Summary

Synopsis

There is a limit on the number of files that can be included into a MSI package by default.

Discussion

The maximum number of files that can be included in an MSI-based project is dependent upon the number of bits available in the Media table. The number of bits in the Media table is 15. By default, a maximum of 32,767 files can be added directly to a project. However, larger packages can be authored.

To author a larger package, follow these steps:

1. Backup the following file: <EditorProductPath>\Support\0409\IsMsiPkg.itp.

   Note: By default, <EditorProduct Path> is the installed location of the MSI Editor (DevStudio, IS X, etc)

2. Overwrite this file by renaming the file: <Product Path>Support\0409\IsMsiPkgLarge.itp to IsMsiPkg.itp

3. Rebuild the project.

This uses the larger InstallShield template that allows more than 32,767 files to be included in the project.

Additional Information

The following Windows Installer Help Library topics discuss this further:

• Authoring a Large Package
• File Table
• Media Table