How Do I Find the MSI GUID for Software Uninstallation?

Finding the MSI GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) is essential for managing, updating, or uninstalling software on Windows systems. The MSI GUID, also known as the product code, uniquely identifies a specific installation package. At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we provide you with the knowledge and steps to locate this crucial identifier efficiently. Knowing how to find the MSI GUID helps in automating software deployment, troubleshooting installation issues, and ensuring compliance with software management policies. Explore this guide for detailed instructions, tips, and best practices on MSI GUID retrieval.

1. What Is an MSI GUID and Why Is It Important?

An MSI GUID, or Globally Unique Identifier, is a unique alphanumeric string that identifies a specific software installation package managed by the Windows Installer service (MSI). It’s essentially a product code assigned to each MSI package, enabling the operating system to recognize, manage, and differentiate between various software installations. Knowing the MSI GUID is critical for software management tasks, including uninstallation, updates, and repairs.

The importance of the MSI GUID stems from its role in ensuring software integrity and manageability. Here’s why it’s so crucial:

Unique Identification: The GUID uniquely identifies a specific version of a software product. This is vital when multiple versions of the same software are installed on a system.
Software Uninstallation: The GUID is used by the Windows Installer to properly uninstall the software, ensuring that all related files, registry entries, and components are removed cleanly.
Software Updates and Patches: When applying updates or patches, the GUID helps the installer verify that the correct version of the software is being updated.
Repairing Installations: The GUID can be used to repair a corrupted installation, restoring the software to its original state without requiring a full reinstallation.
Automated Software Deployment: In enterprise environments, system administrators use the GUID to deploy software packages remotely and silently, ensuring consistent installations across multiple machines.
Scripting and Automation: Scripts, such as those written in PowerShell, can use the GUID to automate software management tasks, making it easier to manage large-scale deployments.

By understanding the significance of the MSI GUID, users and administrators can more effectively manage software on Windows systems, ensuring stability, security, and compliance. Reliable information about software management ensures the smooth operation of your systems. Visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN to learn more about how to effectively manage your software installations.

1.1 How Does an MSI GUID Differ from Other Identifiers?

MSI GUIDs are distinct from other software identifiers like product names or file names in several crucial ways. Understanding these differences helps clarify why MSI GUIDs are essential for software management.

Here is a comparison that breaks down the key differences:

Feature	MSI GUID	Product Name	File Name
Uniqueness	Globally unique; each MSI package has a unique GUID.	Can be duplicated across different software.	Can be duplicated, especially for common files.
Format	Alphanumeric string, typically 32 characters long.	Text string, varies by software.	Text string with file extension.
Purpose	Identifies the specific MSI installation package.	Identifies the software product in a general sense.	Identifies a specific file within the software.
Usage	Used by Windows Installer for installation, uninstallation, etc.	Used for user interface, documentation.	Used for executing or accessing a specific file.
Scope	Installation package level.	Software product level.	File level.
Example	`{12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890AB}`	Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop	`setup.exe`, `document.docx`
Change Across Versions	Changes with each significant version or update.	May remain the same across versions.	May remain the same across versions.

The MSI GUID is specifically tied to the MSI installation package and is used by the Windows Installer service for managing the software lifecycle. Unlike product names, which can be generic and duplicated across different software, the MSI GUID is guaranteed to be unique for each MSI package. This uniqueness is critical for ensuring that the correct software is installed, updated, or uninstalled.

File names, on the other hand, identify specific files within the software installation. While file names are necessary for accessing and executing parts of the software, they do not provide the same level of identification or management capability as the MSI GUID. For example, multiple software products might contain a file named readme.txt, but each will have a unique MSI GUID.

