What features do I need to consider when picking a

Question

We distribute an application that runs only on Window's machines (XP and up). I have been distributing by building an exe with WINRAR that has generally worked well but I have run into a problem as we move to support Vista and Win7 in that the application path is going to be dependent on the OS. So I either have to build an OS dependent WINRAR exe or join the modern age and use an installer.

I have scanned the websites of a couple of the installers for sale and the open source ones but since I have limited programming knowledge I am a bit overwhelmed by the choices.

It could be that the correct answer is that because we are not making any registry changes any of the installers will do.

Answer 1

From your description, the install process of your application is simple: just copy the files. In this case, any install tool would do its job. You can try the following:

• Inno Setup
• NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System)
• WiX Toolset

The first two are easier to learn. WiX creates Windows Installer packages and has a steep learning curve; although in your case you could merely follow the WiX Tutorial to build your setup package.

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If your installation procedure is so simple that it does not require an install, users of your application may like if you just give them a zip package which they can extract to any directory. Of course, this depends on the target users. Anyway, it could be a good option in addition to install package.

Answer 2

Generally the key distinction is whether or not you want to deliver a .msi Windows Installer package or not. Corporates prefer that because it makes large scale deployment easier for them. But .msi packages are harder to create and have a steep learning curve.