Windows Installer is the latest Microsoft technology for deploying applications. It offers a format for packaging an application and an engine to unpack and install an application. MSI packages are used in place of proprietary installation systems, allowing your installer to be run on any Windows platform from Windows 95 to XP and higher.

You can use Advanced Installer without knowing all the details and intricacies of the Windows Installer - Advanced Installer creates an abstraction over the underlying technology. However, to truly understand what is going on, to access complex features or to troubleshoot, Windows Installer knowledge is strongly recommended. All the information you need is included in the Windows SDK from Microsoft, available using the link below.

• Download the latest Windows Installer SDK.

Topics

• The Engine
  A few notes regarding Windows Installer 2.0 - the installation engine used by Advanced Installer.
• Formatted Type
  What is the Windows Installer Formatted type and how to use it.
• Properties
  The Windows Installer Properties.
• Standard Actions
  The Windows Installer Standard Actions.
• Installer Unit
  Installer unit description.
• Packages Types
  32-bit and 64-bit installer description.
• Command Line
  Msiexec.exe Command Line.
• Windows SDK tools
  Windows SDK tools required for creating MSI packages.