1.2 Real-World Scenarios Requiring an MSI GUID

In various practical scenarios, knowing the MSI GUID is essential for efficient software management. Here are some real-world situations where the MSI GUID is indispensable:

Silent Uninstallation: In enterprise environments, administrators often need to uninstall software silently without user interaction. The MSI GUID is used in scripts to automate this process. For example, a PowerShell script can use the GUID to uninstall a specific application across multiple computers.
```
$ProductCode = "{12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890AB}"
msiexec.exe /x $ProductCode /qn
```
Software Updates and Patch Management: When deploying updates or patches, the MSI GUID ensures that the correct version of the software is targeted. This prevents updates from being applied to the wrong software, which could cause instability or errors.
Troubleshooting Installation Issues: If a software installation fails or becomes corrupted, the MSI GUID can be used to identify and repair the installation. Tools like the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility can use the GUID to remove problematic installations.
Software Inventory and Compliance: Organizations need to maintain an accurate inventory of installed software for compliance and security purposes. The MSI GUID provides a reliable way to identify and track software installations across the network.
Conflict Resolution: When multiple versions of the same software or conflicting applications are installed, the MSI GUID helps in resolving conflicts by allowing administrators to target specific installations for removal or modification.
Custom Scripting: In custom scripts, the MSI GUID can be used to perform specific actions on a software installation, such as modifying configuration settings or registering components.

Understanding these scenarios underscores the importance of knowing how to find the MSI GUID. It empowers users and administrators to manage software installations effectively, ensuring stability, security, and compliance. For more in-depth information and guidance, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN, your trusted resource for software management best practices.

2. Methods to Find the MSI GUID

There are several methods to find the MSI GUID, each with its own advantages and use cases. Here are some of the most common and effective techniques:

2.1 Using the Windows Registry

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options for the operating system and installed software. The MSI GUID can often be found within the registry keys associated with installed applications.

2.1.1 Steps to Access the Registry Editor

Open the Run Dialog: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type regedit: Type regedit in the Run dialog and press Enter.
Confirm UAC Prompt: If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the Registry Editor to open.

2.1.2 Navigating to the Uninstall Keys

The MSI GUIDs are typically stored under the Uninstall key in the registry. There are two main locations to check:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWOW6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall (for 32-bit applications on 64-bit systems)

2.1.3 Finding the MSI GUID in Registry Entries

Expand the Uninstall Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to one of the Uninstall keys mentioned above.
Browse the Subkeys: Each subkey under the Uninstall key represents an installed application. Browse through these subkeys.
Identify the Application: Look for a subkey with a DisplayName value that matches the name of the application you are interested in.
Check the UninstallString Value: Once you find the correct subkey, look for a value named UninstallString. The data for this value often contains the MSI GUID. It usually appears after the /x or /uninstall parameter.

For example, the UninstallString might look like this:
```
MsiExec.exe /X{12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890AB}
```
In this case, the MSI GUID is {12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890AB}.

2.1.4 Example with Screenshots

Open Registry Editor:
Navigate to Uninstall Key:
Find the Application:
Check UninstallString:

2.1.5 Precautions When Using Registry Editor

Backup the Registry: Before making any changes, it’s a good practice to back up the registry. This allows you to restore the registry to its previous state if something goes wrong.
Be Careful: Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause system instability or other issues. Only modify values that you are sure about.
Use with Administrative Privileges: Ensure you are running the Registry Editor with administrative privileges to access all necessary keys.

By following these steps, you can effectively use the Windows Registry to find the MSI GUID for installed applications. For further assistance and more detailed guides, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN.

2.2 Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and command-line shell that provides extensive access to the Windows operating system. It can be used to efficiently find the MSI GUID of installed applications.

2.2.1 Opening PowerShell with Administrative Privileges

Search for PowerShell: Click on the Start menu and type PowerShell.
Run as Administrator: Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
Confirm UAC Prompt: If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow PowerShell to open with administrative privileges.

2.2.2 Script to Retrieve MSI GUID

You can use the following PowerShell script to retrieve the MSI GUID:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*YourApplicationName*"} | Select-Object Name, IdentifyingNumber

Replace *YourApplicationName* with the name of the application you are interested in. For example, if you want to find the MSI GUID for Microsoft Office, you would use *Microsoft Office*.

2.2.3 Explanation of the Script

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product: This command retrieves all installed applications from the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) database.
Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*YourApplicationName*"}: This filters the results to only include applications whose name matches the specified pattern. The -like operator allows for wildcard characters, so you can use partial names.
Select-Object Name, IdentifyingNumber: This selects the Name and IdentifyingNumber properties of the filtered applications. The IdentifyingNumber property contains the MSI GUID.

