The Art of Crafting MSI Packages Using Command Line

As technology advances, software installation methods are evolving as well. In the world of Windows, MSI (Microsoft Installer) packages are a common way of installing software. While tools like WiX provide a GUI for creating these packages, sometimes the need arises to craft them directly from the command line.

Understanding MSI Packages

MSI is a database format used by Windows to store installation information. It contains details on files, registry settings, and actions required to install software. Crafting an MSI package involves meticulously structuring these components.

Command Line Tools for Creating MSIs

• WiX Toolset: WiX (Windows Installer XML) Toolset is a powerful open-source tool for creating MSI packages. It involves defining installation components in XML format and compiling them into an installer.
• Orca: Orca is a database editor for MSI packages. While not a dedicated creation tool, it allows for granular editing of MSI databases, which can be useful for customization.
• msiexec: The msiexec command-line utility can be used to install, modify, and repair MSI packages. It’s indispensable for testing the packages you create.

Creating an MSI Package

Let’s walk through a simple example of creating an MSI package using the WiX Toolset from the command line:


candle Product.wxs
light Product.wixobj


Here, ‘candle’ compiles the WiX source file (Product.wxs) into an object file, and ‘light’ links this object file to create the final MSI package.

Advanced Techniques

To truly master the art of MSI packaging from the command line, consider these advanced techniques:

1. Custom Actions: Implement custom actions to perform specific tasks during installation, such as modifying files or registry entries.
2. Transforms: Use transforms to apply changes to existing MSI packages without altering the original package.
3. Testing: Always test your MSI packages on various Windows versions to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Conclusion

In the realm of software deployment on Windows systems, the ability to create MSI packages from the command line is a valuable skill. With the right tools and knowledge, you can tailor installations to meet specific requirements efficiently.