In-Place Windows Installer Database and Project File Differencing
InstallShield 2024
Project:
| • | Basic MSI |
| • | DIM |
| • | InstallScript MSI |
| • | Merge Module |
| • | MSI Database |
| • | MSM Database |
| • | QuickPatch |
| • | Transform |
InstallShield provides .msi file differencing functionality, which allows you to have two .msi packages open in the Direct Editor for comparison purposes. When you are editing a transform (.mst file), the differences between the base package and the applied transform are highlighted in the Direct Editor.
The base package is the current file that you have open in the InstallShield interface. The compared file is any package you have on your system that you want to compare with the base package. Therefore, if you see a red X icon in front of a table in the Direct Editor after you initiate a difference, then that suggests that the table exists in the base file and not the compared file.
In-place differencing is not just limited to .msi packages and transforms. You can also compare other files such as .msm, .ism, and .pcp files.
In the Direct Editor, you can undo or accept the difference. Icons in the first column of the Direct Editor tables indicate whether the row is a deletion or an addition, or if the row contains a change. The comparison file also displays added or removed columns in a table.
|
Icon |
Description |
|
|
Row has been changed. |
|
|
Row has been added. |
|
|
Row has been deleted. |
To see the specific change that has been made, move your mouse over a column to see a tooltip that describes the difference.
To compare two projects or databases:
| 1. | Open the base project file (.ism) or database (.msi, .msm, .mst, or .pcp). |
| 2. | On the Tools menu, point to Difference, and then click Compare to File. The Select Compare File dialog box opens. |
| 3. | In the Files of type box, select the type of file that you want to compare with your base file, and then browse to select it. |
| 4. | Click Open. |
InstallShield indicates any differences between the two files in the Direct Editor.
To end the compare session:
On the Tools menu, point to Difference, and then click End Compare.
InstallShield removes all of the in-place differencing from the Direct Editor.
See Also
Determining the Changes that a Transform (.mst File) Makes
Determining Whether a Patch is Valid for an .msi Package
Determining the Run-Time Effects of a Patch
Determining the Differences Between Two .msi Packages
Determining the Differences Between Two InstallShield Projects