How do i create an InstallShield LE project to install a windows service?
I downloaded Visual Studio 2012 yesterday when it was released on MSDN. I have noticed that a few of the project types that we had in 2010 are gone or different. The biggest difference for me right now is the removal of the Windows Installer project. Now we are being forced to use the InstallShield LE (Limited Edition). The problem here is that I write a ton of Windows Services and I can't see how to setup InstallShield LE. It appears that we (my company) will have to invest in licenses for the professional edition.
Has anyone found a way to install services in InstallShield LE? When using the Windows Installer project, you just set the custom actions.
Answer
For Visual Studio 2012 & InstallShield LE, do the following:
- Run through the InstallShield project assistant and add the primary output of your service to the Application files section.
- After you are done with the project assistant, double click the "Files" item under step two of the setup project.
- Right click on the primary output of your service, and go to properties.
- Click the "COM and .NET Settings" tab, and place a check in the "Installer Class" checkbox.
- Click Ok
Now, once you build and run your install, your service will show up in the Windows Services snap in.
Note that this assumes you added a "Project Installer" to your service project (Right click on the service design sheet and click "add installer"). I can confirm this work on Windows 8 with Visual Studio 2012 / InstallShield LE.