Install external program from CDROM drive

InstallerGeek created the topic: Install external program from CDROM drive
I searched all over the Wix but couldn’t find anywhere how to install application from cdrom drive.

I have wix install which should install SQL Server 2008 based on user selection. Say, if user selects client install I don’t have to install SQL Server but if he selects Server install then I have to install it and SQL Server folder is on the CD.

CD ROM Directory structure looks like this CD\Setup.exe – Wix Installer with BootStrapper to Install .NET Framework.

CD\SQLSERVER2008 – this folder includes x86 and x64 installer for SQL Server 2008 Express Edition.

I need one to install SQL Server from the CD Folder.

Something like


applicationPackaging replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
You can’t generally launch one install program from within another.
However, I am not familiar with the specifics of this scenario, so, maybe?

InstallerGeek replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
In InstallShield, its very simple I can literally launch any program using LaunchAppAndWait(SOURCEFOLDER\SQLServer2008\setup.exe) but here I can’t find any tutorials or sample or even a code snippet to say you can do that.

applicationPackaging replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
Don’t take what I said the wrong way. WiX is just an MSI authoring tool, and as such has many of the same or comparable capabilities that InstallShield does (I’ve used both and much prefer WiX). It’s just that launching one installer from within another is not something Microsoft supports or allows with the current MSI technology (InstallSheild or WiX). However, if your Setup.exe doesn’t ultimately run an MSI, then maybe.

Snag a verbose log file and see what is says. We use a Setup.exe that launches our installer with logging, as a verbose log file is critical for debugging many issues.

Good luck with your project.

InstallerGeek replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
Thanks, I will try that.

I was thinking of using a CustomAction to run the external program, which I already do for creating a database from the installed folder, but all I wanted is access CDROM drive (Source Drive) to execute a CustomAction. I thought that can be done?

applicationPackaging replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
I do have a CustomAction that references the SourceDir for its data files, but unlike yours the main executable that I run is on the Hard Disk. Still, a working example might be of some use so I have pasted it below.

applicationPackaging replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
You need CA Type 34 ( blogs.technet.com/alexshev/archive/2008/…-custom-actions.aspx ) and use [SourceDir] (instead of [cdromdir]).
Still, bootstrapper is probably a better choice to install SQL prerequisite.

applicationPackaging replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
And, maybe I should point out that you might actually need two CustomAction entries to run one program. Here’s mine

The first one sets up the command line to use.

The second one is what actually gets run. Notice how ExeCommand points back to the Property defined in the first one.

InstallerGeek replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
So my code would be something like this

Does the Directory=”SourceDir” exists?

InstallerGeek replied the topic: Re: Install external program from CDROM drive
CA Type 34 – does it give me the D:\ drive (CD ROM Drive). If it does then half problem is solved.

Yes, I wish bootstrapper – I do have it but got to remove it, well requirements are that we need to install items on demand based on user selection.

Rajesh Kumar

I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.

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