Update an existing installation using InstallShield LE

.net winforms installshield
nambar picture nambar · Sep 9, 2012 · Viewed 31k times · Source

We've got a a quite simple WinForms application. I've created an installation using InstallShield LE which works fine on the first install. I'd like that users will be able to run the installation also for updating an existing copy. The problem is that I can't figure out what is the right way to create this update package. I've tried:

Changing the Product Code - the installation works but a new entry is being created in Add/Remove programs and the old entry is not removed.

Keeping the Product Code - Windows installer shouts: "another version of this product is already installed"

Tried to play with other codes (Upgrade Code / Product Version) - doesn't help

Is there any easy way to create this? Maybe something to tell the installer to remove its previous version if exist?

Answer

Sebastian picture Sebastian · Dec 14, 2012

In your InstallShield setup project, you should do the following:

  • select branch: Organize your setup -> Upgrade Paths
  • add new upgrade path and than press the cancel button
  • the default properties of the new upgrade path should not be changed if you do not plan to change the Product version from the following branch: Organize your setup -> General Information. If you plan to change the Product version, than you should play with the following upgrade path properties: Min Version/_Include Min Version_, Max Version/_Include Max Version_.
  • every time you need to create a new setup, change the Product code from the following branch: Organize your setup -> General Information.
  • please be aware that the Upgrade Code should NEVER be changed.

Related questions

How do I make a textbox that only accepts numbers?

I have a windows forms app with a textbox control that I want to only accept integer values. In the past I've done this kind of validation by overloading the KeyPress event and just removing characters which didn't fit the …

Read More
How do I update the GUI from another thread?

Which is the simplest way to update a Label from another Thread? I have a Form running on thread1, and from that I'm starting another thread (thread2). While thread2 is processing some files I would like to update a Label …

Read More
Get current folder path

I want to create a program that converts files. I would like the user to be able to place the executable file in any directory, and when executing that program (double-clicking on the .exe) I want the program to process …

Read More