MSI INI files

What is an .INI File? (MSI INI files)

(MSI INI files) .INI F are plain-text F that contain configuration information. These files are used by Windows and Windows-based applications to save information about your preferences and operating environment. “INI” stands for initialization.

When to use INI files?

INI F are used when an application requires some initialization inputs such as license key, registration number etc.

Some rules to be followed in MSI regarding INI files

All the INI F should be added under INI File section and not as normal F

If under any circumstances if the INI F has to be kept under normal F section then mention the same in the release notes

Removing Hard Coded path from INI F: – INI file table should not contain any hard coded path, if there is any hard coded paths make the path relative using entries present in directory table.

Handling Win.ini, ODBC.ini (Using Custom actions): – Win.ini and ODBC.ini should never be added as normal F they should be added as INI file table entries .If we cannot add these two F normally as INI F in INI file table then they should be added by writing custom actions.

INI Files in the Files and Folders Page

When adding an INI file to your package you have two options:

• import it as a regular file (the file is treated like a normal file)
• import it in Windows Installer format (if the file is imported this way you can use it in the INI editor)