How To Guides

This section includes How To documentation for performing common WiX tasks.

Files, Shortcuts and Registry

• Add a file to your installer
• Check the version number of a file during installation
• Write a registry entry during installation
• Read a registry entry during installation
• Create a shortcut on the Start Menu
• Create a shortcut to a web page
• Create an uninstall shortcut
• NGen managed assemblies during installation
• Reference another DirectorySearch element
• Get the parent directory of a file search

Redistributables and Install Checks

• Check for .NET Framework versions
• Install the .NET Framework using a bootstrapper
• Install DirectX 9.0 with your installer
• Install the Visual C++ Redistributable with your installer
• Block installation based on OS version

User Interface and Localization

• Build a localized version of your installer
• Make your installer localizable
• Run the installed application after setup
• Set your installer's icon in Add/Remove Programs

Product Updates

• Implement a major upgrade in your installer

Others

• Get a log of your installation for debugging
• Look inside your MSI with Orca
• Generate a GUID
• Use WiX Extensions
• Optimize building cabinet files
• Specify source file locations
• Install a windows service