Windows Installer Technology

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Windows Installer is a client-side software deployment technology that you use to install, maintain, and remove software, including software deployed by using software installation and maintenance technology. Office 2000 is the first application that Microsoft produced with the power of Windows Installer. Additional applications from both Microsoft and other software publishers also use the Windows Installer technology. You can use Windows Installer to do the following.

Provide for complete and safe removal of software    Windows Installer removes precisely the files that it should when an application is removed. It completely removes an application, including all of the files and related registry entries that are not necessary. Because it tracks applications on a systemwide basis, Windows Installer also makes software removal much safer. For example, the service does not delete a .dll file if that file is shared with another installed application.

Diagnose and repair software problems    When you start an application, Windows Installer can quickly verify the existence of key files required for the application to run. If a key file has been removed or deleted, the service can repair the application. If necessary, it automatically returns to the installation source, retrieves a new copy of any deleted files, and repairs the application.

Install software in a variety of environments    The Windows Installer package contains the necessary information to install the application in many different configurations, including the following:

  • On different platforms

  • With different sets of previously installed products and features

  • With previous versions of a product

  • With different default installation locations