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Difference b/w .msi and .exe


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reddy611

reddy611
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Posted 18 May 2006 - 10:16

Hi ,

I want to know the main difference between .msi and .exe file.
Some times InstallShiled developers give their setup's in the form .msi and some times in .exe format. But both of files do the same work, i mean it copies the source file in to the target machine. But it must be a reason behind this. Please can anyone know the difference between these two files.

Advance Thanks & Regards,
Reddy611


russellperry

russellperry
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Posted 18 May 2006 - 21:14

There's at least one extra step involved with the exe -- extracting the msi and then calling msiexec.exe to run the msi install. You're right in saying the msi is copied to a temp dir in both cases, but the extra step for the exe is extracting the msi in the first place.

Usually the exe will contain the msi file, the Windows Installer setup executable and any external folders or cab files, depending on how the msi was compiled. The exe will inspect the client machine for the presence of the Windows Installer service and install from the NT or Win9x version of the Windows Installer setup.

An msi file by itself can't install the Windows Installer Service.


Hope this helps.