2.2.4 Example Usage with Screenshots

Open PowerShell as Administrator:
Run the Script:
View the Results:

2.2.5 Alternative PowerShell Commands

Another way to find the MSI GUID using PowerShell is by querying the registry directly:

Get-ItemProperty HKLM:SoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall* | Where-Object {$_.DisplayName -like "*YourApplicationName*"} | Select-Object DisplayName, UninstallString

This command searches the registry for applications with a DisplayName that matches the specified pattern and returns the DisplayName and UninstallString properties. The UninstallString often contains the MSI GUID.

2.2.6 Benefits of Using PowerShell

Efficiency: PowerShell allows you to quickly find the MSI GUID without manually browsing through the registry.
Automation: You can incorporate the PowerShell script into larger automation workflows for software management.
Flexibility: PowerShell provides powerful filtering and selection capabilities, allowing you to find the MSI GUID even if you only know a partial name of the application.

By using PowerShell, you can streamline the process of finding the MSI GUID and improve your software management efficiency. For more tips and tricks on using PowerShell for software management, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN.

2.3 Using Orca (MSI Editor)

Orca is a free MSI editor tool from Microsoft that allows you to open and inspect MSI files. It provides a detailed view of the MSI package, including the MSI GUID.

2.3.1 Downloading and Installing Orca

Download the Windows SDK: Orca is included in the Windows SDK (Software Development Kit). You can download the latest version of the Windows SDK from the Microsoft Developer Network.
Run the SDK Installer: Run the downloaded SDK installer.
Select Components: During the installation, you only need to select the “Installation Tools for Windows Installer” component. This will minimize the download and installation time.
Complete Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

2.3.2 Opening an MSI File with Orca

Locate Orca: After installing the Windows SDK, Orca can be found in the following directory: C:Program Files (x86)Windows Kits10bin<SDK Version>x64 or C:Program Files (x86)Windows Kits10bin<SDK Version>x86.
Run Orca: Run Orca.msi.
Ignore Installation: You will see an install prompt. Ignore this.
Right Click MSI: Right click the .msi file you want to edit and select Edit with Orca.

2.3.3 Finding the Product Code in Orca

Open the MSI File: In Orca, click File > Open and select the MSI file you want to inspect.
Navigate to the Property Table: In the left pane, click on the Property table.
Locate the ProductCode: In the right pane, scroll through the list of properties until you find the ProductCode entry. The value in the Value column is the MSI GUID.

2.3.4 Finding the Package Code in Orca

Open the MSI File: In Orca, click File > Open and select the MSI file you want to inspect.
Select Summary Information: Select View > Summary Information....
Locate the Package Code: The Package Code entry is the MSI GUID.

2.3.5 Benefits of Using Orca

Detailed View: Orca provides a detailed view of the MSI package, allowing you to inspect all properties and tables.
Offline Access: Orca works offline, so you don’t need an internet connection to inspect MSI files.
Editing Capabilities: Orca allows you to edit MSI files, which can be useful for customizing installations or troubleshooting issues (use with caution).

By using Orca, you can easily find the MSI GUID and gain a deeper understanding of the MSI package structure. For more information on using Orca and other MSI tools, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN.

2.4 Using Third-Party MSI Viewers

If you don’t want to download the Windows SDK to obtain Orca, several third-party MSI viewers are available that provide similar functionality. These tools allow you to open and inspect MSI files to find the MSI GUID.

2.4.1 List of Free MSI Viewers

Here are some popular free MSI viewers:

InstEd MSI Editor: A powerful MSI editor with a user-friendly interface.
Lessmsi: A lightweight tool specifically designed for viewing MSI file contents.
7-Zip: While primarily an archive tool, 7-Zip can also open and extract the contents of MSI files, allowing you to view the properties.

2.4.2 Steps to Find the MSI GUID Using a Third-Party Viewer

The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the tool, but the general process is as follows:

Download and Install the MSI Viewer: Download and install your preferred MSI viewer from a trusted source.
Open the MSI File: Open the MSI file you want to inspect using the MSI viewer.
Navigate to the Properties or Summary Information: Look for a section labeled “Properties,” “Summary Information,” or similar.
Locate the ProductCode or Package Code: Find the ProductCode or Package Code entry. The value associated with this entry is the MSI GUID.

