This question comes up frequently, so I thought I would address it. Just so you understand, I have never written an InstallScript MSI project, so I will only be speaking about InstallScript MSI as I understand it to be.
In an InstallScript project, the InstallScript language is used to control the installation. This project type is recommened if you have any of the following requirements:
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You have advanced requirements for the user interface (in other words, you need custom dialogs for your installation).
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You want to use full-screen billboards during your installation.
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You prefer to use a procedural language for the installation rather than using a set of tables.
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You want to perform actions before or after the main installation is run.
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You want to upgrade an existing InstallScript project.
InstallScript MSI projects are a hybrid of the Basic MSI and InstallScript projects, and uses both the Windows Installer and the InstallScript engine to run the installation. This project type is recommended if you have any of the following requirements:
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You want to meet the Certified for Windows Vista program requirements.
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You have advanced requirements for the user interface.
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You prefer to use a procedural language for the installation rather than using a set of tables.
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You want to perform actions before or after the main installation is run.
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You want to upgrade an existing InstallScript MSI project.
Now, in an InstallScript MSI installation, the user interface is handled by the InstallScript engine, but the modification of the user's system is handled by the Windows Installer. After the target system has been modified, control transfers back to the InstallScript engine to handle the user interface elements at the end of the installation.
If you don't understand it yet, the blatant different is that you must use the Windows Installer if you want to meet the Certified for Windows Vista program requirements. So, you have to use the Basic MSI or InstallScript MSI project types. InstallScript won't work.
One last thing, I have read more than one post in the InstallShield Community forums where people who attended live, in-person training with InstallShield (Acresso) were discouraged from using the InstallShield MSI project type. They were told to either use Basic MSI or InstallScript.
Full Releases and Differential Releases in InstallScript Projects
3 Comments
philippe van de vyvere
on 20th May, 10 05:05am
Great article thanks!
How do I move on from IS Professional 6.31?
Which Installscript MSI version do you recommend?
Of which Basic MSI?
Anywhere I can download from?
I looked at the very latest installshield product from Flexera and it looks soooo complex its worrying me… Thanks for your advise.
philippe van de vyvere
on 20th May, 10 05:05am
Thanks great article.
How do I move on from IS Professional 6.31?
Which Installscript MSI version do you recommend?
Of which Basic MSI?
Anywhere I can download from?
I looked at the very latest installshield product from Flexera and it looks very complex. Thanks for your advise.
Rod Maupin
on 22nd May, 10 06:05pm
Phillipe,
I have just created a post which will hopefully answer some of your questions. Here’s the URL:
I Want to Use the Windows Installer, But Which Project Type?
Rod Maupin