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MSI Packaging
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Learn how to work with Windows Installer (MSI) packages
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Windows Installer
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn about how was application packaging before Windows Installer, what exactly is Windows Installer and what are the tools to use with Windows Installer.
MSI package structure
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn why is important to know all the items that compose the MSI package, how they work independently, what are their interdependencies, and how to use them in different processes across application packaging.
Contents
- Package definition
- Package structure
- Package internal information
- Merge Module
- Files
- Registries
- INI Files
- Shortcuts
- Fonts
- Services
- ODBC (Open DataBase Connectivity)
- System variables
- Properties
- Running custom code from the package
- Custom Actions
- System Search
- Upgrades
- Patching
- Upgrading
- De-hardcoding and Variabilization
- De-hardcoding
- Variabilization
- Vendor MSI
- Definition
- Seller Vendor Customization
- Direct vendor MSI
- Vendor MSI hidden in setup
- Vendor MSI with patch
- Modify an MSI vendor, from cab outside to cab inside, etc.
- Msiexec.exe commands
- Installing a package
- Repairing a package
- Uninstalling a package
- Administrative Installation
- Creating logs
- Applying a patch over a MSI
- Installation with MST
- Active-Setup Mechanism
How to Create Basic MSIs
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn how to create simple MSIs with two of the most used application packaging tools in the packaging industry: Advanced Installer and Wise Package Studio.
Contents
- Advanced Installer
- How to Create an Advanced Installer Project
- How to Add Files and Folders
- How to Add Registry
- How to Build and Install
- How to Remove an Installed MSI
- How to Edit Product and Company names
- How to Create Shortcuts
- How to Change the Product Version
- Wise Package Studio
- First Time Settings
- How to Create a Project
- How to Add Files
- How to Add a Registry
- How to Edit Product and Company Names
- How to Create Shortcuts
- How to Change the Product Version
- How to Build and Install
Capture/Repackage EXE installers
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn about the repackaging best practices and recommendations from an experienced IT professional involved in multiple enterprise projects. This chapter will transcend the usual limits of teaching, offering valuable advice and recommendations gathered in practice.
Contents
- Repackaging Best Practices
- When should I repackage an installation?
- Tips for an optimal repackaging result
- Repackaging in a clean environment
- Clean image
- Testing packages in System Context
- Advanced Installer
- Capture with Advanced Installer
- Cleaning Advanced Installer’s Captures
- Editing and Modifying Advanced Installer’s captures/MSIs
- Compiling .aip in .msi
- Wise Package Studio
- Capture with Wise
- Editing / Modifying Wise captures/MSIs
Create MSI Transform files (MST)
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn how to create transform files with two of the most used application packaging tools in the industry: Advanced Installer and Wise Package Studio.
Create Patches (MSP)
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn how to create patches with Advanced Installer and Wise Package Studio.
Creating Suite Installations
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn how to create suite installations to provide your users with a simple experience offering them to download a single setup package to install all the applications.
Helpful tools
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn what are the additional tools to use for application packaging and deployment within an enterprise environment.
Debugging
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn how to make proper debugging by analyzing the log file, checking the installation status of features and components, and checking the event viewer.
Quality Assuring the MSI
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER
Learn about every step you need to take to make sure your application is ready to deploy.