MsiTask Class

Summary

Creates a Windows Installer (also known as Microsoft Installer, or MSI) setup database for installing software on the Windows Platform.
graph BT Type-->Base0["InstallerTaskBase"] click Base0 "/api/NAnt.Contrib.Tasks.Msi/InstallerTaskBase" Base0-->Base1["SchemaValidatedTask"] click Base1 "/api/NAnt.Contrib.Tasks/SchemaValidatedTask" Base1-->Base2["Task"] Type["MsiTask"] class Type type-node

Syntax

[TaskName("msi")]
[SchemaValidator(typeof(msi))]
public class MsiTask : InstallerTaskBase

Remarks

Requires cabarc.exe in the path. This tool is part of the Microsoft Cabinet SDK.

Requires mergemod.dll version 2.0 or greater. This dll is part of the Microsoft Platform SDK.

See the Roadmap to Windows Installer Documentation at Microsoft's MSDN website for more information.

Attributes

Type Description
TaskName
SchemaValidatorAttribute Indicates that class should be validated by an XML Schema.

Properties

Name Value Summary
InstallerActionTextElement SchemaElement[]

Creates text to be displayed in a progress dialog box and written to the log for actions that take a long time to execute. The text displayed consists of the action description and optionally formatted data from the action. The entries in the ActionText table typically refer to actions in sequence tables.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string Unique name identifying the action. True
template string A localized format template is used to format action data records for display during action execution. If no template is supplied, then the action data will not be displayed. False

Nested Elements:

<description>

    Localized description displayed in the progress dialog box or written to the log when the action is executing.

</description>

Examples

Add the related action text for the web folder actions. <actiontext> <action name="WEBCA_GatherWebFolderProperties" > <description>Gathering web folder properties</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_ApplyWebFolderProperties" > <description>Applying web folder properties</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_RollbackApplyWebFolderProperties" > <description>Removing web folder properties</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_CreateURLs" > <description>Creating URLs</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_EvaluateURLs" > <description>Evaluating URLs</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_EvaluateURLsNoFail" > <description>Evaluating URLs and do not fail if URL is invalid</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_EvaluateURLsMB" > <description>Evaluating URLs</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_CreateAppRoots" > <description>Creating application roots</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_TARGETVDIR" > <description>Set TARGETVDIR property to the specified virtual dir</description> </action> <action name="WEBCA_TARGETPORT" > <description>Set TARGETPORT property to the specified virtual dir port</description> </action> </actiontext>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerAppMappingsElement SchemaElement[]

Adds Verbs and a handler for the specified file type.

This not an officially Microsoft supported table.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
directory string Refrence to a directory. The directory to add the specific verb/handler to IIS for the specified file type. True
extension string File name extension to specifically handle False
exepath string Path to the Internet Server API (ISAPI) or Common Gateway Interface (CGI) program to run to process a request. False
verbs string Internet Information Services verbs that are allowed for the executable file. Only verbs entered in this field will be allowed. False

Examples

Add the aspx app mapping <appmappings> <appmapping directory="D__ACME_MyProduct" extension=".aspx" exepath="[DOTNETFOLDER]aspnet_isapi.dll" verbs="GET,HEAD,POST,DEBUG" /> </appmappings>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerAppRootsElement SchemaElement[]

Create a Web application definition and marks it as running in-process or out-of-process. If an application already exists at the specified path, you can use this method to reconfigure the application from in-process to out-of-process, or the reverse.

This not an officially Microsoft supported table.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
component string Reference to a component. Determines when the approot will be created. True
urlproperty string URLProperty with stored url True
inprocflag int Specifies whether the application being created is to run in-process (0), out-of-process (1), or in a pooled process (2). If the application already exists and is running, changing the value of this flag will cause the application definition to be deleted and a new application created to run in the specified process space. True

Examples

Convert the virtual directory and port to a url and store the value in a property. <approots> <approot component="C__MainFiles" urlproperty="TARGETURL" inprocflag="2" /> </approots>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerBinariesElement SchemaElement[]

Stores the binary data for items such as bitmaps, animations, and icons. The binary table is also used to store data for custom actions.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A unique key that identifies the particular binary data. If the binary data is for a control, the key appears in the Text column of the associated control in the Control table. This key must be unique among all controls requiring binary data. True
value string The binary file to add. True

Examples

Add the custom action dll to create/modify virtual directories <binaries> <binary name="MSVBDPCADLL" value="${resource.dir}\MSVBDPCA.DLL" /> </binaries>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerComponentsElement SchemaElement[]

Groups sets of files into named sets, these can be used to install and perform operations on a set of files as one entity.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A name used to refer to the component. True
id string A string GUID unique to this component, version, and language.
Note that the letters of these GUIDs must be uppercase. Utilities such as GUIDGEN can generate GUIDs containing lowercase letters. The lowercase letters must be changed to uppercase to make these valid component code GUIDs.
True
attr int This column contains a bit flag that specifies options for remote execution. Add the indicated bit to the total value in the column to include an option. DescriptionComponent cannot be run from source.
Set this bit for all components belonging to a feature to prevent the feature from being run-from-network or run-from-source. Note that if a feature has no components, the feature always shows run-from-source and run-from-my-computer as valid options.
Component can only be run from source.
Set this bit for all components belonging to a feature to prevent the feature from being run-from-my-computer. Note that if a feature has no components, the feature always shows run-from-source and run-from-my-computer as valid options.
Component can run locally or from source.If this bit is set, the value in the key element is used as a key into the Registry table.
If the Value field of the corresponding record in the Registry table is null, the Name field in that record must not contain "+", "-", or "*". For more information, see the description of the Name field in Registry table.
Setting this bit is recommended for registry entries written to the HKCU hive. This ensures the installer writes the necessary HKCU registry entries when there are multiple users on the same machine.
If this bit is set, the installer does not remove the component during an uninstall. The installer registers an extra system client for the component in the Windows Installer registry settings. If this bit is set, the value in the KeyPath column is a key into the ODBCDataSource table.If this bit is set, the installer reevaluates the value of the statement in the Condition column upon a reinstall. If the value was previously False and has changed to True, the installer installs the component. If the value was previously True and has changed to False, the installer removes the component even if the component has other products as clients.
This bit should only be set for transitive components. See Using Transitive Components.
If this bit is set, the installer does not install or reinstall the component if a key path file or a key path registry entry for the component already exists. The application does register itself as a client of the component.
Use this flag only for components that are being registered by the Registry table.
Set this bit to mark this as a 64-bit component. This attribute facilitates the installation of packages that include both 32-bit and 64-bit components. If this bit is not set, the component is registered as a 32-bit component.
Value
0
1
2
4
16
32
64
128
256
True
directory string Refrence to a directory. Defines the directory location for where the files assigned to the component are to be placed. True
feature string Refrence to a feature. Maps a feature to the component. Used to determine if the component is to be installed or not. True
condition string A conditional statement that can control whether a component is installed. If the condition is null or evaluates to true, then the component is enabled. If the condition evaluates to False, then the component is disabled and is not installed. False
fileattr int Integer containing bit flags representing file attributes.
The following table shows the definition of the bit field. DescriptionRead-OnlyHiddenSystemThe file is vital for the proper operation of the component to which it belongsThe file contains a valid checksum. A checksum is required to repair a file that has become corrupted.This bit must only be added by a patch and if the file is being added by the patch.The file's source type is uncompressed. If set, ignore the Word Count Summary Property. If neither msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed or msidbFileAttributesCompressed are set, the compression state of the file is specified by the Word Count Summary Property. Do not set both msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed and msidbFileAttributesCompressed.The file's source type is compressed. If set, ignore the Word Count Summary Property. If neither msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed or msidbFileAttributesCompressed are set, the compression state of the file is specified by the Word Count Summary Property. Do not set both msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed and msidbFileAttributesCompressed.
Value
1
2
4
512
1024
4096
8192
16384
False
checkinterop bool Used to determine if file(s) in the fileset are interop file(s). If true, extra information will be added in the install package to register each interop file. If false, the file(s) will not be not be checked and the extra registration information will not be added to the msi. False
installassembliestogac bool Used to determine if assemblies should be installed to the Global Assembly Cache. If true, all assemblies in the fileset will be added to the GAC. If false, the assemblies will be installed to the specified directory (as a normal file would). Note: If an assembly is specified to be installed into the GAC, it will not also be installed to the directory specified. False
keepsubdirs bool Used to determine if directories in the fileset should be built. If true, all subdirectories of the fileset basedir will be built. If false the directories structure will be flattened. The default is false. False

Nested Elements:

<keyfile>

    This value points to a file or folder belonging to the component that the installer uses to detect the component. Two components cannot share the same key path value.

