Installing VI Package Manager Packages Offline

This article explains how to install VI Package Manager (VIPM) packages on a computer without an internet connection.

Before proceeding, consider the following requirements:

1. A computer with internet access is required.
2. Both the online and offline computers must have VI Package Manager (VIPM) installed.
   
   

Note: Emerson is not responsible for issues related to third-party packages, including unavailable downloads or broken links. Contact the package developer for assistance with third-party package issues.

Installing VI Package Manager (VIPM) packages on a computer without internet access is a two-step process. First, obtain the required package files and dependencies on a computer with internet access. Then, transfer those files to the offline computer and install them using VIPM.

Step 1: Obtain the Package Files

There are two methods for obtaining package files from an internet-connected computer.

Method 1: Download Packages from the VIPM Website

This method does not require VI Package Manager to be installed on the online computer.

1. On your preferred browser, navigate to https://www.vipm.io
2. Use the search to find your package of interest.
   
    
3. A list of matching packages will be displayed.
   
    
4. Select the package you want to install. It will open the package download page for the package. Click the Download Package button.
   
    

Method 2: Obtain Packages from the VIPM Desktop Application

1. Launch VI Package Manager (VIPM).
2. Locate the package you want to install.
3. Right-click the package and select Download..., if available.
   
   Note: If the Download option is unavailable, the package has likely already been downloaded or installed.
   
   
    
   
   
4. Browse to <ProgramData>\JKI\VIPM\cache.
5. Locate and copy the corresponding .vip files.

Important: Package Dependencies

Offline installations require all package dependencies to be transferred to the target machine.

• Sub-packages are automatically downloaded together with the main package.
• Package dependencies may need to be downloaded separately.

Examples:

• Sub-package: Pitsco Tetrix Prime for NI myRIO (System)
• Dependency: JSONtext depends on the JDP Science Common Utilities

To view package dependencies:

1. Right-click the package in VIPM.
2. Select Get Info.
3. Review the section This Package depends on these other packages.

Optional: Install the Package on the Online Computer First

If installation on the online computer is possible, this is often the easiest approach because VIPM automatically downloads all required dependencies.

After installation, the package and its dependencies can be found in <ProgramData>\JKI\VIPM\cache

Step 2: Install the Packages on the Offline Computer

After gathering all required package files and dependencies:

1. Copy all required .vip files to the offline computer..
2. Open VI Package Manager (VIPM).
3. In VIPM, select File>>Open Package File(s). If the menu bar is not visible, enable it by clicking the Show Menubar icon.

4. Browse to and select all copied .vip files.
5. Complete the installation process.