CODEWITHSUNDEEP
wixwindows-installerpatch
Ven
Ven

Reputation: 265

Create a Patch without 2nd MSI

I believe Patch works by creating a transform by comparing the existing MSI (1st one) and the new one (2nd MSI). I have a customer requirement (don't ask me why) not to create the 2nd MSI and still have another option to create a patch. Is this possible? If so, can you please provide the details? If not, can you please provide links / proofs substantiating this?

Upvotes: 0

Views: 157

Answers (1)

Michael Urman
Michael Urman

Reputation: 15905

Since all files are just a collection of bytes, it's hard to prove the impossibility. However the only Microsoft-documented way to create a patch (.msp file) involves invoking patchwiz.dll (perhaps through msimsp.exe) to process the differences between two or more installation databases (.msi files). Creating a Patch Package describes this process in more detail.

If you got past this, skipping msimsp.exe/patchwiz.dll and thus avoiding creating the upgraded .msi file here, you would still have to create the transforms that go in the transform substorage. The only documented way to generate a transform (.mst file) still requires two installation databases, so you'd need your second .msi file for this step.

If you figure out how to generate .mst files without a pair of .msi files, then in theory it may also be possible to package it all up into a .msp file. I have yet to see enough documentation on how to do this, however.

(Pointers to that documentation would be gratefully accepted, whether as comments, edits, or alternate answers.)

Upvotes: 1

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