Sequencing a Custom Action that Launches a Second .msi Package

InstallShield 2015

Project: This information applies to the following project types:

Basic MSI
InstallScript MSI
MSI Database
Transform

Important: Nested installations is a deprecated feature of the Windows Installer. Applications installed with nested installations sometimes fail because they are difficult for end users to service correctly. Microsoft Corporation recommends that you avoid using nested installations and nested-installation custom actions to install products that are intended to be released to the public. To learn more, see Concurrent Installations on the MSDN Web site.

When you are sequencing a nested-installation custom action (called Launch another .msi package in the Custom Action Wizard), you must place the action in the Execute sequence after the standard CostFinalize action.

Additionally, ensure that the custom action launches before any of the files contained within the installation are needed by your main installation, if applicable. For example, if you later want to launch an executable file that is installed as part of the second .msi file, ensure that the package is installed before you try to launch the executable file.

See Also