Windows Installer Editor Reference
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Chapter 11
Upgrading Applications
This chapter includes the following topics:
z
About Upgrading Applications
on page 302
z
Preparing for Software Updates
on page 302
z
UpgradeSync
on page 305
z
Patch Creation
on page 305
z
Upgrades
on page 305
About Upgrading Applications
Windows Installer provides two main methods for upgrading installations: patching and
upgrading. You can also have the end user upgrade by uninstalling and then reinstalling,
although this method is not recommended.
You can create upgrades for installations using the Upgrades page. Patching and the
UpgradeSync tool are covered in the Wise Package Studio Help.
For information on upgrading, see the following topics in the Windows Installer SDK
Help.
Patching and Upgrades
Preparing an Application for Future Major Upgrades
Small Updates
Minor Upgrades
Major Upgrades
UpgradeCode Property
Patching
Changing the Product Code
Preparing for Software Updates
Preparing for updates starts when you ship the first version of your application. Use the
following steps to prepare for a software update:
1.
Archive the Shipping Version of the .MSI
on page 302.
2.
Determine the Form of the Update
on page 303.
3.
Determine the Product Code and Product Version
on page 304.
4.
Check the Installation With UpgradeSync
on page 304.
Archive the Shipping Version of the .MSI
This is the first step in preparing for an update.
