The GUID, in combination with the version number (ProductVersion property), allows for release management of the product's files and registry keys.Ī package includes the package logic and other metadata that relates to how the package executes when running. A product is identified by a unique GUID (the ProductCode property) providing an authoritative identity throughout the world. Windows Installer does not handle dependencies between products.Ī single, installed, working program (or set of programs) is a product. A product is made up of components, grouped into features.

Furthermore, Windows Installer facilitates the principle of least privilege by performing software installations by proxy for unprivileged users.Ī package describes the installation of one or more full products and is universally identified by a GUID. Important features such as rollback and versioning depend on a consistent internal database for reliable operation.

Windows Installer is positioned as an alternative to stand-alone executable installer frameworks such as older versions of InstallShield and NSIS.īefore the introduction of Microsoft Store (then named Windows Store), Microsoft encouraged third parties to use Windows Installer as the basis for installation frameworks, so that they synchronize correctly with other installers and keep the internal database of installed products consistent. New features include a GUI framework and automatic generation of the uninstallation sequence. Windows Installer contains significant changes from its predecessor, Setup API. The packages with the file extensions mst contain Windows Installer 'Transformation Scripts', those with the msm extensions contain 'Merge Modules' and the file extension pcp is used for 'Patch Creation Properties'. The installation information, and optionally the files themselves, are packaged in installation packages, loosely relational databases structured as COM Structured Storages and commonly known as 'MSI files', from their default filename extensions. Windows Installer ( msiexec.exe, previously known as Microsoft Installer, codename Darwin) is a software component and application programming interface (API) of Microsoft Windows used for the installation, maintenance, and removal of software. Installation information and an optional.

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