2.4.3 Example Using Lessmsi

Download and Install Lessmsi: Download Lessmsi from its official website and install it.
Open the MSI File: Run Lessmsi and open the MSI file you want to inspect.
View Properties: Click on the “Properties” tab.
Find the ProductCode: Locate the ProductCode entry in the list of properties.

2.4.4 Benefits of Using Third-Party MSI Viewers

Convenience: Third-party MSI viewers are often smaller and easier to install than the full Windows SDK.
User-Friendly Interface: Many third-party viewers offer a more intuitive interface than Orca.
No SDK Required: You don’t need to download and install the entire Windows SDK to use these tools.

By using a third-party MSI viewer, you can quickly and easily find the MSI GUID without the overhead of installing the Windows SDK. For more recommendations and reviews of MSI viewers, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN.

2.5 Reading the MSI File Directly

If you don’t have access to MSI-specific tools like Orca or third-party viewers, you can still extract the MSI GUID by directly reading the MSI file using tools capable of handling structured storage files.

2.5.1 Tools Capable of Reading Structured Storage Files

MSI files are based on the COM Structured Storage format, which is similar to a database file. Several tools can read this format, including:

7-Zip: A popular file archiving tool that can also open and extract the contents of MSI files.
OleViewDotNet: A tool from the Windows SDK that allows you to view COM Structured Storage files.
Structured Storage Viewer Tools: Various specialized tools are designed for inspecting structured storage files.

2.5.2 Steps to Extract the MSI GUID

Make a Copy of the MSI File: Before opening the MSI file in a viewer, make a copy of it. This is a precaution to ensure that you don’t accidentally modify the original file.
Open the MSI File with the Tool: Open the copied MSI file using your chosen tool (e.g., 7-Zip).
Navigate to the Property Table: Look for a table or stream named “Property.” This table contains the properties of the MSI package.
Locate the ProductCode: Find the ProductCode entry in the Property table. The value associated with this entry is the MSI GUID.

2.5.3 Example Using 7-Zip

Download and Install 7-Zip: Download 7-Zip from its official website and install it.
Open the MSI File with 7-Zip: Right-click on the copied MSI file and select 7-Zip > Open archive.
Navigate to the Property Table: Browse through the contents of the MSI file until you find the “Property” stream.
Extract the Property Stream: Extract the “Property” stream to a file (e.g., Property.txt).
Open the Extracted File: Open the extracted file in a text editor.
Find the ProductCode: Search for the ProductCode entry in the file.
```
ProductCode = {12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890AB}
```

2.5.4 Precautions When Reading MSI Files Directly

Make a Copy: Always make a copy of the MSI file before opening it in a viewer.
Read-Only Access: Ensure that the tool you are using opens the MSI file in read-only mode to prevent accidental modifications.
Use Trusted Tools: Only use trusted tools from reputable sources to avoid security risks.

By directly reading the MSI file, you can extract the MSI GUID even without specialized MSI tools. However, this method requires more technical knowledge and caution. For more tips and best practices on working with MSI files, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN.

3. Automating MSI GUID Retrieval

Automating the process of retrieving MSI GUIDs can save time and effort, especially in enterprise environments where software management tasks are performed frequently. Here are some techniques for automating MSI GUID retrieval:

3.1 PowerShell Scripting for Automation

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate various software management tasks, including retrieving MSI GUIDs. Here’s how you can use PowerShell to automate this process:

3.1.1 Creating a PowerShell Script

You can create a PowerShell script to retrieve the MSI GUID for a specific application based on its name. Here’s an example script:

param (
    [string]$ApplicationName
)

if (-not $ApplicationName) {
    Write-Error "Please provide the application name."
    exit
}

$Product = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*$ApplicationName*"}

if ($Product) {
    Write-Output "Application Name: $($Product.Name)"
    Write-Output "MSI GUID: $($Product.IdentifyingNumber)"
} else {
    Write-Output "Application '$ApplicationName' not found."
}

3.1.2 Explanation of the Script

param ([string]$ApplicationName): This defines a parameter for the script that allows you to specify the application name when running the script.
if (-not $ApplicationName): This checks if the application name is provided. If not, it displays an error message and exits the script.
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product: This retrieves all installed applications from the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) database.
Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*$ApplicationName*"}: This filters the results to only include applications whose name matches the specified pattern. The -like operator allows for wildcard characters.
if ($Product): This checks if the application is found. If found, it displays the application name and MSI GUID. Otherwise, it displays a “not found” message.

