major-upgrade

wix major upgrade not installing all files

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The log file provided shows that newer versions of a few files already on the machine: MSI (s) (0C:5C) [16:13:25:890]: Disallowing installation of component: {015A4DC1-56F4-562B-96B5-B3BE0D45FA5F} since the same component with higher versioned keyfile exists MSI (s) (0C:5C) [16:13:25:890]: Disallowing installation of component: {4B6A1404-3892-5BEF-AB47-8FE3149211A4} since the same component with higher versioned keyfile exists I’ve seen this … Read more

WIX (remove all previous versions)

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Ignoring Digits: Extract from the MSI SDK documentation for the ProductVersion property: “Note that Windows Installer uses only the first three fields of the product version. If you include a fourth field in your product version, the installer ignores the fourth field…At least one of the three fields of ProductVersion must change for an upgrade … Read more

Doing Major Upgrade in Wix creates 2 entries in Add/Remove Programs

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UPDATE: Here is a list to help debug failing major upgrades by identifying the most common problems: Common causes of failed major upgrades Major Upgrade – “The Old, Manual Way” I guess you are hitting an oddity that may not be handled entirely as expected by the WiX MajorUpgrade element by combining the auto-generated product … Read more

Reboot on install, Don’t reboot on uninstall

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Restart Manager: The Restart Manager Feature of Windows (Installer) (middle page) is designed to help restart applications automatically during installation rather than requiring a reboot. This feature should always be used to try to eliminate reboot requirements. Only in very special circumstances should a reboot be really required. Technical Crash Course: This is a technical … Read more

Adding entries to MSI UpgradeTable to remove related products

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Short Answer: You add several Upgrade Element entries in your WiX source which will create several rows in the compiled MSI’s Upgrade Table which then list products that are to be uninstalled during installation (or that can abort your installation). You must be very careful about the options you specify for each product family to … Read more