MAKEMSI is a free tool that enables you to quickly, automatically and reliably create or modify MSI, merge module or ICE validation suites etc.The intention of this tool is that an MSI or merge module (any Windows database) can be manipulated or created with a very few number of lines and without writing code. Any “common” manipulations are setup once and reused for all your MSI files.

Some advantages of an MSI include :

• Automatic handling of files opened by applications (in use).

• If an install fails then prior changes will be undone (no half installs).
• Enables deployment (with or without elevated privledges) to all boxes in a network via Group Policy/Active Directory. Corporate customers will definately prefer (or in fact generally require) MSI based installers due to their ease of deployment.
• The automatic creation of XP system restore points at package install and uninstall.
  Self healing (repair) of files or registry entries.

• The advertising of complete applications (or parts) which allows installation on demand (resources not installed until required).
• Installation or uninstallation can be automated via command line parameters in a standard way (automatic support for silent or unattended installs).
• Allows merging of common “runtime files” (via Microsoft or other 3rd party merge modules).
• Configuration of MSI based products is supported by many mechanisms which are standard for all MSI installers. MSI files are databases which can be manipulated (by the end user) to tweak them or alterations can be done via separate transforms or options can be overridden from the command line. This can change install file and shortcut locations and control which features get installed plus much more.
• Microsoft Windows product logos require MSI based installers.

Detail

Author/Publisher:
Dennis Bareis

Requirements:
Windows 95/98/ME/NT/W2K/XP

Category:
Programming

Note:

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