MAKEMSI is a freeware tool which allows you to quickly and automatically create MSI based installers.
Once set up subsequent rebuilds take minutes and in general require no MSI skills.
MAKEMSI can actually build or update any Windows Installer database types, for example ICE validation suites or merge modules.
It is the simplest tool available for MSI automation.
Features:
· The automatic creation of WINXP system restore points at package install and uninstall.
· Self healing (repair) of files or registry entries.
· The advertising of complete applications (or parts) which allows installation on demand (resources not installed until required).
· Commit and rollback. If an install fails changes will be undone.
· Installation or uninstallation can be automated via command line parameters (silent installs).
· Allows merging of common "runtime files" via Microsoft merge modules.
· Enables deployment to all boxes in a network via Group Policy.
· MSI files are databases which can be manipulated (by the end user) to tweek them or alterations can be done via separate transforms or options can be overridden from the command line. This can change install file and shortcut locations and control which features get installed plus much more.
