Windows Installer
Windows Installer is the latest Microsoft technology for deploying applications. It offers a format for packaging an application and an engine to unpack and install an application. MSI packages are used instead of proprietary installation systems, allowing your installer to run on any Windows platform from Windows 95 to Windows 7.
You can use Advanced Installer without knowing all the details and intricacies of the Windows Installer - Advanced Installer creates an abstraction over the underlying technology. However, to truly understand what is going on, to access complex features or to troubleshoot, Windows Installer knowledge is strongly recommended. All the information you need is included in the Windows SDK from Microsoft, available using the link below.
Topics
- Product Identification
ProductCode and UpgradeCode - Your product's fingerprints. - Advertised Shortcuts
What are advertised shortcuts and how can they be used. - Validating Installation Packages
A short article that discusses ICE. - Formatted Type
What is the Windows Installer Formatted type and how to use it. - PseudoFormatted Type
What is the Advanced Installer PseudoFormatted type and how to use it. - Properties
The Windows Installer Properties. - Standard Actions
The Windows Installer Standard Actions. - Installer Unit
Installer unit description. - Packages Types
32-bit and 64-bit installer description. - Command Line
Msiexec.exe Command Line. - Windows SDK tools
Windows SDK tools required for creating MSI packages. - Assemblies and the WinSxS folder
Why can't we write to WinSxS folder?