What is merge module in MSI?

What is merge module in MSI?

Merge modules are simplified MSI packages that contain Windows Installer components, and setup logic to be included in any number of MSI packages. A merge module cannot be installed alone because it lacks some necessary database tables that are present in an installation database.

How do I create a merge module in MSI?

msi file. However, a merge module cannot be installed alone, it must be merged into an installation package using a merge tool. Developers wanting to use merge modules must obtain one of the freely distributed merge tools, such as Mergemod. dll, or purchase a merge tool from an independent software vendor.

What is merge module Project?

Merge modules are simplified MSI packages that contain Windows Installer components and setup logic to be included into any number of MSI packages. A merge module cannot be installed alone because its lacks some vital database tables that are present in an installation database.

What is a merge module Visual Studio?

A merge module (or . msm file) contains all of the logic and files needed to install distinct pieces of functionality. For example, many applications require Visual Basic run-time DLLs.

Where are merge module located?

The merge modules are installed by default as part of a C++ install in Visual Studio 2017 and Visual Studio 2015. When installed in Visual Studio 2022, you’ll find the Visual C++ Redistributable merge modules in %VCINSTALLDIR%Redist\MSVC\v143\MergeModules .

How do I create a merge module?

To create a new merge module

  1. Obtain a software tool you can use to edit the merge module database.
  2. Obtain a blank merge module database.
  3. Generate a GUID for the merge module.
  4. Add a record to the Component table for each component delivered by the merge.

How do I create a merge module using InstallShield?

Merge modules can be created using the “Blank Merge Module Project” option under “Create a New project” in the InstallShield Today view. You can create custom merge modules to insert into their projects, but custom objects cannot be created.

What is difference between exe and MSI?

The main difference between the two extensions is their purpose. EXE is used mainly to indicate that the file is an executable one. In comparison, MSI indicates that the file is a Windows installer. While an MSI is used only with installers, this is not the case with EXE.

What is merge module in InstallShield?

InstallShield 2015. Merge modules allow you to add existing pieces of functionality to your installation. For example, if your application requires the VB Run-Time DLL, you can add Microsoft’s Visual Basic Virtual Machine module to your setup application.

What does MSI mean?

(1) (MicroSoft Installer) See Windows Installer. (2) (Medium Scale Integration) An earlier measurement of transistor density on a chip. MSI was between 100 and 3,000 transistors.