    Parameters

    Attribute Type Description Required file string Name of the key (file) to use. Also, this could be an id of a registry key value. True

</keyfile>

<fileset>

    Specifies the files to include with the component

</fileset>

<forceid>

    Used to force specific attributes on a per file basis

    Parameters

    Attribute Type Description Required file string Name of the file, in the fileset, to override. True id string Unique GUID to assign to the file. True attr int Integer containing bit flags representing file attributes.
    The following table shows the definition of the bit field. Value Description 1 Read-Only 2 Hidden 4 System 512 The file is vital for the proper operation of the component to which it belongs 1024 The file contains a valid checksum. A checksum is required to repair a file that has become corrupted. 4096 This bit must only be added by a patch and if the file is being added by the patch. 8192 The file's source type is uncompressed. If set, ignore the Word Count Summary Property. If neither msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed or msidbFileAttributesCompressed are set, the compression state of the file is specified by the Word Count Summary Property. Do not set both msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed and msidbFileAttributesCompressed. 16384 The file's source type is compressed. If set, ignore the Word Count Summary Property. If neither msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed or msidbFileAttributesCompressed are set, the compression state of the file is specified by the Word Count Summary Property. Do not set both msidbFileAttributesNoncompressed and msidbFileAttributesCompressed.
    False
    version string This field is the version string for a versioned file. This field is blank for non-versioned files. False language string A list of decimal language IDs separated by commas. False checkinterop bool Used to determine if file is an interop file. If true, extra information will be added in the install package to register the interop file. If false, the file will not be not be checked and the extra registration information will not be added to the msi. False installtogac bool If true, and if the file is an assembly, it will be installed to the GAC. If false, the file will be installed to the directory specified by the component. Note: If an assembly is specified to be installed into the GAC, it will not also be installed to the directory specified. False

</forceid>

Examples

Define a sample component structure. <components> <component name="C__MainFiles" id="{26AA7144-E683-441D-9843-3C79AEC1C636}" attr="2" directory="TARGETDIR" feature="F__MainFiles" > <key file="default.aspx" /> <fileset basedir="${install.dir}"> <include name="*.*" /> </fileset> </component> </components> Install files to TARGETDIR and assemblies to the GAC (Global Assembly Cache). Do not install MyOtherAssembly.dll to the GAC, but rather install it with the other files (to TARGETDIR) <components> <component name="C__MainFiles" id="{26AA7144-E683-441D-9843-3C79AEC1C636}" attr="2" directory="TARGETDIR" feature="F__MainFiles" installassembliestogac="true" > <key file="MyAssemblyName.xml" /> <fileset basedir="${install.dir}"> <include name="*.*" /> </fileset> <forceid file="MyOtherAssembly.dll" id="_4EB7CCB23D394958988ED817DA00B9D1" installtogac="false" /> </component> </components> Assign a registry entry to a specific component. <components> <component name="C__RegistryEntry" id="{06C654AA-273D-4E39-885C-3E5225D9F336}" attr="4" directory="TARGETDIR" feature="F__DefaultFeature" > <key file="R__822EC365A8754FACBF6C713BFE4E57F0" /> </component> </components> . . . <registry> <key path="SOFTWARE\MyCompany\MyProduct\" root="machine" component="C__RegistryEntry"> <value id="R__822EC365A8754FACBF6C713BFE4E57F0" name="MyKeyName" value="MyKeyValue" /> </key> </registry>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerControlConditionsElement SchemaElement[]

Used to validate and perform operations as the result of information entered by the user into controls on custom dialogs.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
dialog string Refrence to a dialog. Used to associate the control with the dialog. True
control string Refrence to a control. Maps to a control for the specified dialog. True
action string The action that is to be taken on the control. The possible actions are shown in the following table. DescriptionSet control as the default.Disable the control.Enable the control.Hide the control.Display the control.
Value
Default
Disable
Enable
Hide
Show
True
condition string A conditional statement that specifies under which conditions the action should be triggered. If this statement does not evaluate to TRUE, the action does not take place. If it is set to 1, the action is always applied. True
remove bool If true, the control condition is removed. If false, the control condition is added. False

Examples

Remove the control condition for the Browse button from the customize dialog and add control conditions for a web dialog <controlconditions> <!-- Remove control condition for Browse button on customizeDlg --> <controlcondition dialog="CustomizeDlg" control="Browse" action="Hide" condition="Installed" remove="true" /> <!-- Add control conditions for the web folder dialog --> <controlcondition dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Back" action="Disable" condition="ShowUserRegistrationDlg=""" /> <controlcondition dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Back" action="Enable" condition="ShowUserRegistrationDlg<>""" /> </controlconditions>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerControlEventsElement SchemaElement[]

Used to route the flow of the installation process as the result of events raised by the user interacting with controls on dialogs.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
dialog string Refrence to a dialog. Used to associate the control with the dialog. True
control string Refrence to a control. Maps to a control for the specified dialog. True
name string An identifier that specifies the type of event that should take place when the user interacts with the control specified by Dialog_ and Control_. For a list of possible values see ControlEvent Overview.
To set a property with a control, put [Property_Name] in this field and the new value in the argument field. Put { } into the argument field to enter the null value.
True
argument string A value used as a modifier when triggering a particular event. True
condition string A conditional statement that determines whether the installer activates the event in the Event column. The installer triggers the event if the conditional statement in the Condition field evaluates to True. Therefore put a 1 in this column to ensure that the installer triggers the event. The installer does not trigger the event if the Condition field contains a statement that evaluates to False. The installer does not trigger an event with a blank in the Condition field unless no other events of the control evaluate to True. If none of the Condition fields for the control named in the Control_ field evaluate to True, the installer triggers the one event having a blank Condition field, and if more than one Condition field is blank it triggers the one event of these with the largest value in the Ordering field. False
order int An integer used to order several events tied to the same control. This must be a non-negative number. False
remove bool If true, the control condition is removed. If false, the control condition is added. False

