Summary

Synopsis

This article explains how to add file types other than portable executables (EXE, DLL, OCX, etc.) to your project so that a separate component is created and it is marked as a key file.

Discussion

Microsoft Best Practices state that each portable executable file (EXE, DLL, OCX, etc.) should have its own unique component and be marked as a key file. This allows for these files to be repaired or upgraded in the future. This option can be selected when using the New Component Wizard, or directly from the Files and Folders view:

1. Select the Application Data > Files and Folders view.
2. Right-click on "Destination Computer" in the middle lower panel and choose "Show Components".
3. When files are added via drag & drop, new Components are created for them using Best Practices.

However, at times you may wish to follow these Best Practices for other file types as well (TXT, ZIP, JAR, etc.). To modify these settings, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and browse to this key:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\InstallShield\<version>\Professional\Project Settings

2. Create a string value named "PEFileExtensions".
3. Set it's value date to "EXE|DLL|OCX|VXD|CHM|HLP|TLB|AX|MYFILEEXTENSION"

It's necessary to include at least these values EXE|DLL|OCX|VXD|CHM|HLP|TLB|AX, but then you can simply append any additional file extensions you'd like to have this same behavior.