UPDATE: I’ve created a new post with some new discoveries around installing Siebel on Windows 7!
I’ve noticed a lot of interest around using Siebel Tools and the Siebel Web Client with Windows 7:
Having been a Windows 7 user since the early betas, I have to say it’s the best Windows operating system yet. Where Vista piled in with clunky processes, UAC, compatibility problems and a host of other issues, Windows 7 feels light and user friendly. I use it on all my desktops and laptops and I have to say, I love it.
However, since version 7, the Siebel Client and Tools Client seem to have veered away from being happy, Win32 applications. I remember the good old days of Siebel 99 and Siebel 2000 (6.x) with their nice, friendly InstallShield installers and I don’t remember having any problems running them, from NT through XP to Vista. However, things have changed!
Your first hurdle is the download. Long gone are install CD / DVD images: now we have colossal ZIP file downloads and ImageCreator. Don’t let this put you off visiting Oracle eDelivery and downloading yourself a copy though. Download the 3 or 4 ZIP files associated with the media pack of the version you’re interested in, unzip into a single directory and run ImageCreator. From here, you can create familar installation folders for your target platform and products. This is your first hurdle – ImageCreator HATES Windows 7! The only way I’ve been able to extract an installation is by running the installer in XP mode in Windows 7 Ultimate. Here’s a better alternative for you:
- Burn the extracted files to a dual layer DVD
- Find an XP machine and run ImageCreator
- Create DVDs of the Client and Server installation folders
I know this sounds silly, but it’s by far the best way to get working installers, with language packs, and you only have to do it once.
Your next hurdle in the dreaded OUI – Oracle Universal Installer. Now, in my opinion, OUI is one of the nastiest pieces of software I’ve ever come across. It’s a nightmare and quirky as hell! Don’t let this put you off: there are a few key things to note when running OUI under Windows 7:
- Always run the install from a physical drive or mapped drive. It will not run correctly if run from a UNC path
- Run the install from a path without spaces. It’s medieval, but it will save you hassle!
- Right click the installer and select ‘Run As Administrator’ and run in the ‘Windows XP SP3′ compatibility mode
If you follow those steps, you should be able to install both the Web Client and Siebel Tools without any problems.
When it comes to running the applications, follow the same steps as above: for each of the executables (siebel.exe and siebdev.exe), set the ‘Run As Administrator’ and ‘Windows XP SP 3′ compatibility options in the same way as before.
Configure your CFG file as normal, double click, login in and enjoy! 
I also installed siebel 8.1 on windows 7, but I’, still struggling with some issues. Quite often a lot of ie processes remains hanged, a lot of time the pick applet remains open, during opening a dedicated client, IE window didn’t start up on first time, I have to do a refresh..
does anybody have the same observations ?
Thanks, Robo
Hi Robert,
I don’t recall having any problems after installing onto a fresh Windows 7 install. One of the advantages of using a virtual platform is that everything can be nice and clean. Have you done the installation on your desktop or a virtual machine?
I guess there are a few obvious things to suggest, such as disabling popup blockers, running the client in Compatibility Mode etc. You could also try running IE8 in Compatibility View mode.
Let us know how you get on or if I can help out in any way.
1 Please tell me where to download the Siebel tools and application…I found it in orcale website .. so can u suggest me any dowloader or torrent to download it…
2. Steps to install the Siebel in Xp.
Thanks in Advance. your help is appreciated.
Regards
Jagadeesh V
Hi Jagadeesh,
If you follow the instructions in the Build Your Own Siebel post. You’ll also find full instructions and a massive amount of reference data in Siebel Bookshelf – links are on the right hand side of the post. If you have problems, please feel free to post here. Alternatively, post on the Oracle Siebel Support Forums
Hi Oli ,
Thanks a lot Oli , I have windows 7 and have installed the xp in Virtual Pc.
So let me try the steps you have mentioned in the ” Build your own Siebel post ” if I have any issues let me know you. realy thankful to you.
Regards ,
Jagadeesh V
Hi Oli,
When I was trying to unzip two zip files (parts of 8.1.1.2. media installation files that I have downloaded from edelivery) into the same flat directory, I am getting warnings that there are 2 files that will are of the same name (e.g. siebel.ini). Is it all right to overwrite one with another? or Must it follow a specific sequence? I did that by following the alphabetical order of downloaded zip files. Thanks for your help.
Cheers,
Inn Inn
Hi inninn,
Sorry for the late reply – I guess by now you’ll have found an answer elsewhere!
Yes, you can over-write the files – I think they’re just readme or version.txt or something like that. I’ve always over-written and never had a problem with the resulting images.
Hi,
I have mini (atom processor) with windows 7 can i install siebel client and tool on it ?
Unfortunetly min’s don’t have optical media drive…….
Thanks
Chandresh
Hi Chandresh,
There’s no reason why you can’t install Siebel Client and Tools on a netbook PC. An Atom processor (and I assume 1GB of RAM?) will really struggle though.
Oli