Configuring InstallShield LE to remove previous versions built using Visual Studio Setup Projects
Using Visual Studio 2010, I would like to switch over to using InstallShield LE instead of the Visual Studio Setup Project.
In the Setup Project, an option RemovePreviousVersions existed which was great for making an installer that would essentially do an in-place upgrade when a new version is released.
Now with InstallShield LE, I've updated the version and generated a new ProductCode, but after running the installer, the previous version is still present.
What do I need to do so that the InstallShield-built project can remove the previous version which was built with the VS Setup Project?
Answer
This drove me crazy when I first started with a project in Visual 2012. I kept getting duplicate copies in the add/remove programs, and the old version wasn't updated. Here's what I found I needed to do.
Under The Upgrade Paths, create a new path. Leave the min version blank (unless you need it), include min version yes, Max version should be set to the version YOU ARE INSTALLING NOW. Include max version to yes.
Each time you are installing an update, advance the Product version in the General Information section. Click on a new Product Code in the General Information Section DO NOT CHANGE the upgrade code
Go back to the upgrade path, and set the Max version to the same version you are deploying now. This was key to getting this working for me.
This process uninstalls previous version, and installs the latest. No duplicates in add/remove programs.
Hope this helps.