Simplest solution to replace a tiny file inside an MSI?

Okay, revisiting this question with my own answer providing nice little VB script that will do all heavy lifting. As mentioned in the original question, the aim was provide a simple solution for sysadmin users to make the updates/changes themselves. Below is a simplified version of the code I’m currently providing to customers Option Explicit … Read more

How to prevent “This program might not have installed correctly” messages on Vista

Include this section in the program’s manifest file: <compatibility xmlns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:compatibility.v1″> <application> <!–The ID below indicates application support for Windows Vista –> <supportedOS Id=”{e2011457-1546-43c5-a5fe-008deee3d3f0}”/> <!–The ID below indicates application support for Windows 7 –> <supportedOS Id=”{35138b9a-5d96-4fbd-8e2d-a2440225f93a}”/> <!–The ID below indicates application support for Windows 8 –> <supportedOS Id=”{4a2f28e3-53b9-4441-ba9c-d69d4a4a6e38}”/> <!–The ID below indicates application support for Windows … Read more

Windows Installer “Error 1308. Source file not found” when uninstalling patch in sequence scenario

I am still looking for a solution or at least some guidance, even though I agree that this is outside of normal good practices. – jJack 1 hour ago I don’t have access to my deployment tools, but I will try to provide a perspective. Since I don’t fully grasp all aspects of what you … Read more

Use cx-freeze to create an msi that adds a shortcut to the desktop

To create a shortcut to the application, give the shortCutName and shortcutDir options to the Executable. The shortcutDir can name any of the System Folder Properties (thanks Aaron). For example: from cx_Freeze import * setup( executables = [ Executable( “MyApp.py”, shortcutName=”DTI Playlist”, shortcutDir=”DesktopFolder”, ) ] ) You can also add items to the MSI Shortcut … Read more

What is the best tool kit to transform .msi into .exe?

MSI Customization: Customization of MSI files for installation is a built-in feature of the technology. there are two primary ways to customize the installation: Light Weight: You can set PUBLIC properties on the command line as a light weight form of customization, sample here and here, or… msiexec.exe /i setup.msi ADDLOCAL=”Core,Spell” SERIALKEY=”1234-1234″ /qn Heavy Weight: … Read more

What is the best practice to auto upgrade MSI based application?

UPDATE: Deployment Technolgies & Windows Installer Benefits (just a cross-reference). ClickOnce: I am not aware of any standard Microsoft features to auto-update MSI installations. The alternative (and pretty much obsolete) deployment technology ClickOnce had some auto-update functionality. I never used this technology for much of anything. I think PhilDW has used it though. MSI SDK: … Read more