Adding Dependencies to Merge Modules

InstallShield 2024

Project: This information applies to the Merge Module projects.

While some merge modules are self-contained, some require other merge modules in order to function properly. For example, your merge module may require the Visual Basic run-time libraries. If this is the case, you need to add that merge module as a dependency to your new merge module.

When adding a file to a merge module, you may encounter a Setup Best Practices violation if the file is contained in another merge module that is stored on your system. If this happens, you should add that merge module as a dependency.

Caution:When you are creating a typical Basic MSI or InstallScript MSI project, merge modules are automatically added to your project when you add a file that is available within a merge module. When you are creating a merge module and you add a file that is available within another merge module, you will receive a Setup Best Practices alert telling you to set that merge module as a dependency. InstallShield does not create the dependency for your Merge Module project.

Dependency information entered in the General Information view is written to your project’s ModuleDependency table, which you can view using the Direct Editor.

Adding Dependencies from the Redistributables Gallery

A merge module is in your redistributables gallery if it is located in one of the paths that are specified on the Merge Modules tab of the Options dialog box.

To add one or more dependencies from the redistributables gallery:

1.

In the View List under Installation Information, click General Information.

2.

In Module Dependencies setting, click the ellipsis button (...). The Module Dependencies dialog box opens.

3.

Select the check boxes of the merge modules that are required for the merge module that you are creating.

4.

Click OK.

InstallShield adds the dependency to the grid in the General Information view. You can change the settings for the dependency if necessary.

Adding Dependencies that Are Not in the Redistributables Gallery

To add a dependency that is not present on your machine:

1.

In the View List under Installation Information, click General Information.

2.

In Module Dependencies setting, click the Add a new module dependency button.

InstallShield adds the dependency to the grid in the General Information view. Configure each of its settings as needed.

Note:Be careful when entering the value for the Module ID setting, since InstallShield does not check to ensure that it is correct. You will not know if it fails until you try to run the installed program.