Installed program has multiple entries in Windows "Apps & Features" list

[GB-Lindsay]

I have four .aip files across two different program versions,
which allows me to build two different MSIs for each program version.

Program-V1.0.exe has msi files A.msi and B.msi.
Program-V2.0.exe also has msi files A.msi and B.msi.

If I install ProgramV1.0 A.msi followed by ProgramV2.0 A.msi
the two programs install "side by side", by design.
Programs version 1.0 and 2.0 install into different disk directories.

But if I install the ProgramV1.0 A.msi file,
followed by the ProgramV1.0 B.msi file,
I get *two entries* for ProgramV1.0 in the Windows "Apps and Features" list
(AKA "Add or remove programs").

My expectation is that a second install of the same program with a different msi should override the previous install,
assuming the product code has been updated. Worse case there should be a Modify/Repair/Remove prompt.

I have NOT selected "allow side by side installs" in the Upgrade Page.

What can I rectify in the .aip files so that programs of the same version
override each other in the "Add or remove programs" list
in subsequent installs?

The GUIDs for each of the 4 .MSIs are shown below.

Thanks,
GB

===

ProgramV1.0.exe : A-type.msi
Upgrade code {14A4AD22-7758-4ACC-BDAC-2DB9F0B54598}
Product code {E58F487D-990F-4E05-822E-F73199FB9DF8}
Package Code {DE54C388-BF80-4A8E-B803-9733897AE56F}

ProgramV1.0.exe : B-type.msi
Upgrade code {14A4AD22-7758-4ACC-BDAC-2DB9F0B54598}
Product code {B85E0B05-ED8E-491F-AEA6-61A30210D389}
Package Code {2B4C7337-A71D-4FE4-81F4-96E78BC2F905}

ProgramV2.0.exe : A-type.msi
Upgrade code {54BCF5B3-1654-4192-B387-4F16EB757774}
Product code {690A8404-93F9-444D-A635-6B0B692ECBBD}
Package Code {8612891B-D318-4CFA-BFC5-2483239CE68B}

ProgramV2.0.exe : B-type.msi
Upgrade code {54BCF5B3-1654-4192-B387-4F16EB757774}
Product code {84D4C06C-5D25-4920-97FB-8BBA36145AB7}
Package Code {B22ADC30-744B-4153-A5CB-06769D6E3316}

[Catalin]

Hello,

That is happening because you have different UpgradeCodes for your products.

Product Identification (ProductCode and UpgradeCode)

As per the above article:

UpgradeCode
Unlike the ProductCode, the UpgradeCode is a GUID representing a related set of products. A set of different versions of your application will have the same UpgradeCode. This enables newer versions of your application to search and upgrade previous versions installed on the same computer.

The UpgradeCode property is stored within the .aip project file.

If you want one version of your product to automatically upgrade previous versions, please keep in mind that:

- UpgradeCode should be the same

- ProductCode should be different

- Version should be higher

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Catalin

[GB-Lindsay]

Hi Catalin,

Thanks for you swift responose.

I agree 100%, but my issue is that, for example, the two .msis of ProgramV1.0
will cause a second "Add or Remove Program" entry.

Even though those two .msis have the same Upgrade Code.

Same holds for the two .msi's of ProgramV2.0.

[Catalin]

Hello,

Please note that is the expected behavior.

I will try to explain the concept of UpgradeCode and ProductCode and hopefully it will make sense.

The ProductCode property is a unique GUID used to identify your application.

Two products with the same ProductCode can not be installed on the same computer. Windows Installer will prevent this with an error reading:

Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version cannot continue. To configure or remove the existing version of this product, use Programs and Features in the Control Panel.

Basically, your setup is solely identified by its ProductCode - if you generate a new one, the OS will think it's a different product and that's why it appears twice in the Control Panel.

Unlike the ProductCode, the UpgradeCode is a GUID representing a related set of products. A set of different versions of your application will have the same UpgradeCode. This enables newer versions of your application to search and upgrade previous versions installed on the same computer.

An upgrade is automatically triggered when:

- ProductVersion is increased

- ProductCode is changed

- UpgradeCode stays the same

In your case, you have changed the ProductCode to avoid the above mentioned warning, but you did not increase the version and therefore the upgrade isn't triggered, leading you to end up with two entries in Control Panel.

Hope things are clearer now!

Best regards,
Catalin

[GB-Lindsay]

Catalin, thanks for that excellent and concise description.
I now better understand how the different GUIDs interact and can make this work.
Gerry

[Liviu]

You're always welcome, Gerry!

Best regards,
Liviu