Newbie Question: Run External Apps within MSI
As part of my job I'm required to package applications. I used use Altiris RapidInstall, but we're in the middle of upgrading to Altiris 6.5 and this comes with Wise MSI Editor 6.10 - which the boss wants me to start using [&:]
And here comes the question: [:D]
With Altiris Rapid Install, you had the opportunity to excute applications: before, during and after the RIP file had completed and these could be build in the, a prime example is that of my WinZIp 10 Pro RIP: All the files are copied and then there is a command job within the ZIP that runs WinZip, which then configures itself.
How (if possible) can I get an MSI file to run an executable once the MSI file has finished running the install process. Citirix's client seems to do this (much to my annoyance)
So in summary:
1) Run MSI
2) MSI installs files
3) MSI runs EXE that was installed in (2) and then exits
If this is possible, could someone please help me with some step by step instructions?
Similarly I'd like to be able to shut an app down automatically before an uninstall happens
Thanks for any advice offered [:)]
Mike
And here comes the question: [:D]
With Altiris Rapid Install, you had the opportunity to excute applications: before, during and after the RIP file had completed and these could be build in the, a prime example is that of my WinZIp 10 Pro RIP: All the files are copied and then there is a command job within the ZIP that runs WinZip, which then configures itself.
How (if possible) can I get an MSI file to run an executable once the MSI file has finished running the install process. Citirix's client seems to do this (much to my annoyance)
So in summary:
1) Run MSI
2) MSI installs files
3) MSI runs EXE that was installed in (2) and then exits
If this is possible, could someone please help me with some step by step instructions?
Similarly I'd like to be able to shut an app down automatically before an uninstall happens
Thanks for any advice offered [:)]
Mike
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Posted by:
brenthunter2005
18 years ago
In Wise, you have the option of a custom action called "Execute Program From Installed Files" (You'll find this on the 'MSI Script' tab, then select 'Custom Actions' from the Installation Mode dropdown box).
This custom action allows you to run a program that has been installed as part of your MSI package. When you create this custom action, you need to conditionalise the action so that it only runs on installation time.
Example: To make a custom action run on installation, but not run when the MSI is removed, the condition would be:
NOT Installed AND REMOVE~="ALL"
Also, you need to specify the sequence in which the custom action is to run. The best place probably is in the 'Normal Execute Immediate/Deferred' sequence after the InstallFinalize action.
There is much more to this, and you should really read the Windows Installer SDK documentation, as that is pretty much the MSI bible!
This custom action allows you to run a program that has been installed as part of your MSI package. When you create this custom action, you need to conditionalise the action so that it only runs on installation time.
Example: To make a custom action run on installation, but not run when the MSI is removed, the condition would be:
NOT Installed AND REMOVE~="ALL"
Also, you need to specify the sequence in which the custom action is to run. The best place probably is in the 'Normal Execute Immediate/Deferred' sequence after the InstallFinalize action.
There is much more to this, and you should really read the Windows Installer SDK documentation, as that is pretty much the MSI bible!
Posted by:
michaeljclark
18 years ago
Why do I have a feeling that Altiris may have supplied me with the "lite" version? Help-> About reveals the following message: "For more complete software packaging upgrade to Wise Package Studio"
I only have the following tabs on the bottom of the screen: Installation Expert and Setup Editor
If I do have the Lite version I suspect the boss won't go for the cost of the full version
Pants
Thanks for your help
Mike
I only have the following tabs on the bottom of the screen: Installation Expert and Setup Editor
If I do have the Lite version I suspect the boss won't go for the cost of the full version
Pants
Thanks for your help
Mike
Posted by:
brenthunter2005
18 years ago
You should still be able to have this functionality, as its a basic feature of Windows Installer itself. You may have to add this custom action using the tables itself, rather than using the GUI.
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