloads\CrashPlan_n.n.n_123456789_Win64.msi ARPNOREMOVE=
```
- The ARPNOREMOVE parameter does not require a value. Any value, including false or null, prevents uninstalling.
- Update the file path and filename, including the version number, to match the installer file on your device.
After the CrashPlan app installation is complete, remove the .msi installer file from the device.

External resources

Microsoft support: ARPNOREMOVE property