The key thing to know is that there is a BootstrapperCore.dll in the WiX binaries that defines a BootstrapperApplication class that handles the integration with the Burn engine. I needed to create my own derived class and override the ‘Run’ method to launch my custom UI. It was also helpful to use the WixBA project … Read more
Creating a Transform: You can use a transform to modify any MSI file – a very common use for a transform is to remove such shortcuts. You should be able to apply that transform on the command line specified in your bootstrapper – though I have never tried this with WiX bootstrappers. Transforms are “little … Read more
Custom GUI: Maybe I can add to Phil’s answer that the WiX installer itself uses such a custom Burn GUI. You obviously have the WiX installer already, but here is a link to the WiX 3 installert for other readers. Burn: Just to clarify: Burn is part of WiX – it is a bootstrapper / … Read more
Summary: In essence, the below states: 1) Disable the custom action to run the SQL Server setup.exe in your current MSI. 2) Create a basic WiX Burn Bundle to kick off the SQL Server setup.exe first, and then kick off your Visual Studio Installer Project-generated MSI afterwards. Or better yet, make the whole MSI in … Read more