Can't rename MSI afterwards

Question

I am facing the following problem scenario:

• build an MSI the normal way ex: MyTest.msi
• rename it, leaving the msi extension. ex: MyTest_V1.0.0.msi
• Test it, it works. install success.
• Again repeat process. this time rename to ex: MyTest_V2.0.0.msi
• Test it, and it fails with a 'network error', while the file is on a local disk.

"A network error occurred while attempting to read from the file MyTest_V1.0.0.msi"

What gives, can't we simply rename an MSI file? Is there some issue that prevents this? Now i stuck in this. please guide.

Highest Regards, Muhammad Mubashir.

Answer 1

When you rename a MSI file and do not want it to have issues with any installations using the original MSI file, I recommend that you change some summary information and properties IN the renamed file. I normally modify:

• The Package Code, a GUID, it needs a new GUID
• The ProductName Property needs a different name
• The ProductCode, another GUID, needs a new GUID

You can use Microsoft's Orca database editor to modify these properties, if you can find it.

Here is an article covering how to use the Orca database editor to edit Windows Installer files: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/255905

Here are some additional details: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa370557(v=vs.85).aspx

• Some systems (that have had an older version of the Windows SDK will have Orca at \Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v7.0\Bin\Orca.msi
• 2010 or earlier Windows SDKs should have it.

Answer 2

There is no limit in renaming MSI files.

But there are other traps, for example with updating MSIs, and some of the even include renaming. If you want to update an MSI file with a socalled "Small Update" or "Minor Upgrade", it is no good idea to rename the MSI file !

You write

•Test it, it works. install success. •Again repeat process.

I read nothing if you have uninstalled the old MSI in between (that would be a solution) or what type of update you V2.0 MSI shall be.

If you are not aware of the MSI upgrade details, first inform about the update types, the two mentioned and additionally "Major Upgrades". The latter have a little bit less traps than the first two :-) (Patch upgrades I would leave out until you are really experienced.) You can do a number of things wrong with updates. Be sure to have someone on board who is really experienced with MSI, otherwise there will be trouble, sooner or later.

Generally, if you are looking for a problem like yours, put out a logfile. You will find the described error there but often more information around.