Examples

Remove the control events for the Browse button from the customize dialog and add events conditions for a web dialog <controlevents> <!-- Remove the old control events --> <controlevent dialog="UserRegistrationDlg" control="Next" name="NewDialog" argument="SetupTypeDlg" condition="ProductID" remove="true" /> <controlevent dialog="SetupTypeDlg" control="Back" name="NewDialog" argument="LicenseAgreementDlg" condition="ShowUserRegistrationDlg <> 1" remove="true" /> <controlevent dialog="SetupTypeDlg" control="Back" name="NewDialog" argument="UserRegistrationDlg" condition="ShowUserRegistrationDlg = 1" remove="true" /> <!-- Remove control events for Browse button on CustomizeDlg --> <controlevent dialog="CustomizeDlg" control="Browse" name="SelectionBrowse" argument="BrowseDlg" condition="1" remove="true" /> <!-- Add new control events for the web dialog --> <controlevent dialog="UserRegistrationDlg" control="Next" name="NewDialog" argument="WebFolderDlg" condition="ProductID" /> <controlevent dialog="SetupTypeDlg" control="Back" name="NewDialog" argument="WebFolderDlg" condition="ShowWebFolderDlg <> 1" /> <controlevent dialog="SetupTypeDlg" control="Back" name="NewDialog" argument="WebFolderDlg" condition="ShowWebFolderDlg = 1" /> <controlevent dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Cancel" name="SpawnDialog" argument="CancelDlg" order="0" /> <controlevent dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Back" name="NewDialog" argument="LicenseAgreementDlg" condition="ShowUserRegistrationDlg<>1" order="0" /> <controlevent dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Back" name="NewDialog" argument="UserRegistrationDlg" condition="ShowUserRegistrationDlg=1" order="0" /> <!-- Virtual Directory Control Events --> <controlevent dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Next" name="DoAction" argument="WEBCA_CreateURLs" condition="1" order="0" /> <controlevent dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Next" name="DoAction" argument="WEBCA_EvaluateURLsMB" condition="1" order="1" /> <controlevent dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Next" name="SetTargetPath" argument="TARGETDIR" condition="1" order="2" /> <controlevent dialog="WebFolderDlg" control="Next" name="NewDialog" argument="SetupTypeDlg" condition="1" order="3" /> </controlevents>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerControlsElement SchemaElement[]

Creates user interface controls displayed on custom dialogs.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string Name of the control. This name must be unique within a dialog box but can be repeated on different dialog boxes. True
dialog string Refrence to a dialog. Used to associate the control with the dialog. True
type string The type of the control. DescriptionDisplays billboards based on progress messages.Displays a static picture of a bitmap.A two-state check box.A drop-down list with an edit field.Select all except the last segment of the path.Displays folders below the main part of path.A regular edit field for any string or integer.Displays a rectangle that groups other controls together.Displays a static picture of an icon.Displays a horizontal line.A drop-down list without an edit field.Displays a column of values with icons for selection.An edit field with a mask in the text field.Displays folder name or entire path in an edit field.Bar graph that changes length as it receives progress messages.Displays a basic push button.A group of radio buttons.Displays a long string of text.Displays information from the Feature table and enables the user to change their selection state.Displays static text.Displays costing information on different volumes.Selects volume from an alphabetical list.
Control name
Billboard
Bitmap
CheckBox
ComboBox
DirectoryCombo
DirectoryList
Edit
GroupBox
Icon
Line
ListBox
ListView
MaskedEdit
PathEdit
ProgressBar
PushButton
RadioButtonGroup
ScrollableText
SelectionTree
Text
VolumeCostList
VolumeSelectCombo
More information found here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/msi/setup/controls.asp
True
x int Horizontal coordinate of the upper-left corner of the rectangular boundary of the control. This must be a non-negative number. True
y int Vertical coordinate of the upper-left corner of the rectangular boundary of the control. This must be a non-negative number. True
width int Width of the rectangular boundary of the control. This must be a non-negative number. True
height int Height of the rectangular boundary of the control. This must be a non-negative number. True
attr int A 32-bit word that specifies the bit flags to be applied to this control. This must be a non-negative number, and the allowed values depend upon the type of control.For a list of all control attributes, and the value to enter in this field, see Control Attributes. True
property string The name of a defined property to be linked to this control. Radio button, list box, and combo box values are tied into a group by being linked to the same property. This column is required for active controls and is ignored by static controls. False
text string A localizable string used to set the initial text contained in a control. The string can also contain embedded properties. False
nextcontrol string The name of another control on the same dialog box. If the focus in the dialog box is on the control in the Control column, hitting the tab key moves the focus to the control listed here. Therefore this is used to specify the tab order of the controls on the dialog box. The links between the controls must form a closed cycle. Some controls, such as static text controls, can be left out of the cycle. In that case, this field may be left blank. False
help string Optional, localizable text strings that are used with the Help button. The string is divided into two parts by a separator character (|). The first part of the string is used as ToolTip text. This text is used by screen readers for controls that contain a picture. The second part of the string is reserved for future use. The separator character is required even if only one of the two kinds of text is present. False
remove bool If true, the control is removed. If false, the control is added. False

Examples

Remove the Browse button from the customize dialog and add controls for a web dialog <controls> <!-- Remove the Browse button from customize dialog --> <control dialog="CustomizeDlg" name="Browse" type="PushButton" x="304" y="200" width="56" height="17" attr="3" remove="true" /> <control dialog="CustomizeDlg" name="Tree" type="SelectionTree" x="25" y="85" width="175" height="95" attr="7" remove="true" /> <!-- Re add the tree control with the proper next control --> <control dialog="CustomizeDlg" name="Tree" type="SelectionTree" x="25" y="85" width="175" height="95" attr="7" property="_BrowseProperty" text="Tree of selections" nextcontrol="Reset" /> <!-- Adds the controls associated with the webfolder dialog --> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="BannerBitmap" type="Bitmap" x="0" y="0" width="374" height="44" attr="1" text="[BannerBitmap]" nextcontrol="VDirLabel" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="Title" type="Text" x="15" y="6" width="200" height="15" attr="196611" text="[DlgTitleFont]Virtual Directory Information" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="Description" type="Text" x="25" y="23" width="280" height="15" attr="196611" text="Please enter your virtual directory and port information." /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="BannerLine" type="Line" x="0" y="44" width="374" height="0" attr="1" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="VDirLabel" type="Text" x="18" y="73" width="348" height="15" attr="3" text="&Virtual directory:" nextcontrol="Edit_VDir" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="Edit_VDir" type="Edit" x="18" y="85" width="252" height="18" attr="7" property="TARGETVDIR" text="[TARGETVDIR]" nextcontrol="PortLabel" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="PortLabel" type="Text" x="18" y="110" width="348" height="15" attr="3" text="&Port:" nextcontrol="Edit_Port" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="Edit_Port" type="Edit" x="18" y="122" width="48" height="18" attr="7" property="TARGETPORT" text="[TARGETPORT]" nextcontrol="Back" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="BottomLine" type="Line" x="0" y="234" width="374" height="0" attr="1" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="Back" type="PushButton" x="180" y="243" width="56" height="17" attr="3" text="[ButtonText_Back]" nextcontrol="Next" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="Next" type="PushButton" x="236" y="243" width="56" height="17" attr="3" text="[ButtonText_Next]" nextcontrol="Cancel" /> <control dialog="WebFolderDlg" name="Cancel" type="PushButton" x="304" y="243" width="56" height="17" attr="3" text="[ButtonText_Cancel]" nextcontrol="BannerBitmap" /> </controls>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerCustomActionsElement SchemaElement[]

Used to configure executables that may be run during steps in the installation process to do things outside the bounds of MSI technology's feature set. This is the main spot you can extend MSI technology to perform custom processes via compiled code.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
action string Name of the action. The action normally appears in a sequence table unless it is called by another custom action. If the name matches any built-in action, then the custom action is never called. True
type string A field of flag bits specifying the basic type of custom action and options. See Summary List of All Custom Action Types for a list of the basic types. See Custom Action Return Processing Options, Custom Action Execution Scheduling Options, Custom Action Hidden Target Option, and Custom Action In-Script Execution Options. True
source string A property name or external key into another table. For a discussion of the possible custom action sources, see Custom Action Sources and the Summary List of All Custom Action Types. For example, the Source column may contain an external key into the first column of one of the following tables containing the source of the custom action code.
Directory table for calling existing executables.
File table for calling executables and DLLs that have just been installed.
Binary table for calling executables, DLLs, and data stored in the database.
Property table for calling executables whose paths are held by a property.
True
target string An execution parameter that depends on the basic type of custom action. See the Summary List of All Custom Action Types for a description of what should be entered in this field for each type of custom action. For example, this field may contain the following depending on the custom action.
Target Custom Action
Entry point (required) Calling a DLL.
Executable name with arguments (required) Calling an existing executable.
Command line arguments (optional) Calling an executable just installed.
Target file name (required) Creating a file from custom data.
Null Executing script code.
True

