Overview
This lecture explains the underlying processes of software installation on Windows, focusing on EXE and MSI files, and introduces tools to observe or modify these processes.
Installing Software on Windows
- Installation behavior depends on whether the program uses a custom installer or the standard Windows Installer (MSI).
- EXE installers may use custom code, making their actions hard to trace since they are typically closed source.
- Process monitoring tools like Microsoft Sysinternals can show file and process activity during installation.
- MSI files follow strict rules and standards required by the Windows Installer system.
- MSI files are complex databases containing instructions, files, shortcuts, and other resources needed for installation.
- The Windows Installer uses the database tables in MSI files to guide installation and records actions to enable uninstallation.
Working with MSI Files
- MSI files include both installation instructions and all required application components.
- The Windows Installer can undo all installation actions using a specific uninstall routine built from the original install instructions.
- Orca.exe, a tool from the Windows SDK, allows users to view, edit, or create MSI packages without needing programming skills.
Next Topic Preview: Linux Installation
- The next session will cover how software installation works on Linux systems.
Key Terms & Definitions
- EXE (Executable file) — A program file that runs an installer, possibly with custom installation logic.
- MSI (Microsoft Installer file) — A package format containing installation instructions and resources, used by Windows Installer.
- Windows Installer — A Windows service managing the installation, maintenance, and removal of software using MSI files.
- Orca.exe — A Windows SDK tool to view and edit MSI package databases.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Explore the Orca.exe tool from the Windows SDK to inspect or modify MSI installation packages.
- Review supplementary reading linked after the video for more on installation tools.