3.1.3 Running the Script

Save the Script: Save the script to a file (e.g., Get-MSIGUID.ps1).
Open PowerShell as Administrator: Open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
Run the Script: Run the script using the following command:
```
.Get-MSIGUID.ps1 -ApplicationName "YourApplicationName"
```
Replace "YourApplicationName" with the name of the application you are interested in.

3.1.4 Example Usage

.Get-MSIGUID.ps1 -ApplicationName "Microsoft Office"

This will output the application name and MSI GUID for Microsoft Office if it is installed on the system.

3.1.5 Benefits of PowerShell Automation

Efficiency: Automates the process of retrieving MSI GUIDs, saving time and effort.
Consistency: Ensures that the MSI GUID is retrieved in a consistent manner, reducing the risk of errors.
Scalability: Can be used to retrieve MSI GUIDs for multiple applications across multiple computers.

By using PowerShell scripting, you can automate the process of retrieving MSI GUIDs and improve your software management efficiency. For more advanced PowerShell scripting techniques, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN.

3.2 Batch Scripting for Automation

Batch scripting is another way to automate the process of retrieving MSI GUIDs, although it is less powerful and flexible than PowerShell. Here’s how you can use batch scripting for this purpose:

3.2.1 Creating a Batch Script

You can create a batch script to retrieve the MSI GUID for a specific application by querying the registry. Here’s an example script:

@echo off
setlocal

set "AppName=YourApplicationName"

for /f "tokens=2*" %%a in ('reg query "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall" /s /f "%AppName%" /d /e ^| findstr "DisplayName"') do set "SubKey=%%b"

if not defined SubKey (
    echo Application "%AppName%" not found.
    exit /b
)

for /f "tokens=2*" %%a in ('reg query "%SubKey%" /v UninstallString ^| findstr "UninstallString"') do set "UninstallString=%%b"

if not defined UninstallString (
    echo UninstallString not found.
    exit /b
)

for /f "tokens=2 delims={}" %%a in ("%UninstallString%") do set "MSIGUID={%%a}"

echo Application Name: %AppName%
echo MSI GUID: %MSIGUID%

endlocal

3.2.2 Explanation of the Script

@echo off: This disables command echoing, so the commands are not displayed in the console.
setlocal: This creates a local environment, so any changes to environment variables are discarded when the script exits.
set "AppName=YourApplicationName": This sets the application name that you want to search for.
reg query "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall" /s /f "%AppName%" /d /e: This queries the registry for the application name.
findstr "DisplayName": This filters the results to only include entries with “DisplayName”.
for /f "tokens=2*" %%a in (...) do set "SubKey=%%b": This extracts the subkey path from the registry query results.
reg query "%SubKey%" /v UninstallString: This queries the registry for the UninstallString value.
findstr "UninstallString": This filters the results to only include the “UninstallString” entry.
for /f "tokens=2*" %%a in (...) do set "UninstallString=%%b": This extracts the UninstallString value from the registry query results.
for /f "tokens=2 delims={}" %%a in ("%UninstallString%") do set "MSIGUID={%%a}": This extracts the MSI GUID from the UninstallString.
echo Application Name: %AppName%: This displays the application name.
echo MSI GUID: %MSIGUID%: This displays the MSI GUID.
endlocal: This ends the local environment and discards any changes to environment variables.

3.2.3 Running the Script

Save the Script: Save the script to a file (e.g., Get-MSIGUID.bat).
Run the Script as Administrator: Right-click on the batch file and select Run as administrator.

3.2.4 Example Usage

Get-MSIGUID.bat

You will be prompted to enter the application name. Enter the name of the application you are interested in, and the script will output the application name and MSI GUID if found.

3.2.5 Limitations of Batch Scripting

Less Flexible: Batch scripting is less flexible than PowerShell and has limited capabilities for error handling and data manipulation.
Complexity: The script can be complex and difficult to read, especially for those not familiar with batch scripting.
Less Robust: Batch scripting is less robust than PowerShell and may not work reliably in all environments.

Despite these limitations, batch scripting can be a useful option for automating MSI GUID retrieval in environments where PowerShell is not available or preferred. For more information on batch scripting and other automation techniques, visit conduct.edu.vn.

