AI_ProgramFiles is pointing to x86 folder

[sujithgokul]

Hello,

I am trying to create a mixed 32/64 bit installer and using the [AI_ProgramFiles][Manufacturer]\[ProductName] instllation location. When I install this package in a 32 bit machine, it works fine. If I try to install the package in a 64-bit machine, it gives me C:\Program Files (x86)\xxx\yyyy instead of C:\Program Files\xxx\yyyy. But if I fix up the path manually during the installation, it works jist fine. Could you please help?

[Eusebiu]

Hi and welcome to Advanced Installer forums.

I've tested your scenario, but I cannot reproduce the behavior. Can you please tell us the version of Advanced Installer and the Operating System you have on your test machines and also send us a verbose log of the installation so we can investigate it and try to find the problem?

Best regards,
Eusebiu

[sujithgokul]

Hello Eusebiu,
Thank you for the response. Please find the details below:

Advanced Installer Version 10.3
Target Machine: Windows 7 64-bit

I am attaching the log file as well with this

[Eusebiu]

Hi,

Indeed, it looks like the "APPDIR" property is modified and redirected to "Program Files (x86)" folder. Can you reproduce the behavior on multiple clean machines? Otherwise, can you please send us the .AIP (project file) to support at advancedinstaller dot com so we can investigate it?

Best regards,
Eusebiu

[sujithgokul]

Sorry for the delay. Please find the attached sample file. Also, I have noticed that it happens only when I create an MSI. If I create an exe, it works just fine.

[Eusebiu]

Hi,

Please keep in mind that creating a mixed package using our wizard, the package type is automatically set to "EXE setup" in the Media page and this is the normal behavior.

So, if you want to create a mixed package, I recommend you to use our "Mixed 32/64-bit Package" wizard and have an EXE package type.

Best regards,
Eusebiu

[sujithgokul]

We do have a requirement of creating an MSI with 32/64 combined installer. Is that supported in advanced installer? That is one of the main reason for us to evaluate this product

[Eusebiu]

Hi,

In order to achieve this you can use the workaround described in the How to make Mixed 64/32 Bit Installer thread.

Best regards,
Eusebiu

[sujithgokul]

I tried this option and it is not working. Once the MSI is created, it goes back to the "Program Files (x86)" folder by default again. Did you get a chance to examine the project file? This is a major decision factor for us to make a choice between Advanced and InstallShield. I am happy with every other feature, but we do require a single MSI file

[Eusebiu]

Hi,

The "MSI from EXE(s)" feature includes the EXE file as a "Post-install" prerequisite in the MSI package. Hence, the "Program Files (x86)" folder is set by default for the MSI package that is created like a wrapper over the EXE file, but the mixed EXE package will be installed in the correct folder (Program Files).

For a better user experience you can use the following configuration:
- in the Install Parameters page of the MSI package, select the "Per-user only" installation type and "Limit to basic user interface" option
- in the Product Details page you can disable the "Register product with Windows Installer" option (in this case the MSI wrapper will not be registered)
- in the Prerequisites page you can set some command lines for the mixed EXE package

Best regards,
Eusebiu

[sujithgokul]

I feel like I am not getting an answer to my question. Could you tell me why the AI_ProgramFiles folder is getting overwritten to "Program Files (x86)" folder in my project?

[Eusebiu]

Hi,

As I mentioned before, the "AI_ProgramFiles" property is not overwritten with "Program Files (x86)" folder if your mixed package is an EXE file, because in this case an Advanced Installer custom action sets that property to "Program Files" folder on a 64-bit machine.

If you want to have an MSI package and you use the "MSI from EXE" feature to achieve this, the MSI created like a wrapper over the EXE file has the path set to "Program Files (x86)" folder, but the EXE package will be installed to the "Program Files" folder. So, if you want to get rid of the MSI dialogs and path you can use the configurations I recommended in my previous post.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Best regards,
Eusebiu