Building an NSIS script as an MSI package

Question

Is there a way to compile a Nullsoft Installer Script (NSI) installation as an MSI package instead of an EXE?

Answer 1

Sorry, No.

NSIS allows you to create scripts, procedural installation packages. It is simple, easy to use, and has a number of features not found in the Windows installer.

Windows Installer (MSI) creates database-based packages, transactional installations. If you correctly write the Windows Installer package, a very reliable file is damaged / deleted and it will be automatically reinstalled. Windows installer knows about UAC and only increases if necessary, mainly if you are creating software for the corporate market, you need to provide MSI.

Check out the Ultimate Windows Installer Guide for an understanding of MSI.

Answer 2

NSIS installers can be wrapped in MSI files using MSI Wrapper. This is a small tool that I made to install NSIS and Inno Setup installers. It uses WiX to compile MSI, but there is a GUI that will help you instead of the XML file.

This was done because I need a tool to create .msi files based on traditional .exe installers. I needed support for uninstalling and updating, and I only wanted the wrapped installers to appear once in the "Add or Remove Programs" on the control panel.

I also wanted to be able to pass command-line options to a wrapped installer when installing MSI.

If you want to use it or help me improve it, you can find it at http://www.exemsi.com .

I share the view that packaging the executable installer in the MSI package is not an ideal solution. However, when you already have exe, this can make a lot of sense :-)

Answer 3

No (And there are no .MSI exit support plans), try WIX