Windows Installer Editor Reference
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Using MSI Script
Using a WiseScript to Install a License File
Virtually anyone can open an installation .MSI and see the files and other information it
contains. Usually, this is an advantage, but it can be a disadvantage when you need to
include sensitive information such as passwords or a license file. To hide sensitive files,
install them with a WiseScript and save them within the WiseScript .EXE.
Example: Your application comes in two editions: Regular and Super. Serial numbers for
the Regular edition begin with the letter R, and serial numbers for the Super edition
begin with S. The serial number the end user enters during installation determines the
license file that gets installed, which determines which features are turned on. You set
up the installation to have the license files installed by the WiseScript instead of the .MSI
so that the license files are embedded in the WiseScript .EXE and cannot be opened.
To use a WiseScript to install a license file
1. Write a WiseScript that uses:
Get Windows Installer Property script action to get the property named
SERIALNUM into a temporary variable named SERIALNUMBER.
Set Variable script action, with the Evaluate Expression operation, to place the
first character of the serial number in a variable named EDITION.
If Statements and Install File(s) script actions to install the appropriate license
file based on the value of the EDITION variable.
2. In MSI Script, add a custom action to Run a WiseScript from Installation and specify
the WiseScript you wrote.
3. During the Windows Installer installation, the WiseScript runs, gets the first
character of the serial number, and installs the appropriate license file.
