WiX alternatives? [closed]

问题:

I have tried to build a MSI package for my Windows Service with WiX for a couple of days but have big problems to get it the way I need.

The documentation is very bad and then XML structure just dont feels structured. I really don't see how they could have been doing a worse job at version 3.6.

I dont want to invest all my time in the MSI package, instead I need my time in dev of the main application.

So the questions is, what MSI builder should I use If I need:

• Set app.config settings during installation
• Install Windows Service
• Start Windows Service
• Simple install/uninstall

Thats really all I need

回答1:

WiX can do all those things fairly easily (I have applications that do that and some that I use WiX to install). Problem is you have to have a pretty good understanding of Windows Installer to use WiX, as it does not really hide any of the detail from you.

The obviously alternative is InstallShield (They have a LE version that comes with VS2012 apparently, using VS2012 but not that) and Express is relatively reasonably priced.

You also may want to check out InstallAware, but I have not had good experiences with them personally when I have looked at them.

I have also been told that Advanced Installer is usable, though I have not used it myself personally.

回答2:

A list and description of other installation products as well as Wix: What installation product to use? InstallShield, WiX, Wise, Advanced Installer, etc

And a link to some Wix quick-start suggestions (similar articles):

• Wix generate single component id for entire tree
• WiX Quick Start Tips