Techniques are disclosed to install a software application and its associated data onto mobile computers. The associated data include data common to all mobile computers, as well as defined site-specific data applicable to a specific mobile computer. As is typical, the associated data are stored in a database on a central server, and are constantly being changed and updated there. The installation process involves the use of a separate installation computer, which may be unattended. The common data are copied from the central server database to the installation computer. For each mobile computer receiving an install, the common data are copied to the mobile computer from the installation computer, and the site-specific data are copied to the mobile computer from the central server database. The software application may also be installed on the mobile computer as part of the installation process.