When you need to troubleshoot a failing install, it is often useful to use the policy hive rather than the command line to catch things like repairs and multi-package installs. The Windows Installer Log comes …
Continue readingCategory: Windows Installer, Application Compatibility and Deployments
Guides on Microsoft Windows Installers, Application Packaging, FAQs, Troubleshooting Tips, Command line parameters, Application Compatibility and Operating System Image Migrations.
Troubleshoot MSI Installation Issues and Functional Errors
If the application does not work after the install, there could be several possible reasons for this. I’ve tried to outline a few of the troubleshooting steps I take when I run into these types …
Continue readingMSI Packaging Guidelines and Best Practices for Windows 7 / Vista
Here are few points which would prove handy while re-packaging an application for Vista / Windows 7. 1. If you must make a change on the system via a custom action, ensure that the custom action …
Continue readingBest Practices for Windows Installer MSI Custom Actions
The Windows Installer has many built-in actions for the installation of applications. However, when a packager of an installation package finds it necessary to write a custom action. There are some best practices which have …
Continue readingHow to Test Application MSI Packages for UAC
The easiest way to simulate the UAC is to install an MSI from an elevated command line. In Vista choose to run the command prompt as Administrator. Then install an MSI. You can flag an …
Continue readingMost Common ICEs found while Package Validation in Re-packaged applications
If you repackage an installation with any version of Installshield AdminStudio, and when you try to validate it, you will most certainly see.. ICE33 – This ICE is caused by the fact that repackager adds …
Continue readingMSI Package Validation using ORCA
Validation is performed by one or more Internal Consistency Evaluators, that are organized into CUB files. Several standard validators and CUB files are provided as part of the Platform SDK. ORCA can also use custom validators and CUB files.
Continue readingApplication Packaging Advantages & Installer Benefits
Application packaging bundles applications and operating systems into a single file called a distribution unit (.msi), which makes it easier to deploy and install them on user’s computers. Packaging reduces the total cost of ownership for the customers by enabling them to efficiently install and configure the applications.
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