In this post, I’ll go through the process to update Adobe Reader using System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 (SCCM) and a simple batch file.

The formula for patching Adobe Reader is last MSI + last quarterly patch + latest out of cycle patch, see for more information http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/update-patch-acrobat-reader-10.html

In this example I’ll update Adobe Reader 10.1.3 to the last quarterly patch, 10.1.5, followed by the latest out of cycle patch 10.1.6.  Download the required files from the link above and copy them to a share where all users have read access.

Create a batch file in the share called Patch.cmd.  Edit the batch file and enter the text below, replacing SHARE with the path to your share with the installation files.

\\SHARE\AdbeRdrUpd1015.msp /qn
\\SHARE\AdbeRdrSecUpd1016.msp /qn

Now setup a standard software package in SCCM to run the batch file.  On the program properties, choose to run Hidden and take no action after running.  From the Environment tab ensure the program can run Whether or not a user is logged on and Run with administrative rights.  I also Suppress program notifications on the Advanced tab.

In order to update Adobe Reader when a new version is released, download the latest quarterly patch and any out of cycle patch.  Copy them to the installation share and update Patch.cmd to run the latest updates according to the formula last MSI + last quarterly patch + latest out of cycle patch.

I then enable the advertisement to re-run every time and re-run the advertisement to deploy the latest update.  To do this, right-click on the advertisement and choose properties, go to the schedule tab, change Program rerun behavior to “Always rerun program”.  Click Ok, then right-click on the advertisement and choose Re-run Advertisement.