Installing a New Package in D365 F&O Development Environment

 

Introduction

Installing and updating packages in the development environment is a common activity in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance. To ensure a smooth deployment, it’s important to properly remove old packages and install the new one without conflicts.

This blog explains the step-by-step process followed in a real-time development scenario.

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Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Verify the Package

• Identify the package provided 
• Note the exact package name to avoid confusion.

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Step 2: Remove Existing Package from Source Control

• Go to the trunk/main branch.
• Check if a package with the same name already exists.
• If it exists, delete the package.

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Step 3: Move Changes to Pending

• After deletion, the package will appear under pending changes in source control.

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Step 4: Check-In Changes

• Check in the pending changes to the main branch.
• This ensures the old package is completely removed from version control.

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Step 5: Clean Local Package Directory

• Restart IIS service.
• Open Visual Studio → File Explorer.

• Navigate to:

  K:\AosService\PackagesLocalDirectory
  

• Delete the existing package folder manually.

This step ensures there are no leftover files from the old package.

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Step 6: Download and Extract New Package

• Download the new deployable package.
• Extract it to a local folder (e.g., Downloads).

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Step 7: Install the Package via Command Prompt

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

• Navigate to the extracted folder, for example:

  C:\Users\<YourUser>\Downloads\AXDeployablePackage_XXXX
  

• Run the following command:

  AXUpdateInstaller.exe devinstall
  

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Step 8: Monitor Installation

• The installation process consists of multiple steps (usually 5 stages).
• It may take some time to complete.
• Wait until the process finishes successfully.

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Step 9: Verify Package in Main Branch

• After installation, the package will be available in the main branch.

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Step 10: Check-In Final Changes

• All updated files will appear under pending changes.
• Review and check in the changes to the main branch.

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Best Practices

• Always remove the old package before installing a new one
• Restart IIS to avoid caching issues
• Clean the PackagesLocalDirectory to prevent conflicts
• Verify pending changes before check-in
• Ensure proper version control practices are followed

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Conclusion

Proper package installation in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance requires careful handling of existing files, source control, and deployment steps. Following this structured approach helps avoid conflicts and ensures a smooth development experience.