Examples

Add some custom actions related to the virtual directory dialog and custom action. <customactions> <!-- Custom actions creating entry points into the custom action dll specified in the binary table --> <customaction action="WEBCA_GatherWebFolderProperties" type="1" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="GatherWebFolderProperties" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_ApplyWebFolderProperties" type="1537" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="ApplyWebFolderProperties" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_RollbackApplyWebFolderProperties" type="1281" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="RollbackApplyWebFolderProperties" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_CreateURLs" type="1" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="CreateURLs" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_EvaluateURLs" type="1" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="EvaluateURLs" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_EvaluateURLsNoFail" type="1" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="EvaluateURLsNoFail" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_EvaluateURLsMB" type="1" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="EvaluateURLsMB" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_CreateAppRoots" type="1" source="MSVBDPCADLL" target="CreateAppRoots" /> <!-- Custom actions to set default control values in the webfolder dialog --> <customaction action="WEBCA_TARGETVDIR" type="307" source="TARGETVDIR" target="Default VDir" /> <customaction action="WEBCA_TARGETPORT" type="307" source="TARGETPORT" target="80" /> </customactions>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerDialogsElement SchemaElement[]

Creates custom dialogs that can gather information not handled by the default installer template.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A name used to refer to the dialog. True
hcenter int Horizontal position of the dialog box. The range is 0 to 100, with 0 at the left edge of the screen and 100 at the right edge. True
vcenter int Vertical position of the dialog box. The range is 0 to 100, with 0 at the top edge of the screen and 100 at the bottom edge. True
width int Width of the rectangular boundary of the dialog box. This number must be non-negative. True
height int Height of the rectangular boundary of the dialog box. This number must be non-negative. True
attr int A 32-bit word that specifies the attribute flags to be applied to this dialog box. This number must be non-negative. DescriptionVisibleModalMinimizeSysModalKeepModelessTrackDiskSpaceUseCustomPaletteRTLRORightAlignedLeftScrollBiDiError
Value
1
2
4
8
16
32
64
128
256
512
896
65536
More information here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/msi/setup/dialog_style_bits.asp
True
title string A localizable text string specifying the title to be displayed in the title bar of the dialog box. True
firstcontrol string An external key to the second column of the Control table. Combining this field with the Dialog field identifies a unique control in the Control table. This defines the control that takes the focus when the dialog box is created. This column is ignored in an Error dialog box.
Because static text cannot take the focus, a Text control that describes an Edit, PathEdit, ListView, ComboBox or VolumeSelectCombo control must be made the first control in the dialog box to ensure compatibility with screen readers.
True
defaultcontrol string An external key to the second column of the Control table. Combining this field with the Dialog field results in a primary key into the Control table that defines the default control. Hitting the Return key is equivalent to clicking on the default control. If this column is left blank, then there is no default control. This column is ignored in the Error dialog box. True
cancelcontrol string An external key to the second column of the Control table. Combining this field with the Dialog field results in a primary key of the Control table that defines the cancel control. Hitting the ESC key or clicking the Close button in the dialog box is equivalent to clicking on the cancel control. This column is ignored in an Error dialog box.
The cancel control is hidden during rollback or the removal of backed up files. The protected UI handler hides the control upon receiving a INSTALLMESSAGE_COMMONDATA message.
True

Examples

Add a web folder dialog: <dialogs> <dialog name="WebFolderDlg" hcenter="50" vcenter="50" width="370" height="270" attr="39" title="[ProductName] [Setup]" firstcontrol="Next" defaultcontrol="Next" cancelcontrol="Cancel" /> </dialogs>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerDirectoriesElement SchemaElement[]

Specifies the directory layout for the product.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A name used to refer to the directory. True
foldername string The directory's name (localizable)under the parent directory. True
root string A reference to the directory's parent directory. This can be a property name or one of the predefined directories included with the default template:
  • AdminToolsFolder
  • AppDataFolder
  • CommonAppDataFolder
  • CommonFiles64Folder
  • CommonFilesFolder
  • DesktopFolder
  • FavoritesFolder
  • FontsFolder
  • LocalAppDataFolder
  • MyPicturesFolder
  • PersonalFolder
  • ProgramFilesFolder
  • ProgramMenuFolder
  • ProgramFiles64Folder
  • SendToFolder
  • StartMenuFolder
  • StartupFolder
  • System16Folder
  • System64Folder
  • SystemFolder
  • TARGETDIR
  • TempFolder
  • TemplateFolder
  • WindowsFolder
  • WindowsVolume
True

Nested Elements:

<directory>

    Sub directories. Note, this element can contain nested <directory/> sub elements.

    Parameters

    Attribute Type Description Required name string A name used to refer to the directory. True foldername string The directory's name (localizable)under the parent directory. True

</directory>

Examples

Define a sample directory structure. <directories> <directory name="D__ACME" foldername="ACME" root="TARGETDIR" > <directory name="D__ACME_MyProduct" foldername="My Product" /> </directory> </directories>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerEnvironmentElement SchemaElement[]

Used to modify the environment variables of the target computer at runtime.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string The localizable name of the environment variable. The key values are written or removed depending upon which of the characters in the following table are prefixed to the name. There is no effect in the ordering of the symbols used in a prefix. DescriptionCreate the environment variable if it does not exist, and then set it during installation. If the environment variable exists, set it during the installation.Create the environment variable if it does not exist, then set it during installation. This has no effect on the value of the environment variable if it already exists.Remove the environment variable when the component is removed. This symbol can be combined with any prefix.Remove the environment variable during an installation. The installer only removes an environment variable during an installation if the name and value of the variable match the entries in the Name and Value fields of the Environment table. If you want to remove an environment variable, regardless of its value, use the '!' syntax, and leave the Value field empty.This prefix is used with Microsoft� Windows� NT/Windows� 2000 to indicate that the name refers to a system environment variable. If no asterisk is present, the installer writes the variable to the user's environment. Microsoft Windows 95/98 ignores the asterisk and add the environment variable to autoexec.bat. This symbol can be combined with any prefix. A package that is used for per-machine installations should write environment variables to the machine's environment by including * in the Name column. For more information, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/msi/setup/environment_table.aspThe environment variable is set on install and removed on uninstall. This is the usual behavior.Removes an environment variable during an install or uninstall.
Prefix
=
+
-
!
*
=-
!-
More information can be found here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/msi/setup/environment_table.asp
True
append string Localizable value that is to be set as a formatted string True
component string Refrence to a component. Allows the variabled to be modified when the component is un/installed. True

Examples

Append the installation path to the user PATH variable. <environment> <variable name="PATH" append="'[TARGETDIR]'" component="C__MainFiles" /> </environment>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerIconsElement SchemaElement[]

Stores icons to be used with shortcuts, file extensions, CLSIDs or similar uses.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string Name of the icon file. True
value string The binary icon data in PE (.dll or .exe) or icon (.ico) format. True

Examples

Add a compiled help icon to the msi database; To be used with a shortcut. <icons> <icon name="CHMICON" value="${resource.dir}\chm.ico" /> </icons>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerIISPropertiesElement SchemaElement[]

Specifies directory security in IIS. Can also configure the default documents supported by each directory.

