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Everything about Windows Installer

Software

Windows Installer is a software component and application programming interface (API) of Microsoft Windows, used to install, maintain, and remove software. The installing information, and optionally the related files, are packaged in installation packages, loosely relational databases structured as COM Structured Storages and commonly known as "MSI files", from their default filename extensions. The packages with the file extensions mst contain Windows Installer "Transformation Scripts", those with the msm extensions contain "Merge Modules" and the file extension pcp is used for "Patch Creation Properties". Windows Installer contains significant changes from its predecessor, Setup API. New features include a graphical user interface (GUI) framework and automatic generation of the uninstallation sequence. Windows Installer is positioned as an alternative to stand-alone executable installer frameworks such as older versions of InstallShield and Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS). Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Windows InstallerA 5-minute orientation
  2. Pick up a classic book: The Real MCTS/MCITP Exam 70-620 Prep KitThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  3. Read the landmark paper: Installer un environnement de développement intégré pour Python (Windows)Cited 0 times
  4. Go sideways: Management features new to Windows VistaA closely related topic
  5. Go sideways: Microsoft App-VA closely related topic

đź“– Definitions

No dictionary entry for this exact phrase.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Logical structure of packages
  2. Developing installer packages
  3. Versions

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

đź“š Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

đź”— Related topics