Examining the Windows Installer Engine


The Windows Installer is an application setup service that is tightly integrated with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. It functions by referencing packages that contain the distributable application files along with its distribution rules. If any step of the application installation fails, the Windows Installer will roll back the installation, returning the environment to its original state. The Windows Installer also maintains a list of all applications it has previously installed, including their files and Registry values. Figure 14-1 illustrates the different elements of the Windows Installer.

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Figure 14-1: The internal elements of the Windows Installer

Maintaining an internal list of installed applications has a number of benefits. If a user accidentally removes an application's file, the Windows Installer is capable of repairing the installation by copying only the missing files from the original distribution package. Also, when the Windows Installer uninstalls an application, it checks to ensure that other installed applications will not be impacted by the removed files or Registry values.




Developing. NET Enterprise Applications
Developing .NET Enterprise Applications
ISBN: 1590590465
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 119

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