MSI - Microsoft Installer API

NAME

MSI - Microsoft Installer API

DESCRIPTION

This collection of modules and scripts lets you create and manipulate MSI databases programmatically using Perl. The main API is provided by the MSI::Installer module; however the other modules provide useful APIs as well.

GUIDs

MSI uses GUIDs to track the install state of components, features and products. If you are distributing products that are interdependent, then it makes sense to use a common GUIDs database for all of your products. The methods for opening, adding and retrieving GUIDs from a database are defined by MSI::Installer.

SEQUENCE TABLES

Sequence tables define the order in which actions are executed during installation of your product. The sequence table used is determined by the type of installation being performed. Tables are automatically created and populated with the recommended installation sequences. There is most likely no need to change the default sequences. You may, however, need to schedule custom actions to execute during the installation of your product.

For more information about sequence tables refer to:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/psdk/msi/novr_3mqt.htm

Installer Prerequisites

For more information about searching for existing applications, files, registry entries or .ini file entries refer to:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/psdk/msi/over_84oj.htm

Installation Properties

For more information about the global variables used by the Microsoft Windows Instataller refer to:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp

Custom Actions

For more information about custom actions refer to:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/psdk/msi/cact_5t2r.htm

MSI Error Codes

For more information about MSI error codes refer to:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/psdk/msi/erro_89f7.htm

MSDN Reference

For the complete MSI reference from the Microsoft Developer Network Library, refer to:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp

Modules

MSI::Installer MSI::DB MSI::Image MSI::Component MSI::File MSI::Dialog MSI::DialogEditor MSI::Vars

Scripts

msidump.pl msiwiz.pl

SEE ALSO

MSI::Installer, Win32::Cabinet, perl

COPYRIGHT

Copyright (c) 2000 ActiveState Software Inc. All rights reserved.