Are there any tools for testing installer packages?

Question

As part of our nightly build on windows, an installer package is created using NSIS. I would like to automatically test the "correctness" of the installer.

This might be things like:

• Checking the platform of dll files.
• Checking the install folder.
• Testing the uninstall function doesn't leave any files behind.
• Checking registry keys are created in the right location.

Are there any tools or techniques that could help me achieve this?

Answer 1

I don't think VM's or automated processes to push the package to the VM is an answer in itself. The real problem here is 'How do you know the integrated / deployed product will work?' I think the only answer to that question at this point would be to then have automated processes to test the application itself in the deployed state.