How do I avoid triggering MSI self-repair with my WiX / MSI package?

Self-Repair, Simple & Short Explanation: Why does the MSI installer reconfigure if I delete a file? General WiX / MSI Advice: This self-repair piece was split from the original answer on general MSI problems: How do I avoid common design flaws in my WiX / MSI deployment solution? Short Summary I keep trying to write … Read more

How do I avoid common design flaws in my WiX / MSI deployment solution?

WiX / MSI Deployment Anti-Patterns There are several deployment anti-patterns often seen in WiX / MSI files. Below is a rough-draft of some of the most common ones. Before going into the problems, on the other hand here is a quick reminder of the things that have made MSI an overall success! (despite its problems). … Read more

What installation product to use? InstallShield, WiX, Wise, Advanced Installer, etc [closed]

UPDATE, Aug.2018, a new and shorter option: How to create windows installer. Focused on summarizing MSI and its major benefits and to list the major tools available (with download links), as well as mentioning some new, trending deployment technologies. I have worked in software development as a release manager, build engineer, setup developer and as … Read more

How can I compare the content of two (or more) MSI files?

Microsoft Orca: If you have Visual Studio installed, try searching for Orca-x86_en-us.msi – under Program Files (x86) – and install it. Then find Orca in the start menu. Current path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\bin\10.0.17763.0\x86 Change version numbers as appropriate About MSI Files Roughly speaking MSI files are COM-structured storage files – essentially a file system … Read more