Why are x64 merge module files not included in msi file

Question

My first WIX installer (I have InstallShield experience). I have included this merge module...

Merge Id="CRT" Language="0" SourceFile="$(env.LIBRARY_ROOT)\microsoft-merge-modules\vs2010-sp1\Microsoft_VC100_CRT_x64.msm" DiskId='1' 

The media is as follows...

Media Id='1' Cabinet='product.cab' CompressionLevel='high' EmbedCab='yes' 

I open the MSI file in ORCA and see the two mscv... files listed in the components table, but the Visual Studio 2010 build of the installer solution (besides creating the msi file), also creates a WIN\\SYSTEM64 folder which contains the two files ( msvcr100.dll and msvcp100.dll ).

When I run the installer on my test system, (if I do no also bring over the Win folder), I get "error reading from the file: c:\\lou\\win\\system32\\msvcp100.dll ".

I then added another product merge module that I had created myself, again, those files (which are being installed to ProgramFilesx64), are not in the msi, but are in a seperate folder 'Program Files 64\\productfolder' that needs to be copied to the target system.

Why are these files not included in the MSI file?

Answer 1

From the WIX documentation, a description of the Compression attribute on the Package element:

Compressed YesNoDefaultType Whether the package payload should be embedded in a container or left as an external payload.