A new feature of the Intel AppUp™ SDK Plug-in is the MSI* Package utility. Before the release of this new feature, developers would typically have to manually create an MSI using Visual Studio 2008/2010. However, this method was time consuming and it often created errors if developers were unfamiliar with how to create MSI files.

The new MSI Package feature now makes MSI file creation extremely simple in just a few steps. Below is a tutorial on how to use this new feature.

The following tutorial is designed for either C/C++/C# and .Net applications; the steps are all the same across those languages.

Task Prerequisite

This tutorial assumes that your application has already had the Intel AppUp SDK integrated. If this has not yet been done, it must be done before continuing. For more information on how to integrate the SDK in your code, please watch the video below.

Step 1 Create a Setup and Deployment Project

http://appdeveloper.intel.com/en-us/video/using-sdk-plug

Required Resources

1. Windows XP* or Windows 7*
2. Visual Studio 2008* or Visual Studio 2010*.
3. Download and install the Intel AppUp SDK: http://appdeveloper.intel.com/en-us/sdk
4. Download and install the Intel AppUp SDK Plug-in

There are two parts to this tutorial. Part 1 is a guide for developers who may not have the actual source code of the application. It is common for application publishers to outsource their development to a 3rd party consulting group, in which case they may not have the source code. Instead, the publisher may only have the application executable and the associated resource files like DLLs, sound files, application images etc. Part 2 describes the process for developers who have the full source code and projects of the application.

Part 1: Source Code Not Available

Step 1:Find the Tool Bar
After you have installed the plug-in, there will be a new tool bar added to Visual Studio. The MSI package utility is highlighted below. Click the button to begin the wizard.

Step 2:Welcome Page
The first screen of the wizard is simply an introduction. Click to the next step.

Step 3:Set Application Package Information
Fill in the information below, including Publisher, Version and Language. The Application package name is the name of the application that will appear in the Programs list under the Control Panel of Windows.

You can add files one by one or you can select an entire folder. If you select folder, the utility will automatically insert all the files and subsidiary folders into the project.

Step 4:Set Shortcut Information
The Shortcut name is the name of the application as it will appear on the desktop and the Programs Menu. The Shortcut icon will be the icon that will appear in the desktop and Programs Menu.

At the bottom is the Target selection. Select the .exe that will cause the application to launch. The utility will simply find all the .exe’s in the application folder and display them. Note that the Type selection cannot be changed in this part of the tutorial, so it can be ignored.

Step 5:Confirm Settings
The summary page gives information about the MSI Package. The “Change“ button allows the developer to change the folder location of the MSI project file. At this time it is recommended that the developer validate the files and data.

Step 6:Succeeded
This final screen indicates the MSI package was created successfully and is ready to be compiled.

After the project is created and is ready for compilation, developers can still access part of the MSI file to change things like Custom Actions, Launch Conditions, Registry, etc. Note that this utility is designed for newer developers, providing an easy way to create a valid MSI project. Once compiled, the MSI file is ready to be uploaded to the iADP website.

Part 2:Source Code is Available
The MSI package utility can still be used by developers who have the source code of the application project.

Step 1:Select the Project
Select the Project of the application source code and then press the package utility wizard button.

Notice there is a new section added to the Welcome screen. This caption simply tells you the project to be used to make the MSI file.

Step 2: Set Application Package Information
Set the Package Name, Publisher and Version. Since the source code and application project are available, there is no need to input any files or folders. The utility will grab all the output files generated by the source code project. However, if the project requires a component that is not part of the source project, it must be added now. For example, if the application needs to install a tool as a prequisite, that tool needs to be added at this time.

Step 3: Setup Shortcut
Again, you need to input the Shortcut name and Shortcun icon. Since you are using the output files of the project, you do not need to change the Type or Target. The utility will find the .exe of the application based on the source code project output settings.

Step 4:Confirm Settings
This is just a review page. Note that the directory cannot be changed unlike in Part 1.

Step 5: Complete
Your project has now added the MSI project and is ready to be compiled. Once the MSI file is created, upload it to the application account.