C# Custom Installer for applications

Question

I want to install 3 application using the same installer and add some things like:

• user name and password and to be stored in registry encrypted
• an ip address stored in registry
• serial number also stored in registry encrypted

The first application connect to a device using some predefined messages (one of them contains the username and the password) and receive alerts and alarms.

The second application is a server that receive the message from my first application and send it to a windows form.

The third application is a windows form the display the alerts and alarms from device.

I have to use those 3 applications because it has to be a modular software, the first application changes depending on the device and the windows form (the third application) it's also custom depending on the needs.

I tried using setup project from visual studio but i don't figure it out.

Answer 1

Try using InnoSetup it is open, it is quite difficult but you have some example you can follow them

InnoExample made by stfx, it describes how can we develop Modular InnoSetup Dependency Installer

it is able to install various dependency , like .net framework, SQL Server ...

And you can customize your messages using multiple languages options.

Answer 2

NSIS and InnoSetup are tradition way in installer creation with known pluses and minuses.

There is a modern and robust suggestion - Win# ( http://wixsharp.codeplex.com/ ) - flexible and simple solution that allows to wrap Wix internals into C#. You will be able to write custom actions on native C#, use WinForms and (even) WPF to build installer UI using common .NET practices.

I am old NSIS progammer but highly recommend to take a look on Wix#.

Answer 3

If you are familiar with Win32 APIs then you should go with NSIS. It's very flexible than any other Installers for Windows system and an easy to master scripting language. Otherwise, your choice could be WiX (.msi installers), Inno or any others.

Though Wix can be integrated into Visual Studio and you can deploy directly your C# project into it to build an installer, but it has a steep learning curve compared to others.

Just for note: Wix needs to be downloaded and installed manually and It's FREE.