Creating an installer for Java desktop application

Question

I know this question has been asked many a times and all the time there is an answer which says about using an executable jar or making an .exe using launch4j or similar app.

I may sound like a novice, which I actually am.

I have been trying a few things with a Java project. I have successfully made an executable jar and also an .exe file from it. All thanks to your previous answers in SO :)

But, I want to create a installer for Windows. Like, pressing Next for 2 - 3 times(which shows all the terms and conditions etc), then a user specify a location(like C:\Program Files\New Folder\My App), then my .exe, lib folder, img folder, other important folders get pasted in the destination folder along with the .exe file and then a shortcut is created on a desktop.

Any pointers to how can I achieve this ?

Answer 1

I have been using InnoSetup for a long time. It has always worked very well. It can do everything you need (unpack files, put shortcuts on desktop, start menu etc) and generates installers that we are used to.

Answer 2

If you want free and open source, you could take a look IzPack. We use this at work for its command line support in our builder.

You could also take a look install4j which is a commercial product we've trialed on and off before (but when it comes to spending money, you tend to want to know you're getting what you want ;))