I've read up a bit on bootstrappers, but can't figure out yet which path
to take on this.
- We got an application MSI built using WiX 3, works great
- Application uses Office PIA* to integrate real time with Excel (data
update, app->excel)
- Depending on the Excel version, our app MSI installs a different
version of app DLL for excel-integration (refs matching PIA assembly
version)
Now we want to streamline pre-requisite installation since distribution
through partners to private end users (ie day traders, etc) is expected
to expand (previously, pro financial institutions w their own
IT-departments was dominant customer segment).
Primary Scenario Requirements
1 - Bootstrapper should detect pre-requisites, inform user when missing
and install on demand if allowed.
1.1 - Detect OS, download and install required service pack X for this
OS as needed
1.2 - If .NET FW 2.0 SP1 is missing, download and install
1.3.1 - Detect Excel version, download and install corresponding PIA
version.
1.3.2 - If no Excel, skip PIA install (see 7 below).
1.4 - Install app MSI
2 - Bootstrapper and app MSI should be one single downloadable file
(exe/msi or equiv, not zip).
3 - Some app MSI properties should be pre-set w different values based
on partner (server url, etc)
4 - Works painless in a modern CI environment (rel paths, text source
format, build script friendly, etc)
5 - Seamless and painless full uninstall no matter what (local copy of
all necessary MSIs, etc)
6 - Bootstrapper supports all modern Windows platforms: XP, Win Server
xxxx, Vista, Win7, etc
Note that we have different pre-reqs & app install depending on which
Excel-version the user has installed, if any.
Secondary Scenario Requirement
7 - User did not have Excel installed during app installation, but
installs it afterwards. On starting application, detect Excel version
and launch installation of the correct PIA version "on demand". This
includes installing matching version of app interop assemblies. That is,
no need for user to re-install the whole application from scratch to
enable Excel-integration. Uninstall req 5 still applies.
Questions
A - Is there a bootstrapper supporting these reqs out there today, or do
we have to wait for Burn?
B - How would you "modularize" the app/installation/build to support 3
and 7 specifically?
* PIA = Ms Office Primary Interop Assemblies, it's a different installer
package based on Office version.
/Mathias
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apps built with the Adobe(R) Flex(R) framework and Flex Builder(TM) are
powering Web 2.0 with engaging, cross-platform capabilities. Quickly and
easily build your RIAs with Flex Builder, the Eclipse(TM)based development
software that enables intelligent coding and step-through debugging.
Download the free 60 day trial. http://p.sf.net/sfu/www-adobe-com
_______________________________________________
WiX-users mailing list
WiX-users@lists.sourceforge.net
https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/wix-users
