Summary

Discussion about rebooting system after Chained MSI install

Symptoms

Windows Installer can install multiple packages using transaction processing. This capability is available beginning with Windows Installer 4.5. The installer will install all the packages belonging to a multiple-package transaction or none of the packages. If all the packages in the transaction cannot be installed successfully, or if the user cancels the installation, the Windows Installer can roll back changes and restore the computer to its original state.

Cause

Limitation: chained .msi packages have difficulties if reboots are needed. The installer service is not expected to allow any additonal MSIs to be installed until the system has been rebooted. To work around this all reboots should be deferred to the end of the install.

Resolution

To accomplish a reboot after the install you associate custom code as an action on the "Finish" button on the setup complete success dialog. In this situation the code is only executed when the dialog is presented (which implies successful install) and is based on the button click.

Additional Information

Microsoft article Multiple-Package Installations