Windows Installer Editor Reference
514
Custom Action Reference
to call ABC32.dll, one to call ABCx64.dll, and one to call ABCItanium.dll. Place each
custom action inside a condition block that checks for the appropriate platform.
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Manage the .DLL on the Resources page, which reflects the Binary table.
Note
Before being passed to Windows Installer, calls you make with Call Custom DLL actions
are passed through a .DLL that facilitates the passing of parameters.
Usage
Double-click the custom action and complete the Details tab:
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Custom Action Name
Enter a unique name that begins with a letter or underscore. It can contain numbers
and periods. It must not match the name of any Windows Installer standard action.
See Standard Actions Reference in the Windows Installer SDK Help.
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DLL File
Specify a .DLL from your hard drive or local network to call during installation.
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Function Name
Type the name of the function within the .DLL file to call.
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Parameter List
In the parameter list, specify the parameters to send to the .DLL.
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Return Value Type
Select the data type of the return value that is returned from the .DLL.
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Returned Property
Type or select a property name. The return value of the function call will be put into
this property.
In the Execute Immediate or User Interface sequences only, you can send Windows
Installer properties to the .DLL function as parameters.
See
Configuring .DLL Parameter Settings
on page 515.
See also:
Guidelines for Calling .DLLs
on page 508
Guidelines for Custom Action Location
on page 505
Using the Custom Action Properties Tab
on page 542
Using the Custom Action Location Tab
on page 539
Call Custom DLL From Installed Files
This custom action calls a .DLL file that is installed by this installation. Use this custom
action to call the .DLL during installation, while leaving the .DLL on the destination
computer as part of the installation.
Tips
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You can send a variable parameter list to the .DLL.
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Because .DLLs are processor-specific, the .DLL that you call must target the same
platform (32-bit, x64, or 64-bit Itanium) as the installation. In a mixed-target
project file (.WSI), condition each Call Custom .DLL custom action for the