What

deployexpert created the topic: What
Which should I use if I have a choice between the two.

deployexpert replied the topic: Re: What
an exe is a compiler. an executer of information. usually backed up by a small ini file. that basically points to the msi at some point, eventually it will install the msi itself to.

an msi is more of a guide for the executing file.
a steering wheel if you want :p.

in short.. open the exe.

A .MSI is an installation file strictly for software for the Windows OS family. Microsoft itself supplies several of its software installers in this format.
.EXEs are executable files which may also be installer files. Most windows software installers from third party vendors are in the .exe format.
Sometimes a software may be distributed as both .msi and .exe. You can use either to install the file.

an .EXE (EXEcutable) is a program/computer application that is usually dependent on files that makes the program work. Most of the programs on your computer, as we speak, are .EXEs (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Windows Live Messenger, almost everything.)

A .MSI is a file usually used to install executables. MSIs are good in a sense that they compress the installation pack when downloading off the internet, and when installed, all files become decompressed as they were in the first place.

The EXE file type is primarily associated with ‘Executable File’ by Microsoft Corporation. An executable file is basically another name for a program. Virtually all programs that run under Windows or DOS are in the .EXE format. All of these files start with ASCII MZ but often those produced by different compilers have further identification. The TrID program has a number of these in its database if you need to know what compiler was used on the .EXE you have. If your EXE file extension association has been disabled, see the Associated Links for a possible fix.
The MSI file type is primarily associated with ‘Windows Installer File’ by Microsoft Corporation. Associates components with features and contains installation control information

AN msi is an installer, uninstaller and program repairer, it performs all those functions. The same file that installs the program also unistalls it and if the programs detects missing files or corrupt settings the msi repairs it. When you install a program with an msi, a copy of it or a near copy is also installed somewhere so that the program is always able to be repaired without you having to really do anything.
C:Windows Installer is one of the folders where back-up msi are kept. If you have a choice choose msi.

Rajesh Kumar

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