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I am new to setup project creation. Now I am using Visual studio 2008 to create setup file (msi) for my project. I am quit uncomfortable in creating my own custom forms in the installation wizard as well as upgrading an existing version of my project to a new version.
Is there any other alternatives to create MSI/MSP package for Dot net projects?
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You can use the MSIX Packaging Tool to create an MSIX application package from any of the following options: MSI. EXE. ClickOnce.
Create Msi from Exe Using Free MSI Wrapper 1. In the Source Folder field, specify the folder with the EXE file that you want to convert to MSI. 2. In the Target Path field, specify the default folder in which the created MSI will be installed.
Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions > Online > Search, find, download and install Microsoft Visual Studio Installer Projects extension. 2). Add a new Setup Project in your solution > right-click Application Folder > Add > Project Output… > choose the corresponding Project > select Primary output > OK.
Creating MSI is not always an easy task - one tool that definitely helps is WiX - Windows Installer XML - a free-ware, open-source project run by Microsoft employees in their free time.
It's quite messy, though, to get into it - here's a good WiX Tutorial for starters.
Another interesting approach is "Wix#" (WiX Sharp) - a C# frontend that outputs WiX script from C# source - quite intriguing.
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Depends on your budget. If you are comfortable spending $US100-300 dollars or more you might take a look at Advanced Installer (would be my choice), Tarma installer (I believe it's the cheapest installer product from all listed here), WixAware or InstallAware, Wise and InstallShield also offer/support MSI.
Advanced Installer guys do offer a free version, however it is very very limited (you can't even register assemblies in GAC or do some other things needed for simple installations - like displaying EULA). I would also recommend to try out and dive into WiX.
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