This not an officially Microsoft supported table.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
directory string Reference to a directory. This is the directory that gets modified with the specific attributes. True
attr int Attributes to set for the directory. DescriptionThe file or the contents of the folder may be read through Microsoft Internet Explorer.Users are allowed to upload files and their associated properties to the enabled directory on your server or to change content in a Write-enabled file. Write can be implemented only with a browser that supports the PUT feature of the HTTP 1.1 protocol standard.The file or the contents of the folder may be executed, regardless of file type.File access requires SSL file permission processing, with or without a client certificate.Users are allowed to access source code if either Read or Write permissions are set. Source code includes scripts in Microsoft � Active Server Pages (ASP) applications.SSL file access processing requests a certificate from the client. A value of false indicates that access continues if the client does not have a certificate. Some versions of Internet Explorer will close the connection if the server requests a certificate and a certificate is not available (even if AccessSSLRequireCert is also set to true).SSL file access processing requests a certificate from the client. If the client provides no certificate, the connection is closed. AccessSSLNegotiateCert must also be set to true when using AccessSSLRequireCert.SSL file permission processing maps a client certificate to a Microsoft Windows � operating system user-account. The AccessSSLNegotiateCert property must also be set to true for the mapping to occur.File access requires SSL file permission processing with a minimum key size of 128 bits, with or without a client certificate.The file or the contents of the folder may be executed if they are script files or static content. A value of false only allows static files, such as HTML files, to be served.Remote requests to create or change files are denied; only requests from the same computer as the IIS server succeed if the AccessWrite property is set to true. You cannot set AccessNoRemoteWrite to false to enable remote requests, and set AccessWrite to false to disable local requests.Remote requests to view files are denied; only requests from the same computer as the IIS server succeed if the AccessRead property is set to true. You cannot set AccessNoRemoteRead to false to enable remote requests, and set AccessRead to false to disable local requests.Remote requests to execute applications are denied; only requests from the same computer as the IIS server succeed if the AccessExecute property is set to true. You cannot set AccessNoRemoteExecute to false to enable remote requests, and set AccessExecute to false to disable local requests.Requests to view dynamic content are denied; only requests from the same computer as the IIS server succeed if the AccessScript property is set to true. You cannot set AccessNoRemoteScript to false to enable remote requests, and set AccessScript to false to disable local requests.Access to the physical path is not allowed.
Value Flag Name
1 AccessRead
2 AccessWrite
4 AccessExecute
8 AccessSSL
16 AccessSource
32 AccessSSLNegotiateCert
64 AccessSSLRequireCert
128 AccessSSLMapCert
256 AccessSSL128
512 AccessScript
1024 AccessNoRemoteWrite
4096 AccessNoRemoteRead
8192 AccessNoRemoteExecute
16384 AccessNoRemoteScript
32768 AccessNoPhysicalDir
True
defaultdoc string Adds a filename to the Default Documents to process. Add multiple separated with a comma (Eg. "Default.aspx,Default.htm") False

Examples

Specify permissions for the directory structure. <iisproperties> <iisproperty directory="TARGETDIR" attr="626" defaultdoc="Default.aspx" /> <iisproperty directory="D__BIN" attr="112" /> <iisproperty directory="D__SomeSubDir" attr="114" /> </iisproperties>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerLaunchConditionsElement SchemaElement[]

Contains within it one to any number of launchcondition elements. Launch conditions are conditions that all must be satisfied for the installation to begin.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A name used to identify the launch condition. True
condition string Expression that must evaluate to True for installation to begin. True

Nested Elements:

<description>

    Localizable text to display when the condition fails and the installation must be terminated.

</description>

Examples

Create a check to make sure that IIS 5.x is installed. <launchconditions> <launchcondition name="CheckIIS" condition="(IISVERSION = &quot;#5&quot;)" > <description> This setup requires Internet information Server 5.x. Please install Internet Information Server and run this setup again. </description> </launchcondition> </launchconditions>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerPropertiesElement SchemaElement[]

Name/value pairs which will be set in the PROPERTY table of the installer database.

The properties element contains within it one to any number of property elements.
Public property names cannot contain lowercase letters.
Private property names must contain some lowercase letters.
Property names prefixed with % represent system and user environment variables. These are never entered into the Property table. The permanent settings of environment variables can only be modified using the Environment Table. More information is available here.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A name used to refer to the property. True
value string The value of the property. This value can contain references to other, predefined properties to build a compound property. True

Examples

Define the required properties. <properties> <property name="ProductName" value="My Product" /> <property name="ProductVersion" value="1.0.0" /> <property name="Manufacturer" value="ACME Inc." /> <property name="ProductCode" value="{29D8F096-3371-4cba-87E1-A8C6511F7B4C}" /> <property name="UpgradeCode" value="{69E66919-0DE1-4280-B4C1-94049F76BA1A}" /> </properties>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerRegistryElement SchemaElement[]

Makes modifications to the Windows Registry of the target computer at runtime.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
component string Refrence to a component. The component that controls the installation of the registry value. True
root msi:MSIRegistryKeyRoot Valid input:
  • dependent - If this is a per-user installation, the registry value is written under HKEY_CURRENT_USER. If this is a per-machine installation, the registry value is written under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Note that a per-machine installation is specified by setting the ALLUSERS property to 1.
  • machine represents HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • classes represents HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • user represents HKEY_CURRENT_USER
  • users represents HKEY_USERS
True
path string Registry key. True

Nested Elements:

<value>

    Specifies the registry value to add to the target machine. Attribute Type Description Required name string The registry value name (localizable). If this is Null, then the data entered into the Value column are written to the default registry key.
    If the Value column is Null, then the strings shown in the following table in the Name column have special significance. String Description + The key is to be created, if absent, when the component is installed. - The key is to be deleted, if present, with all of its values and subkeys, when the component is uninstalled. * The key is to be created, if absent, when the component is installed. Additionally, the key is to be deleted, if present, with all of its values and subkeys, when the component is uninstalled.
    False
    value string The localizable registry value. The field is Formatted. If the value is attached to one of the following prefixes (i.e. #%value) then the value is interpreted as described in the table. Note that each prefix begins with a number sign (#). If the value begins with two or more consecutive number signs (#), the first # is ignored and value is interpreted and stored as a string. Prefix Description #x The value is interpreted and stored as a hexadecimal value (REG_BINARY). #% The value is interpreted and stored as an expandable string (REG_EXPAND_SZ). # The value is interpreted and stored as an integer (REG_DWORD). If the value contains the sequence tilde [~], then the value is interpreted as a Null-delimited list of strings (REG_MULTI_SZ). For example, to specify a list containing the three strings a, b and c, use "a[~]b[~]c." The sequence [~] within the value separates the individual strings and is interpreted and stored as a Null character. If a [~] precedes the string list, the strings are to be appended to any existing registry value strings. If an appending string already occurs in the registry value, the original occurrence of the string is removed. If a [~] follows the end of the string list, the strings are to be prepended to any existing registry value strings. If a prepending string already occurs in the registry value, the original occurrence of the string is removed. If a [~] is at both the beginning and the end or at neither the beginning nor the end of the string list, the strings are to replace any existing registry value strings. Otherwise, the value is interpreted and stored as a string (REG_SZ). False dword string A dword value to input, if the value attribute is null. This removes the requirement of adding "#" before the value. False id string Primary key used to identify a registry record. False

