Summary

Synopsis

While the Windows Installer engine is powerful, it does not have the same level of flexibility of an InstallScript project. If a project requires extensive scripting or customization it is possible to convert a Basic MSI project to an InstallScript project in a few easy steps. Please note that MSI projects and InstallScript projects use different technologies and that it is easier to select a project based on your needs originally rather than convert an existing project. In addition, certain functionality in an MSI project may not migrate to an InstallScript project as expected. As such, we recommend extensive testing and examination prior to releasing the installation. Conversion of projects is recommended for advanced users who are familiar with the differences between the two installation engines.

Discussion

1. Backup your existing MSI project.
2. Open the MSI project in InstallShield and select the Project Menu->Project Converters->Convert to InstallScript MSI. The titlebar of InstallShield should now reflect that it is an InstallScript MSI project.
3. Backup this new existing InstallScript MSI project.
4. Select the Project Menu->Project Converters->Convert to InstallScript.
5. Click the Help button in the dialog to load the Help pages detailing the differences between InstallScript MSI projects and InstallScript projects.
6. Click Yes to convert the project to an InstallScript project.
7. Examine your project and future built installations to ensure that the desired functionality is present.

If the project utilized InstallScript custom actions in your original MSI project, these will now require updating.

Additional Information