Create a MSI File
An MSI (Microsoft Installer) file, generally referred to as an MSI package, is a file package created in the Microsoft Installer program. It contains all of the keystrokes necessary to the install of a file or program, and is therefore purposed to execute all of the processes of a silent install on its own, without the aid of an attendee. You can create an MSI file package using the Windows Advanced Installer application by following these steps.
Steps
- Choose the file you want to install.
- Create your Microsoft Installer package project, using Windows Installer.
- Open Advanced Installer by either double-clicking on its desktop icon or going through the Start menu and finding it in Programs.
- When the application starts, you will be given the option of choosing a project type. Choose the "simple" option.
- Uncheck the Wizard checkbox. This will allow you to edit the project to your specifications.
- Save the project, taking note of its destination folder. This will be where your MSI package will be created.
- Add your chosen file(s) to the package.
- Choose the "Files and Folders" options on the left side of the Advanced Installer screen.
- Click on "Application Folder," then on "Add Files."
- Browse until you find the file you want to install, then double-click on that file to add it to the Application Folder.
- Click on "Application Shortcut Folder" to add a shortcut file or any help or URL file you created to accompany the file in the Application Folder.
- Build and install your MSI package.
- Click on the "Build" toolbar button on the Advanced Installer screen. A dialogue box will appear to show you the build process.
- Click the "Run" toolbar button once Advanced Installer notifies you that the build is complete. This will open a setup wizard.
- Let the wizard guide you through the completion of your Microsoft Installer package project.
- Verify that your file is complete by finding it in C:\Program Files\Your Company\Your Application.
- Edit the "Your Company" and "Your Application" information to reflect you and your project.
- Select (click on) your MSI package in the Advanced Installer dialogue box to highlight it.
- Select the "Product Details" option on the left side of the screen. This will open a panel in which you can edit the company and application details as they appear on the name of your file.
- Build, install and run your package again to verify the changes.
- Uninstall the original MSI file package so you do not have 2 competing files. Use Windows' Add/Remove Programs interface, or remove it directly through the Advanced Installer application.
- Create a shortcut for your MSI package.
- Choose the "Files and Folders" option in the Advanced Installer dialogue box.
- Click on the file you want to add shortcuts to in order to highlight it.
- Click the "New Shortcut" toolbar button. A dialogue box will appear, allowing you to create a shortcut customized to your file. The new shortcut will then be added to your Application Shortcut Folder, meaning it will become part of the Start menu in the target computer.