</value>

Examples

Add the a couple registry entries on the target machine. <registry> <key component="C__MainFiles" root="machine" path="SOFTWARE\ACME\My Product\" > <value name="ProductVersion" value="1.0.0" /> <value name="ProductDir" value="[TARGETDIR]" /> <value name="VirtualDir" value="[TARGETVDIR]" /> </key> </registry> Add a default key value to the specified registry key path <registry> <key component="C__MainFiles" root="machine" path="SOFTWARE\ACME\My Product\" > <value value="1.0.0" /> </key> </registry> Another way to add a default key value to the specified registry key path <registry> <key component="C__MainFiles" root="machine" path="SOFTWARE\ACME\My Product\" > <value name="" value="1.0.0" /> </key> </registry> Specify hexadecimal value (REG_BINARY) for the default key <registry> <key component="C__MainFiles" root="machine" path="SOFTWARE\ACME\My Product\" > <value> 1a,81,0a,03,01,00,06,00,00,00,d3,15,fd,00,01,00,00,00,00,00,01, 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,b0,90,ce,09,01,00,00,00,00,00,ff,ff,ff,00, 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,6d,7a,0a,03,01,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,38,40,00,00,00, 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,90,01,00,00,00,00,00,01,00,00,00,00,0f,00,00,00, f0,ff,ff,ff,54,69,6d,65,73,20,4e,65,77,20,52,6f,6d,61,6e,f4,6f,d4,08,02,00 </value> </key> </registry>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerSearchElement SchemaElement[]

Contains within it one to any number of app, registry, ini, or dirfile elements. These elements are used to search for an existing filesystem directory, file, or Windows Registry setting. A property in the installer database is then set with the value obtained from the search.

<app>

More information on these attributes can be found at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/complocator_table.asp

Attribute Type Description Required
componentid string The component ID of the component whose key path is to be used for the search. True
type msi:MSILocatorTypeDirFile Valid input: file or directory True
setproperty string A name used to refer to the property within the Msi database. Set at install time. True

</app>

<registry>

More information on these attributes can be found at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/reglocator_table.asp

Attribute Type Description Required
type msi:MSILocatorTypeDirFileReg64 Valid input: registry, file, directory, 64bit True
path string Depending on the type specified:
  • Path is a directory.
  • Path is a registry key.
True
root msi:MSIRegistryKeyRoot Valid input:
  • dependent - If this is a per-user installation, the registry value is written under HKEY_CURRENT_USER. If this is a per-machine installation, the registry value is written under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Note that a per-machine installation is specified by setting the ALLUSERS property to 1.
  • machine represents HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • classes represents HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • user represents HKEY_CURRENT_USER
  • users represents HKEY_USERS
True

    Nested Elements:

    <value>

    Parameters

    Attribute Type Description Required name string Depending on the type specified: Key path is a file name. Key path is a registry value. False setproperty string A name used to refer to the property within the Msi database. Set at install time. True

    </value>

</registry>

<ini>

More information on these attributes can be found at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/inilocator_table.asp

Attribute Type Description Required
filename string The .ini file name. (The .ini file must be present in the default Microsoft Windows directory.) True
section string Section name within the .ini file. True
key string Key value within the section. True
field msi:nonNegativeInt The field in the .ini line. If Field is Null or 0, then the entire line is read. This must be a non-negative number. False
type msi:MSILocatorTypeDirFileRaw Valid input: file ,directory, or raw True
setproperty string A name used to refer to the property within the Msi database. Set at install time. True

</ini>

<dirfile>

More information on these attributes can be found at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/drlocator_table.asp and http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/signature_table.asp

Attribute Type Description Required
parent string An identifier to RegLocator, IniLocator, or CompLocator tables. If it does not expand to a full path, then all the fixed drives of the user's system are searched by using the Path.
In order to determine what the key is for a table, prefix the property name assigned to that locator with SIG_
False
path string the path on the user's system. This is a either a full path or a relative subpath below the directory specified in the Parent column. False
depth msi:nonNegativeInt The depth below the path that the installer searches for the file or directory. False
setproperty string A name used to refer to the property within the Msi database. Set at install time. True

    Nested Elements:

    <file>

    Parameters

    Attribute Type Description Required name string The name of the file. True minversion string The minimum version of the file, with a language comparison. If this field is specified, then the file must have a version that is at least equal to MinVersion. If the file has an equal version to the MinVersion field value but the language specified in the Languages column differs, the file does not satisfy the signature filter criteria. False maxversion string The maximum version of the file. If this field is specified, then the file must have a version that is at most equal to MaxVersion. False minsize msi:nonNegativeInt The minimum size of the file. If this field is specified, then the file under inspection must have a size that is at least equal to MinSize. This must be a non-negative number. False maxsize msi:nonNegativeInt The maximum size of the file. If this field is specified, then the file under inspection must have a size that is at most equal to MaxSize. This must be a non-negative number. False mindate msi:nonNegativeInt The minimum modification date and time of the file. If this field is specified, then the file under inspection must have a modification date and time that is at least equal to MinDate. This must be a non-negative number. False maxdate msi:nonNegativeInt The maximum creation date of the file. If this field is specified, then the file under inspection must have a creation date that is at most equal to MaxDate. This must be a non-negative number. False languages string The languages supported by the file. False

    </file>

</dirfile>

Examples

Get the path of the web directory and the version of IIS. Create new properties in the Msi file with those values. <search> <registry type="registry" path="Software\Microsoft\InetStp" root="machine" > <value name="PathWWWRoot" setproperty="IISWWWROOT" /> </registry> <registry type="registry" path="SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W3SVC\Parameters" root="machine" > <value name="MajorVersion" setproperty="IISVERSION" /> </registry> </search> Shows two ways to get the default key value for the specified key. Create new properties in the Msi file with those values. <search> <registry type="registry" path="Software\Microsoft\MessengerService" root="machine" > <value setproperty="MSGSRVNAME" /> <value name="" setproperty="MSGSRVNAME2" /> </registry> </search>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerSequencesElement SchemaElement[]

Used to modify the sequence of tasks/events that execute during the overall installation process.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
type msi:MSISequenceTable Valid inputs: True
action string Name of the action to execute. This is either a built-in action or a custom action. True
value int Number that determines the sequence position in which this action is to be executed.
A positive value represents the sequence position. A Null value indicates that the action is not executed. The following negative values indicate that this action is to be executed if the installer returns the associated termination flag. No more than one action may have a negative value entered in the Sequence field. DescriptionSuccessful completion.User terminates install.Fatal exit terminates.Install is suspended.
Value
-1
-2
-3
-4
True
condition string This field contains a conditional expression. If the expression evaluates to False, then the action is skipped. If the expression syntax is invalid, then the sequence terminates, returning iesBadActionData. False

Examples

Add the sequences to support virtual directories <sequences> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_TARGETVDIR" value="750" condition="TARGETVDIR=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_TARGETPORT" value="750" condition="TARGETPORT=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_CreateURLs" value="752" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_EvaluateURLs" value="753" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_GatherWebFolderProperties" value="3701" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_ApplyWebFolderProperties" value="3701" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_RollbackApplyWebFolderProperties" value="3701" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="installexecute" action="WEBCA_CreateAppRoots" value="3701" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="installui" action="WEBCA_TARGETVDIR" value="750" condition="TARGETVDIR=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="installui" action="WEBCA_TARGETPORT" value="750" condition="TARGETPORT=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="installui" action="WEBCA_CreateURLs" value="752" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="installui" action="WEBCA_EvaluateURLsNoFail" value="753" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="adminexecute" action="WEBCA_TARGETVDIR" value="750" condition="TARGETVDIR=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="adminexecute" action="WEBCA_TARGETPORT" value="750" condition="TARGETPORT=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="adminexecute" action="WEBCA_CreateURLs" value="752" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="adminexecute" action="WEBCA_EvaluateURLs" value="753" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="adminui" action="WEBCA_TARGETVDIR" value="750" condition="TARGETVDIR=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="adminui" action="WEBCA_TARGETPORT" value="750" condition="TARGETPORT=&quot;&quot;" /> <sequence type="adminui" action="WEBCA_CreateURLs" value="752" condition="NOT Installed" /> <sequence type="adminui" action="WEBCA_EvaluateURLsNoFail" value="753" condition="NOT Installed" /> </sequences>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerShortcutsElement SchemaElement[]

