3 replies to this topic

[JoeThompson]

Hi,

I was wondering if I could write my own user interface with a tool such as Delphi instead of using InstallShields dialogs. I am personally more comfortable with programming tools. Anyway, if I could, I would imagine I would have to write it as a dll and pass the MSI handle to it? Has anyone done this with much success? Are there any articles describing the ups and downs of this approach? Also, could I show a dialog with a status bar while the execution phase is taking place?

Thank you,
Joe

[Stefan Krueger]

You can use an external user interface with MSI. There is (a little) documentation and sample code in the SDK.

[JoeThompson]

Hi Stefan,

Thanks for the reply. I can not seem to find the sample code you mention. I've tried looking on MSDN also with no luck. Do you know what folder it is in? Have you ever tried using an external UI? If so, was it much harder than using ISDev to design the UI?

Thank you,
Joe

[Stefan Krueger]

There's a code snippet in here:
http://msdn.microsof...texternalui.asp

I didn't have the need for an external UI, and I'm glad I about that...
InstallShield Developer has an option to use their InstallScript engine instead of the internal UI, but I don't think they use the ExternalUI function for this.