An Installation Example

This example illustrates how to create a simple Windows Installer package that installs an application. The sample installs Notepad, a text editor included with Windows, and several text files describing events and admissions at the imaginary Red Park Arena.

The sample has the following specifications:

• The application is provided to users as a self-installing Windows Installer package that installs all the required files, shortcuts, and registry information.
• The installation package may present a UI wizard to the user during setup to collect user information.
• During setup, users have the option of selecting individual features to be installed to run-locally, to run-from-source, or to not be installed.
• One of the features can be presented to users as an install-on-demand feature.
• The same package uninstalls the application and removes all the application files and registry information from the user's computer.
• The package is prepared to receive a major upgrade that includes changing its product code.

To reproduce the example, you need a software tool capable of creating and editing a blank Windows Installer database. Several package creation tools are available from independent software vendors. A Windows Installer database editor called Orca is provided in the Windows SDK Components for Windows Installer Developers.

To complete the example, follow these steps:

Planning the Installation

Importing a Blank Database

Specifying Directory Structure

Specifying Components

Specifying Files and File Attributes

Specifying Source Media

Specifying Features

Specifying Feature-Component Relationships

Adding Registry Information

Specifying Shortcuts

Specifying Properties

Importing the InstallExecuteSequence

Importing the InstallUISequence

Importing the AdminExecuteSequence

Importing the AdminUISequence

Importing the AdvtExecuteSequence

Adding Summary Information

Importing the User Interface

Validating an Installation Database