MAKEMSI quickly and reliably creates MSI files in a non-programmatic way
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\->Introduction->Quick Start Guide (install, build small msi etc)->Look at the source code for your first MSI (TryMe.MM)

Look at the source code for your first MSI (TryMe.MM)

The "TryMe.MM" file is a MAKEMSI script containing the commands which told MAKEMSI what files to include for installation and the default installation location.

The main commands (each documented in the installed PPWIZARD or MAKEMSI manuals) used in the script are similar to:

  1. "#include "ME.MMH"

    All lines that start with a "#" are "PPWIZARD" commands to perform some action at build time. The "#include" command is used to imbed the contents of another file as if it were inline and is used to modularise your MSI scripts or configuration.

    As you would want to "brand" all your generated msis with user or company specific details and perhaps want to configure MAKEMSI we are loading MAKEMSI support via a sample "ME.MMH" file. If your name is "Steve" then you should create a "Steve.MMH" file for your own MSIs (even if it's an exact copy of "ME.MMH").

  2. <$DirectoryTree Dir="c:\program files\TryMe" Key="INSTALLDIR" CHANGE="\" PrimaryFolder="Y">

    The "DirectoryTree" command above is a MAKEMSI command which:

  3. <$Files "TryMe.*" DestDir="INSTALLDIR">

    The "Files" command above is a MAKEMSI command which:

Other MAKEMSI tasks such as updating Windows Installer databases follows a very similar process.

The "TryMe.VER" file is a MAKEMSI version file which holds product and version information but no details about how its built.


Microsoft awarded me an MVP (Most Valuable Professional award) in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 for the Windows SDK (Windows Installer) area.Please email me any feedback, additional information or corrections.
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Microsoft awarded me an MVP (Most Valuable Professional award) in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 for the Windows SDK (Windows Installer) area.