Why msi installer

Windows Installer is designed to install software on computers using modern versions of the Windows operating system.

The Windows Installer system is also used to remove currently installed software and to replace or repair already installed software. This differs from the EXE format sometimes used to run installers, which are simple executable files that can be programmed to run any number of tasks.

The MSI file format stores installation information in an installation package, often with the files to be installed themselves. These packages are relational databases -- data collections set into formally arranged data tables as opposed to the hierarchical or network model databases, where data is connected via a family-tree like series of nodes and has to be access sequentially. This means Windows Installer has quicker, easier access to this data than it would with other database types.

The database files themselves use COM structured storage systems -- a Windows-based structural system that stores hierarchical data in a single file as opposed to a library of interconnected files.

Microsoft actively encourages third-party developers to build their installation frameworks using the MSI format. MSI files contain data about an application that is characterized by components and features. These features and components consist of shortcuts, files, etc. MSI files that are created using different tools have a similar management system. MSI installers are said to have a predefined interface and are mostly considered helpful to individuals who are new or have only limited knowledge of the matter.

All MSI files have the same look and appearance. One of the best aspects of MSI files are application installations. MSI helps the application to be set up real quick.

When MSI helps in installation, only minor stuffs are put in the computer and the actual installation commences only when the user attempts to run the program. EXE stands for executable file format. EXE acts like an installer and mainly look for the files on installation either on the web or the computer.

Windows Installers are considered to be new in the computing world and hence MSI files come with an EXE installer which is similar to a setup. An EXE does not have the database of files. EXE was considered to be the original installer during the earlier times. An application needs to have at least one EXE file to begin the application.

An EXE file gives the user freedom with how the installer interacts. Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support. This documentation is intended for software developers who want to use Windows Installer to build installer packages for applications.

If you're looking for a redistributable for Windows Installer 4. Note that there is no redistributable for Windows Installer 5. Microsoft Windows Installer is an installation and configuration service provided with Windows. The installer service enables customers to provide better corporate deployment and provides a standard format for component management. The installer also enables the advertisement of applications and features according to the operating system. For more information, see Platform Support of Advertisement.

This documentation describes Windows Installer 5. Not all the capabilities available in later Windows Installer versions are available in earlier versions. This documentation does not describe versions earlier than Windows Installer 2.

Installation packages and patches that are created for Windows Installer 2. Windows Installer 3. The installer can apply patches in a specified order regardless of the order that the patches are provided to the system. Patching using Windows Installer 3. Patches installed with Windows Installer 3. The installer can be used to read, edit, and replace source lists for network, URL, and media sources. Administrators can enumerate across user and install contexts, and manage source lists from an external process.