Setups and Merge Modules

MSIStudio can create setups, merge modules, patches, upgrades, and standalone bootstrapper projects. Select New Project from the File menu. This will present the new project dialog.

There are a number of project types to choose from:

• Setup Project. This is the most common project type and is used to install an application. It can install application files, Registry entries, and all the other resources and activities that comprise the application deployment. New projects will target platforms that match the version of Windows on which MSIStudio is running.
• Patch Project. Patches projects are used to create application patches and upgrades. Applying a patch will upgrade an old version of an application to a newer version. Patch projects are simpler in structure than regular setups and use references to the original and patched setup packages. Patches contain just the differences between product versions and are usually a lot smaller in size than the setups, particularly with applications that contain only minor differences between versions.
• Merge Module Project. Merge modules are used when creating redistributable components that are used by other applications. Creating a merge module for these components makes it simpler to deploy the components, as the merge module can be included directly into another application's setup project. More detailed information on the benefits of using merge modules can be found at the Windows Installer development pages here.

Selecting the Project Wizard will allow you to create any of the above project types and guides you through the initial steps such as selecting files for installation and creating shortcuts.