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Basic MSI Projects

Basic MSI projects use the Windows Installer service to drive the entire installation, including calls to any custom actions (InstallScript, VBScript, JScript, .exe files, .dll files, managed code). The Basic MSI project type is recommended when you want to do any of the following:

• You want to meet the Windows logo program requirements.
• You want to maximize compatibility with administrative tools such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, or if your software will be customized by corporate system administrators prior to deployment. The Basic MSI project type gives them the flexibility to create transforms for the installation package and its associated properties, without repackaging your installation.
• You want to avoid writing scripting code and want to instead set properties and make table entries.
• You want to upgrade an existing Basic MSI project.

InstallScript projects use InstallScript to control the installation. This project type is recommended for any of the following scenarios:

• You have advanced requirements for the end-user experience (the end-user dialogs), such as multimedia elements.
• You want to use full-screen billboards during the run time of your installation.
• You prefer authoring the project using a procedural language at its core rather than a set of database tables.
• You want to perform actions before or after the main installation has been run.
• You want to upgrade an existing InstallScript project.

InstallScript MSI projects use both the Windows Installer engine and the InstallScript engine to drive the installation. This project type is the most complicated since it uses both of those engines for the installation; it is not recommended for beginners. This project type may be recommended in the following scenarios:

• You want to meet the Windows logo program requirements.
• You have advanced requirements for the end-user experience (the end-user dialogs), such as multimedia elements.
• You prefer authoring the project using a procedural language at its core rather than a set of database tables.
• You want to perform actions before or after the main installation has been run.
• You want to upgrade an existing InstallScript MSI project.

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