Installing files in a location only known at runtime

[Simon Hart]

Hi,

I am creating a MergeModule that is required to read the Windows Registry to
determine a location only known at runtime and install files. What I can't
figure out is, how to change the DefaultLocation property of the File
Installation Properties?

My thinking is this needs to be done in a CustomInstaller (Custom Actions).

Anyone have any good references?

Regards
Simon.

 

[Vadym Stetsyak]

Hello, Simon!

SH> I am creating a MergeModule that is required to read the Windows
SH> Registry to determine a location only known at runtime and install
SH> files. What I can't figure out is, how to change the DefaultLocation
SH> property of the File Installation Properties?

SH> My thinking is this needs to be done in a CustomInstaller (Custom
SH> Actions).

SH> Anyone have any good references?

Look at ( http://vadmyst.blogspot.com/2006/05/wix-changing-entry-name-in.html )
its in WiX, but approach remains the same as long as output is MS installer file

--
Regards, Vadym Stetsyak
www: http://vadmyst.blogspot.com

 

[Simon Hart]

Hi Vadym,

Thanks for your blog link. Unfortunately it doesn't mean much to me as I am
writing a C# Installer class which will be called by my merge module.

Regards
Simon.

 

[Vadym Stetsyak]

Hello, Simon!

SH> Thanks for your blog link. Unfortunately it doesn't mean much to me as
SH> I am writing a C# Installer class which will be called by my merge
SH> module.

C# Installer class won't give you that functionality since you it isn't able to change msi property values. This is because installer class is working in "in-script" execution ( deferred custom action ).
( http://www.installshield.com/news/newsletter/0308-articles/CustomActionData.asp )

You need, custom action that will execute in the ui installation sequence
( http://www.codeproject.com/tips/msicustomaction.asp )

--
Regards, Vadym Stetsyak
www: http://vadmyst.blogspot.com

 

[Simon Hart]

Hi Vadym,

I thought the Property property of the File Installation Properties windows
description says: "Specifies a named property that can be accessed at
installation time to override the path of a custom folder".

But the documentation on this is so glib and and can't find any proper
samples on this subject - very frustrating.

Regards
Simon.