windows installer - Can't rename MSI afterwards

Question

I am facing the following problem scenario:

• build an MSI the normal way ex: MyTest.msi
• rename it, leaving the msi extension. ex: MyTest_V1.0.0.msi
• Test it, it works. install success.
• Again repeat process. this time rename to ex: MyTest_V2.0.0.msi
• Test it, and it fails with a 'network error', while the file is on a local disk.

"A network error occurred while attempting to read from the file MyTest_V1.0.0.msi"

What gives, can't we simply rename an MSI file? Is there some issue that prevents this? Now i stuck in this. please guide.

Highest Regards, Muhammad Mubashir.

Answer 1

When you rename a MSI file and do not want it to have issues with any installations using the original MSI file, I recommend that you change some summary information and properties IN the renamed file. I normally modify:

• The Package Code, a GUID, it needs a new GUID
• The ProductName Property needs a different name
• The ProductCode, another GUID, needs a new GUID

You can use Microsoft's Orca database editor to modify these properties, if you can find it.

Here is an article covering how to use the Orca database editor to edit Windows Installer files: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/255905

Here are some additional details: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa370557(v=vs.85).aspx

• Some systems (that have had an older version of the Windows SDK will have Orca at Program Files (x86)Microsoft SDKsWindowsv7.0BinOrca.msi
• 2010 or earlier Windows SDKs should have it.