Windows Installer Editor Reference
385
Merge Modules and Transforms
installation for a particular department. Then during installation, you make sure that the
appropriate transform is applied for each department.
You can create the following types of transforms:
z
A transform based on changes that you make to an existing installation. This lets
you change any aspect of an installation.
See
Creating a Transform Based on an Existing .MSI
.
z
A language transform that lets you change the language on the dialog boxes that
appear during installation.
See
Creating a Language Transform
on page 290.
Note
The Languages pages is unavailable for transforms. Edit languages in the base .MSI.
See also:
TRANSFORMS Property in the Windows Installer SDK Help
Setting Transform Details
on page 386
Creating a Transform Based on an Existing .MSI
You can change any aspect of an installation by creating a transform based on changes
that you make to the installation. When you select a standard installation file, a
temporary copy of that installation file opens in Windows Installer Editor, where you
make the changes for the transform. This is the most flexible way to create a transform.
Example: Suppose you want a transform that changes the application name, changes
what registry entries are installed, and changes what system requirements are
necessary to run the installation. Because these changes affect multiple areas of the
product, you use this method to create the transform.
To create a transform based on an existing .MSI
1. (Visual Studio only.) If a solution is open in Visual Studio, close it.
2. Select File menu > New. The New Installation File dialog box appears.
(In Visual Studio: select File menu > New > File. The New File dialog box appears.)
From the Categories list, select Other Templates.
In Visual Studio: select Wise Files.
In the Templates/Tools list, select the Transform icon, then click OK.
In Visual Studio: in the Templates list, select Transform File, then click
Open.)
The Open File dialog box appears.
3. Specify the .MSI on which this transform should be based.
The transform opens with the exact settings of the installation on which it is based.
4. Make changes to the installation, such as adding files, or changing any other
settings.