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MSI File Tables group include tables that specify the files to be used in the installation. This includes files to be installed, moved, or duplicated, as well as to be self-registered. File Tables group includes the following tables: File: (MSI File Tables) What is a File table? This particular table lists entire files of an […]
MSI Introduction to Table basically represents a portion of the MSI file. MSI file is a well organized database. And this database is organized in to components and Features. The package installation logic is stored in the database along with the tables. Tables in an MSI file store data about how the software application is […]
What is patching? A patch is an updated version for an application. One can obtain patches from the software manufacturers or internal developers of the original program. One can update an existing application without uninstalling the product. This preserves the customizations of the installation and potentially reduces the cost to make the change. The patch […]
What are Upgrades? MSI Upgrades From a Windows Installer perspective, upgrade packages are fully functional packages that can install software applications on a clean machine. Package developers might require previous versions before installations can proceed, but this requirement is simply a licensing control—the package itself contains all the information necessary to install the package on […]
What is Transform? MSI Transform is a collection of specified changes in the form of .mst files, which one apply to a base Windows Installer package file at installation time. When one applies transforms to an .msi file, Windows Installer can dynamically add or modify data in the installation database, customizing the installation of the […]
Normal logging (MSI Windows Installer Logging) The installer records errors and events in its own error log. The type of logging that is performed by the installer is determined by the setting of the logging mode. Logging is enabled and the mode can be set by using the following methods: The logging mode of an […]
What are Merge Modules? Merge modules provide a standard method by which developers deliver shared Windows Installer components and setup logic to their applications. Merge modules are used to deliver shared code, files, resources, registry entries, and setup logic to applications as a single compound file. A merge module is similar in structure to a […]
The following steps describe the conversion of MSI to WSI: (Converting MSI to WSI) (Converting MSI to WSI) Step 1) Open the MSI with Windows Installer Editor Steps 2) under the tools menu select MSI to WSI conversion: Step 3) Click on next for selecting new source directory: Step 4) Click Next … Step 5) […]
What is Add/Remove Programs? (MSI Configuring Add/Remove Programs in Windows Installer) It is a GUI provided by windows to Add, Remove, and modify the programs How to customize Add/Remove Programs through MSI? One can supply all of the information needed to configure Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel by setting the values of certain installer properties […]
What is Registry? (MSI Structure of Registry) The Registry is split into a number of logical sections. Each of these keys is divided into subkeys, which may contain further subkeys, and so on. Any key may contain values. These values can be: String Value Binary Value DWORD Value (numbers between 0 and roughly 4 thousand […]