how to create installer inside another installer?

Question

I want to create a Windows Installer, the 1st step I want it to call another installer (will install dependent components of my application), and the 2nd step I want to install my own application. I want to do all tasks in one installation process, and I have the dependent component installation package at hand (an exe file).

Any good tools or samples to refer to? I prefer to use VSTS or Microsoft or open source easy to use tools. :-)

thanks in advance, George

Answer 1

You might want to take a look at the Microsoft Bootstrapper, assuming the dependent components are libraries such as .NET or similar then it's fairly straightforward.

If you want to create a Windows Installer (MSI) package then take a look at Windows Installer XML (WiX). But you'll want to get your head around how MSI works first. WiX is really simple once you understand Windows Installer, but trying to learn both at once can be rather confusing.

For a basic, copy some files, extract/run some stuff, type installer then NSIS is fairly straightforward scripting and you can pick that up in a day or so.

Answer 2

Nsis with this modification.