How to customize MSI Installer using C#

Asked By Ravi G

09-Jan-10 07:16 AM

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We have created an MSI Installer using C#.
In the Installer we have the following screens:
1. Welcome screen
2. Installation Folder screen
3. Confirmation screen
4. Installation progress screen
5. Installation Completed screen

All the above screens are provided by the MSI Installer by default.

************* Query ****************************

We have requirement to validate the LICENSE keys before installation starts (Installation Folder screen). The License Key will in binary format palced in the same folder as MSI.
So we would like to get the control from Welcome screen to validate the license key. Please let us know if there is any way to get the control.

Thanks in advance.

You can use custom Actions to validate license keys.

[)ia6l0 iii replied to Ravi G

09-Jan-10 10:36 AM

Or choose the Orca Tool to validate for license information like a serial number. There is a Microsoft Support article here, that talks about the steps involved in using Orca to customize windows installer that validates a serial number.

Also, there is an article on Code Project that throws more light on the same concept that is briefed in the Support article link above. And also provides you downloadable source code.

I would even look at an alternative solution to Visual Studio: Wiks to be able to deliver a wholly customizable windows installers, which are pretty highly configurable and reliable.

Hope it helps.