Help
FAQFAQCommunityCommunityUser GuideUser GuideContactContactCustomer InfoCustomer Info

How do I make the package install per-user or per-machine?

ImportantThe following article uses options that are available starting with the Professional edition and project type.

In order to allow the user to choose the installation type at run-time add the InstallType dialog to the project (Dialog Editor Page). In Install Parameters set the install type to: Per-machine if user is administrator, per-user otherwise.

NoteIn order to work properly the “InstallType” dialog should be added before any other dialogs that allow the user to customize the installation.

The Application Folder and Application Shortcut Folder and all their sub-folders will be automatically redirected to per-user/per-machine locations if certain configuration rules are met:

  • The Application Folder default value (configurable in the Install Parameters) must contain reference to either [ProgramFilesFolder], [ProgramFiles64Folder], [CommonFilesFolder], [CommonFiles64Folder] predefined windows installer folders.
  • The Application Shortcut Folder default value (configurable in the Install Parameters) must contain reference to [ProgramMenuFolder].

Using this dialog also provide per-user/per machine upgrade process. This means that when the installation type is changed the applications to be upgraded are searched again in concordance with the new installation context.

ImportantWhen running on Windows Installer 5.0 or higher the “InstallType” dialog will automatically set the MSIINSTALLPERUSER property used in single package authoring.