kadir-a
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:26 am

Checkbox Misbehave - Multiple Instances

Hello,

We are having a problem with the checkbox values during additional instance installation when multiple instance feature is enabled. The problem is checkbox values, when unselected, are not carried over to custom actions properly. This only happens on additional instance installations. It does not happen on the first install.

In order to reproduce the issue in the latest version, I have downloaded the latest version and created a sample project that uses the same features of the installer that we use in our actual project. These features are custom actions, IIS website installation, prerequisites.

I have attached the installer project file along with the logs of the first and the second instance installation and the screenshots

Let me talk about the screenshots:
- testing-1-1 => the checkboxes and their values: install api=Yes, install portal=""
- testing-1-2 => install portal value is empty as expected
- testing-1-3 => install api value is "Yes" as expected
- testing-2-1 => install portal value is "Yes" while it should be empty
- testing-2-2 => install api value is "Yes" as expected


Note: I'll add the logs in in the following post.
Attachments
Testing Multiple Instances.zip
(9.34 KiB) Downloaded 13 times
install-2-screenshots.zip
(422.34 KiB) Downloaded 19 times
install-1-screenshots.zip
(629.42 KiB) Downloaded 16 times
kadir-a
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:26 am

Re: Checkbox Misbehave - Multiple Instances

Here are the logs
Attachments
second-install-portal-unchecked.log
(420.82 KiB) Downloaded 19 times
first-install-portal-unchecked.log
(396.73 KiB) Downloaded 15 times
kadir-a
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:26 am

Re: Checkbox Misbehave - Multiple Instances

The sample webapi project in the installer project.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i8W0uK ... sp=sharing
Eusebiu
Posts: 4960
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 2:04 pm

Re: Checkbox Misbehave - Multiple Instances

Hi,

I've tested your project and reproduced the behavior. However, looking at the configuration of your project I've noticed that you use the "Generate instances at install time" option for your multiple instances and this seems to be the cause of the issue.

Please keep in mind that this option comes with a lot of limitations and I don't encourage customers to use it. Using static instances with the "Build major upgrades for multiple instances" option is a much better solution.

The "Generate instances at install time" option is only suitable for very simple MSI packages that only install some files with no additional configurations.

Can you try the "Build major upgrades for multiple instances" option and see if it works?

Best regards,
Eusebiu
Eusebiu Aria - Advanced Installer Team
Follow us: Twitter - Facebook - YouTube
kadir-a
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:26 am

Re: Checkbox Misbehave - Multiple Instances

Hi there,

Thanks for the support. I just added a few instances and enabled "Build major upgrades for multiple instances" and It indeed fixed the issue. It now carries over the values properly. Thank you for your help.
Eusebiu
Posts: 4960
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 2:04 pm

Re: Checkbox Misbehave - Multiple Instances

You're welcome. I'm glad this worked.

Best regards,
Eusebiu
Eusebiu Aria - Advanced Installer Team
Follow us: Twitter - Facebook - YouTube

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