Creates shortcuts on the target computer.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string Unique name identifying the shortcut. True
directory string Reference to a directory. The location of where the shortcut should be created. True
filename string The localizable name of the shortcut to be created. True
component string Reference to a component. The installer uses the installation state of this specified component to determine whether the shortcut is created or deleted. This component must have a valid key path for the shortcut to be installed. If the Target column contains the name of a feature, the file launched by the shortcut is the key file of the component listed in this column. True
target string The shortcut target. The installer evaluates this field as a Formatted string. The field should contains a property identifier enclosed by square brackets ([ ]), that is expanded into the file or a folder pointed to by the shortcut. True
arguments string The command-line arguments for the shortcut.
Note that the resolution of properties in the Arguments field is limited. A property formatted as [Property] in this field can only be resolved if the property already has the intended value when the component owning the shortcut is installed. For example, for the argument "[#MyDoc.doc]" to resolve to the correct value, the same process must be installing the file MyDoc.doc and the component that owns the shortcut.
False
hotkey string The hotkey for the shortcut. The low-order byte contains the virtual-key code for the key, and the high-order byte contains modifier flags. This must be a non-negative number. Authors of installation packages are generally recommend not to set this option, because this can add duplicate hotkeys to a users desktop. In addition, the practice of assigning hotkeys to shortcuts can be problematic for users using hotkeys for accessibility. False
icon string Reference to an icon. False
iconindex int The icon index for the shortcut. This must be a non-negative number. False
showcmd int The Show command for the application window.
The following values may be used. The values are as defined for the Windows API function ShowWindow. DescriptionSW_SHOWNORMALSW_SHOWMAXIMIZEDSW_SHOWMINNOACTIVE
Value
1
3
7
False
wkdir string The name of the property that has the path of the working directory for the shortcut. False

Nested Elements:

<description>

    The localizable description of the shortcut.

</description>

Examples

Add a compiled help icon to the msi database; To be used with a shortcut. <shortcuts> <shortcut name="HelpFiles" directory="D__PROGRAMMENU_ACME_MYPRODUCT" filename="Help File" component="C__MainFiles" target="[$C__MainFiles]\Help.chm" icon="CHMICON" iconindex="0" showcmd="3" > <description>My Product help documentation</description> </shortcut> </shortcuts>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerSummaryInformationElement SchemaElement[]

Sets various properties in the SummaryInformation stream (http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/summary_information_stream.asp)

All of the sub-elements are optional.

Nested Elements:

<title>

    Briefly describes the type of installer package. Phrases such as "Installation Database" or "Transform" or "Patch" may be used for this property.
    Default value: Value of the ProductName property, if defined.

</title>

<subject>

    A short description of the product to be installed. This value is typically set from the installer property ProductName
    Default value: Value of the ProductName property, if defined.

</subject>

<author>

    The manufacturer of the installation database. This value is typically set from the installer property Manufacturer.
    Default value: Value of the Manufacturer property, if defined.

</author>

<keywords>

    Used by file browsers to hold keywords that permit the database file to be found in a keyword search. The set of keywords typically includes "Installer" as well as product-specific keywords, and may be localized.
    Default value: Value of the Keywords property, if defined.

</keywords>

<comments>

    A general description/purpose of the installer database.
    Default value: Value of the Comments property, if defined.

</comments>

<template>

    Indicates the platform and language versions that are supported by the database. The Template Summary Property of a patch package is a semicolon-delimited list of the product codes that can accept the patch. See http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/template_summary_property.asp for more information.

</template>

<revisionnumber>

    Contains the package code (GUID) for the installer package. The package code is a unique identifier of the installer package. Note: Default behavior - a new GUID is generated every time

</revisionnumber>

<creatingapplication>

    The name of the application used to author the database. Note: Default value is NAnt.

</creatingapplication>

Examples

Define specific summary information. <summaryinformation> <title>Installation Database</title> <subject>${install.productname}</subject> <author>${install.manufacturer}</author> <keywords>MSI, database, NAnt, Installer</keywords> <comments>This installer database contains the logic and data required to install NAnt</comments> <template>;1033</template> <creatingapplication>NAnt - http://nant.sf.net </creatingapplication> </summaryinformation>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerTablesElement SchemaElement[]

Creates custom tables not directly managed by default features of the installer task.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A unique name used to identify the table. True

Nested Elements:

<columns>

    <column>

      Defines the columns making up the table

      Parameters

      Attribute Type Description Required name string A unique name used to define the column. True nullable bool When set to true, allows the column to accept null values; false does not allow null values. True category msi:MSITableColumnCategoryType Valid input: Text UpperCase LowerCase Integer DoubleInteger Time/Date Identifier Property Filename WildCardFilename Path Paths AnyPath DefaultDir RegPath Formatted Template Condition GUID Version Language Binary Cabinet Shortcut More information here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/msi/setup/column_data_types.asp False type string Overrides the category specification. An example of valid input would be: S255 False key bool When set to true, the column is used to form the primary key for the table; false specifies that the column is not used to form the primary key. False minvalue int This field applies to columns having numeric value. The field contains the minimum permissible value. This can be the minimum value for an integer or the minimum value for a date or version string. False maxvalue int This field applies to columns having numeric value. The field is the maximum permissible value. This may be the maximum value for an integer or the maximum value for a date or version string. False keytable string This field applies to columns that are external keys. The field identified in Column must link to the column number specified by KeyColumn in the table named in KeyTable. This can be a list of tables separated by semicolons. False keycolumn int This field applies to table columns that are external keys. The field identified in Column must link to the column number specified by KeyColumn in the table named in KeyTable. The permissible range of the KeyColumn field is 1-32. False set string This is a list of permissible values for this field separated by semicolons. This field is usually used for enums. False description string A description of the data that is stored in the column. False

    </column>

</columns>

<rows>

    <row>

      Defines the data for a row in the table

      <columns>

        <column>

          Defines data for a specific cell in the row

          Parameters

          Attribute Type Description Required name string Name of the column to populate. True value string Value to populate the cell with. True

        </column>

      </columns>

    </row>

</rows>

Examples

Build the IniFile table. Since the WriteIniValues and RemoveIniValues actions exist in the template, they will use this table. <tables> <table name="IniFile"> <columns> <column name="IniFile" nullable="false" category="Identifier" key="true" description="The key for this table." /> <column name="FileName" nullable="false" category="Text" description="The localizable name of the .ini file in which to write the information. " /> <column name="DirProperty" nullable="true" category="Identifier" description="Name of a property having a value that resolves to the full path of the folder containing the .ini file. " /> <column name="Section" nullable="false" category="Formatted" description="The localizable .ini file section." /> <column name="Key" nullable="false" category="Formatted" description="The localizable .ini file key within the section" /> <column name="Value" nullable="false" category="Formatted" description="The localizable value to be written. " /> <column name="Action" nullable="false" category="Integer" description="The type of modification to be made. " /> <column name="Component_" nullable="false" category="Identifier" description="External key into the first column of the Component table referencing the component that controls the installation of the .ini value. " /> </columns> <rows> <row> <columns> <column name="IniFile" value="MyInternetShortcut" /> <column name="FileName" value="MyInternetAddr.url" /> <column name="DirProperty" value="D__MYDIR" /> <column name="Section" value="InternetShortcut" /> <column name="Key" value="URL" /> <column name="Value" value="[TARGETURL]" /> <column name="Action" value="0" /> <column name="Component_" value="C__Documentation" /> </columns> </row> </rows> </table> </tables>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerUrlPropertiesElement SchemaElement[]

Determines the local path equivalent for a url and stores this information in a property.

