How to add Custom Actions in Wise Package Studio
Custom Actions are user-defined actions that enhance the installation process by adding functionalities beyond what is offered by the standard Windows Installer actions. They are necessary when built-in options fail to meet specific installation requirements.
Custom Actions can be implemented in various ways, including:
- Compiling custom DLLs using the C/C++ API
- Embedding VBScript or JScript snippets
- Explicitly invoking system commands
While all methods are valid, VBScript Custom Actions are the most common. That’s what we’ll use in our article.
How to Add a Custom Action to Your MSI Package Using Wise Package Studio
Let’s say you need to add two Custom Actions to your MSI package:
- One that runs during installation.
- Another that runs during uninstallation.
Once you have the corresponding VBScripts ready, follow these steps:
1. Go to MSI Script and select “Call VBScript from Embedded Code”.
2. Name the Custom Action and paste the VBScript content you want to execute.
3. Set the sequence and condition for the Custom Action. to be executed. For example, to make it run during installation, use the condition: Not Installed.
4. Configure the scheduling and processing options.
Keep in mind that Immediate Custom Actions run in the user's context, should not modify the system, and are executed in sequence. They cannot rely on any files being installed by the MSI.
And that’s it. Now, your new CustomAction will be shown in the CustomAction list.
Similarly, you can create a Custom Action during uninstallation. The only difference between the two of them is the condition, which for an uninstall Custom Action should be set as follows:
Once you set your Custom Action(s), you can compile your Wise Project file and build your MSI installer.
How to Add Custom Actions Using Advanced Installer
Advanced Installed dedicated GUI is even more intuitive and easier to use, as you can see in the video below.
Moreover, it comes with lots of predefined Custom Actions which you can use straight away.
If you want to find out more, you can check out our Custom Actions page and check out our Advanced Installer 30-day full-feature trial.
Written by
Horatiu Vladasel
Horatiu is a Software Packager/Sequencer with over 10 years experience, who has worked as a Software Packager at IBM and is currently offering software packaging services to companies such as BT or Nationwide.