Summary

When using a dynamic link, a problem occurs when a folder that is dynamically linked contains at least one empty subfolder. If files are selectively excluded in the dynamic link, the empty subfolder will not be installed on the target machine. It will appear within the InstallShield IDE, but will not appear in the CreateFolder table.

Symptoms

When using dynamic file linking within an InstallShield project, selecting a folder will cause all files and subfolders within that folder to be included in the project. In addition, an option is available to selectively include or exclude files based on certain criteria such as file types, wildcards, etc.

A problem occurs when a folder that is dynamically linked contains at least one empty subfolder. If files are selectively excluded in the dynamic link, the empty subfolder will not be installed on the target machine. It will appear within the InstallShield IDE, but will not appear in the CreateFolder table.

Resolution

The best available solution is to manually create this empty folder by populating the CreateFolder table in the Direct Editor. The steps to accomplish this are fully documented in CreateFolder Table on the Microsoft Learn website.

Another option is to avoid excluding files in the dynamic link, which will cause the empty folder to be picked up correctly.

Additional Information

For additional information on the CreateFolder table, see CreateFolder Table on the Microsoft Learn website.