2 replies to this topic

[David011]

I'm the new one on this forum. My problem is follow:
I have text config file with description of Features, Components, files to be copied, Dlls to be registered, registry values to be set. I would like to make parser from config file to MSI database file. I mean to create MSI database file with all features, components, necessary actions and user dialogs.. I use MS Visual C++ and Microsoft SDK installer for making that parser.
My question is:
Is this possible, is there some already done example application, some useful link or anything useful. Thanks for any input!!!

[Stefan Krueger]

Look here:
http://izfree.sourceforge.net/

This is a tool that generates an MSI file using VBScript and HTML forms. This should get you started in the right direction.

[dbareis]

Hi,

I am working on a tool which given a specifification similar to what you describe (in a text based "requirements format" rather than code) will create the MSI for you, this can be completely automated. You would simply have to convert your format to "mine".

Have a look at "MAKEMSI" on "http://www.labyrinth...is/makemsi.htm", the download is not yet up there but I can send it to anyone interested. The documentation is online.


There are no inbuilt restrictions with the use of the tool. While coding is generally not required you can imbed VBSCRIPT and have full control over table creation and row updating etc. There are low level table/row manipulation commands as well as higher level commands to add directory trees or create custom actions etc.

With dialogs you could either insert them or set your template up to include them, either way a dialog editor would be "nice", "MAKEMSI" (likemost tools) doesn't have one.

Bye,
Dennis