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Title
InstallScript MSI Setup Exe Fails to Launch When Located on a Root Directory

Summary

InstallScript MSI installer packages created with InstallShield 2018 SP1, fail to launch when located directly on a root folder

Symptoms

When creating an InstallScript MSI release using the Traditional Style on InstallShield 2018 SP1, and then launching the installer from a root directory (e.g. C:\setup.exe), the installer will begin to launch but immediately exit. Running the installer with /debuglog parameter will show the following error in the InstallShield.log: 
Launch result 1, exit code -1073741819
The issue will also occur if launching from the root directory on a CD, DVD, ISO, USB flash drive, or any other storage device. Launching the installer from a subfolder in the root directory does not reproduce the issue (e.g. C:\subfolder\setup.exe). This issue also does not reproduce on InstallShield 2018 (without SP1) and prior.

Cause

This problem has been reproduced and determined to be an issue in our software.

Steps To Reproduce

  1. Create a new Installscript MSI project
  2. Keep the InstallScript User Interface Type setting to Traditional Style
  3. Build a Setup.exe installer
  4. Move the Setup.exe to any root directory such as C:\
  5. Attempt to launch the Setup.exe

Resolution

This issue has been submitted to our Engineering team as Issue# IOJ-1881479. Our Engineering team is investigating this issue, but at this moment, there is no estimated time frame for when it will be fixed.

Workaround

  1. Downgrade to InstallShield 2018 (without Service Pack 1 applied) or any prior version.
  2. Use the New Style UI (InstallScript Engine as an Embedded UI Handler). More information on this topic can be found here.
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InstallScript MSI Setup Exe Fails to Launch When Located on a Root Directory