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What Is a WiX Bootstrapper Project?

Last updated on October 1, 2022 @ 3:09 am

A WiX bootstrapper project is a specialized type of Visual Studio project that enables you to create a single executable file (an .exe file) that can install multiple MSI files. A bootstrapper project contains a product.xml file and a chain.xml file, which together define the installation sequence for the MSI files.

Creating a WiX bootstrapper project is a two-step process. First, you create a product.xml file that defines the overall product that will be installed. This file includes information such as the product name, version, and manufacturer.

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Next, you create a chain.xml file that defines the installation sequence for the MSI files. The chain.xml file includes information such as the name of each MSI file and the conditions under which it should be installed.

PRO TIP: A WiX bootstrapper project is a project type that enables you to create an installer that bundles multiple MSI files together. This can be useful if you have multiple MSI files that need to be installed as part of your overall installation. However, it is important to note that a bootstrapper project is not an MSI file itself. Therefore, you cannot use it to directly install an application. Instead, the bootstrapper project will install the MSI files that it references.

Once you have created these two files, you can add them to a WiX bootstrapper project in Visual Studio. To do this, open Visual Studio and select File \u2192 New \u2192 Project. In the New Project dialog box, select Other Project Types \u2192 Setup and Deployment.

Finally, select WiX Bootstrapper Project. Enter a name for the project and click OK.

The WiX bootstrapper project will now appear in the Solution Explorer. To add the product.xml and chain.xml files to the project, right-click on the project name and select Add \u2192 Existing Item.

Navigate to the location of the files and click Add. The files will now appear in the

Solution Explorer.

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A WiX bootstrapper project is a specialized type of Visual Studio project that enables you to create a single executable file (an .

Creating a WiX bootstrapper project is a two-step process.

This file includes information such as the product name, version, and manufacturer. Next, you create a chain.xml file includes information such as the name of each MSI file and the conditions under which it should be installed

Once you have created these two files, you can add them to a WiX bootstrapper project in Visual Studio

Madison Geldart

Madison Geldart

Cloud infrastructure engineer and tech mess solver.