This not an officially Microsoft supported table.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string The name of the URLProperty to convert True
property string The name of the property to store the directory information. True

Examples

Convert the TARGETURL property to a directory and store that information in TARGETDIR <urlproperties> <urlproperty name="TARGETURL" property="TARGETDIR" /> </urlproperties>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
InstallerVDirPropertiesElement SchemaElement[]

Creates a URLProperty representing the virtual directory and port.

This not an officially Microsoft supported table.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string Property containing the virtual directory True
portproperty string Property containing the network port number to use. True
urlproperty string URLProperty to store the url in True

Examples

Convert the virtual directory and port to a url and store the value in a property. <vdirproperties> <vdirproperty name="TARGETVDIR" portproperty="TARGETPORT" urlproperty="TARGETURL" /> </vdirproperties>
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
MsiBackground string
A .bmp (bitmap) file 495x315 pixels in size that will be displayed as the background image of the installation user interface.
MsiBanner string
A .bmp (bitmap) file 495x60 pixels in size that will be displayed as the banner (top) image of the installation user interface.
MsiDebug bool
Causes the generated msi database file to contain debug messages for errors created by inconsistencies in creation of the database. This makes the file slightly larger and should be avoided when generating a production release of your software.
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
MsiErrorTemplate string
A .mst file to use as the starting database containing strings displayed to the user when errors occur during installation. A .mst template is included with the msi task, you only need to supply this value if you want to override the default error template and cannot perform something through the features of the msi task.
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
MsiFeaturesElement SchemaElement[]

Groups sets of components into named sets, these can be used to layout the tree control that allows users to select and deselect features of your software product when a custom installation is selected at runtime.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
name string A name used to refer to the feature. True
display int The number in this field specifies the order in which the feature is to be displayed in the user interface. The value also determines if the feature is initially displayed expanded or collapsed.
If the value is null or zero, the record is not displayed. If the value is odd, the feature node is expanded initially. If the value is even, the feature node is collapsed initially.
True
title string Short string of text identifying the feature. This string is listed as an item by the SelectionTree control of the Selection Dialog. False
typical bool Determines if the feature should be included in a "typical" install. This is useful for when the user selects to just install the typical features. False
directory string Refrence to a directory. Specify a corresponding directory to go with the feature. False
attr int Any combination of the following: DescriptionComponents of this feature that are not marked for installation from source are installed locally.Components of this feature not marked for local installation are installed to run from the source CD-ROM or server.Set this attribute and the state of the feature is the same as the state of the feature's parent.Set this attribute and the feature state is Advertise.Note that this bit works only with features that are listed by the ADVERTISE property.
Set this attribute to prevent the feature from being advertised.
Set this attribute and the user interface does not display an option to change the feature state to Absent. Setting this attribute forces the feature to the installation state, whether or not the feature is visible in the UI.Set this attribute and advertising is disabled for the feature if the operating system shell does not support Windows Installer descriptors.
Value
0
1
2
4
8
16
32
More information found here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/msi/setup/feature_table.asp
False

Nested Elements:

<feature>

    Nested feature elements are supported.

</feature>

<description>

    Longer string of text describing the feature. This localizable string is displayed by the Text control of the Selection Dialog.

</description>

<conditions>

    <condition>

      Attribute Type Description Required expression string If this conditional expression evaluates to TRUE, then the Level column in the Feature table is set to the conditional install level.
      The expression in the Condition column should not contain reference to the installed state of any feature or component. This is because the expressions in the Condition column are evaluated before the installer evaluates the installed states of features and components. Any expression in the Condition table that attempts to check the installed state of a feature or component always evaluates to false.
      For information on the syntax of conditional statements, see Conditional Statement Syntax.
      True
      level int The installer sets the install level of this feature to the level specified in this column if the expression in the Condition column evaluates to TRUE. Set this value to 0 to have the component not install if the condition is not met.
      For any installation, there is a defined install level, which is an integral value from 1 to 32,767. The initial value is determined by the InstallLevel property, which is set in the Property table.
      A feature is installed only if the feature level value is less than or equal to the current install level. The user interface can be authored such that once the installation is initialized, the installer allows the user to modify the install level of any feature in the Feature table. For example, an author can define install level values that represent specific installation options, such as Complete, Typical, or Minimum, and then create a dialog box that uses SetInstallLevel ControlEvents to enable the user to select one of these states. Depending on the state the user selects, the dialog box sets the install level property to the corresponding value. If the author assigns Typical a level of 100 and the user selects Typical, only those features with a level of 100 or less are installed. In addition, the Custom option could lead to another dialog box containing a Selection Tree control. The Selection Tree would then allow the user to individually change whether each feature is installed.
      True

    </condition>

</conditions>

Examples

Define a sample features structure. <features> <feature name="F__Default" title="My Product" display="1" typical="true" directory="TARGETDIR"> <description>My Product from ACME, Inc. </description> <feature name="F__MainFiles" display="0" typical="true" /> </feature> <feature name="F__Help" title="My Product Help Files" display="1" typical="false" directory="D__ACME_MyProduct_Help" /> </features>
MsiLicense string
An .rtf (rich text format) file containing the license agreement for your software. The contents of this file will be displayed to the user when setup runs and must be accepted to continue.
MsiMergeModulesElement SchemaElement[]

Includes pre-packaged installation components (.msm files) as part of the msi database. This feature allows reuse of installation components that use MSI technology from other setup vendors or as created by the NAnt.Contrib.Tasks.Msi.MsmTask.

Parameters

Attribute Type Description Required
feature string Refrence to a feature. Used to associate the merge module with the feature (and the feature's directory) for when to install the components in the merge module. True

Nested Elements:

<modules>

    Specifies the merge module(s) to include with the specified feature.

</modules>

<configurationitems>

    <configurationitem>

      Specifies the value for a configurable item

      Parameters

      Attribute Type Description Required module string Merge module filename to limit the configuration item to. If this is not set, the configuration item will be applied to all merge modules in the fileset. True name string Name of item for which data is to be set True value string Value of the configurable item True

    </configurationitem>

</configurationitems>

Examples

Add the NAnt merge module to the install. <mergemodules> <merge feature="F__NAntMSM"> <modules> <include name="${nant.dir}\Install\NAnt.msm" /> </modules> </merge> </mergemodules> Add a Visual Studio .wid package (merge module) and specify some configurable items. <mergemodules> <merge feature="F__DefaultFeature"> <modules> <include name="VsdReadmeDlg.wid" /> </modules> <configurationitems> <configurationitem name="BannerBitmap" value="CONFIGURED_BANNERBITMAP" /> <configurationitem module="VsdReadmeDlg.wid" name="ReadmeText" value="CONFIGURED_READMETEXT" /> </configurationitems> </merge> </mergemodules>
MsiOutput string
The name of the file that will be generated when the task completes execution (eg. MyInstall.msi or MyMergeModule.msm).
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
MsiSourceDir string
A directory relative to the NAnt script in which the msi task resides from which to retrieve files that will be installed by the msi database. All files that will be included in your installation need to be located directly within or in subdirectories of this directory.
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
MsiTemplate string
A installer file to use as the starting database in which all files and entries will be made, and then copied to the filename specified by the output parameter. Install templates are included with the install tasks, you only need to supply this value if you want to override the default template.
Inherited from InstallerTaskBase
SchemaObject Object
Returns the object from the Schema wrapper after NAnt.Contrib.Tasks.SchemaValidatedTask.Initialize is called.
Inherited from SchemaValidatedTask

Methods

Name Value Summary
ExecuteTask() void
Executes the task.
Initialize() void
Initializes task and verifies parameters.