I have a product that currently uses a two-step installation:
- WiX-based installer for copying files and creating shortcuts
- The user application performs all other necessary actions, such as checking the prerequisites, updating / creating the database, accessing some third-party web services to make sure that we are working on a "good" machine, etc.
What I need to do is implement a single-phase installer that performs all the necessary actions at once, without any external applications.
I already tried using “custom actions” to display my custom wizard at some points in the installation process, but it looks awful. I also tried following custom steps on WiX, but it is too complicated to support and not make any mistakes.
What I'm looking for is a kind of structure that allows you to create .msi files that are highly customizable with .NET functions (e.g. .NET user controls and other similar things). The second basic requirement is the ability to easily decide which next steps for the installation wizard, depending on the current context.
It would be great if this platform were free for commercial use, but I would also appreciate proprietary solutions.