3.3 Using Configuration Management Tools

Configuration management tools like SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager), Ansible, and Chef can be used to automate the process of retrieving MSI GUIDs across multiple systems in an enterprise environment.

3.3.1 SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager)

SCCM is a comprehensive configuration management tool from Microsoft that allows you to manage software deployments, updates, and configurations across your organization.

3.3.1.1 Steps to Retrieve MSI GUIDs Using SCCM

Create a Configuration Baseline: In the SCCM console, create a new configuration baseline.
Add a Configuration Item: Add a new configuration item to the baseline.
Specify Discovery Method: Specify a discovery method to retrieve the MSI GUID. You can use a WMI query or a PowerShell script.
- WMI Query: Use the Win32_Product WMI class to query for installed applications and retrieve their MSI GUIDs.
- PowerShell Script: Use a PowerShell script to query the registry or WMI and retrieve the MSI GUIDs.
Deploy the Configuration Baseline: Deploy the configuration baseline to the target computers.
View the Results: View the results in the SCCM console to see the MSI GUIDs for the installed applications.

3.3.1.2 Benefits of Using SCCM

Centralized Management: SCCM provides a centralized platform for managing software deployments and configurations across your organization.
Scalability: SCCM can scale to manage thousands of computers.
Reporting: SCCM provides detailed reporting capabilities, allowing you to track software installations and configurations.

3.3.2 Ansible

Ansible is an open-source automation tool that allows you to automate software deployments, configurations, and management tasks.

3.3.2.1 Steps to Retrieve MSI GUIDs Using Ansible

Create an Ansible Playbook: Create an Ansible playbook to retrieve the MSI GUIDs.

Use the win_reg Module: Use the win_reg module to query the registry for installed applications and retrieve their MSI GUIDs.

- name: Get MSI GUIDs for installed applications
  win_reg:
    path: HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall
    name: UninstallString
  register: uninstall_strings

- name: Extract MSI GUIDs
  set_fact:
    msi_guids: "{{ uninstall_strings.values | map(attribute='data') | select('match', 'msiexec.exe /X{(.*?)}') | map('regex_search', 'msiexec.exe /X{(.*?)}') | list }}"

- name: Display MSI GUIDs
  debug:
    msg: "MSI GUID: {{ item }}"
  loop: "{{ msi_guids }}"

3.3.2.2 Benefits of Using Ansible

Agentless: Ansible is agentless, so you don’t need to install any software on the target computers.
Idempotent: Ansible is idempotent, so it only makes changes if necessary.
Declarative: Ansible uses a declarative language, so you can specify the desired state of the system and Ansible will take care of the rest.

3.3.3 Chef

Chef is another open-source automation tool that allows you to automate software deployments, configurations, and management tasks.

3.3.3.1 Steps to Retrieve MSI GUIDs Using Chef

Create a Chef Cookbook: Create a Chef cookbook to retrieve the MSI GUIDs.

Use the registry_key Resource: Use the registry_key resource to query the registry for installed applications and retrieve their MSI GUIDs.

registry_key 'HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall' do
  action :read
  recursive true
  values [{
    name: 'UninstallString',
    type: :string
  }]
  notifies :run, 'ruby_block[extract_msi_guids]'
end

ruby_block 'extract_msi_guids' do
  block do
    node.default['msi_guids'] = []
    registry_key['HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall'].values.each do |value|
      if value[:name] == 'UninstallString' && value[:data] =~ /msiexec.exe /X{(.*?)}/
        node.default['msi_guids'] << $1
      end
    end
  end
  action :nothing
end

log 'MSI GUIDs' do
  message lazy { "MSI GUIDs: #{node['msi_guids']}" }
  level :info
end

3.3.3.2 Benefits of Using Chef

Infrastructure as Code: Chef allows you to manage your infrastructure as code, so you can automate the entire process of deploying and configuring your systems.
Scalability: Chef can scale to manage thousands of computers.
Flexibility: Chef provides a flexible and powerful platform for automating software management tasks.

By using configuration management tools, you can automate the process of retrieving MSI GUIDs across multiple systems in an enterprise environment, saving time and effort and ensuring consistency. For