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I would like to know what are the directories the files within a .msi package will be installed to. For example, if I run the file x.msi, it will likely install its files in C:\Program Files\Program X.
Is it possible to get that directory before running the file?
user314994
Posted 2014-04-11T22:21:27.567
Reputation: 41
1
MSI files can be configured to install files anywhere so there isn't any set assumptions you can make.
You can use Orca to examine the msi file, specifically, the File and Directory tables to see where files are likely to be installed.
You can also try a vbs script that automates this process for you, although I haven't tried that myself.
ssnobody
Posted 2014-04-11T22:21:27.567
Reputation: 2 510
There are packages with hardcoded paths, but they're probably vastly outnumbered. – Daniel B – 2014-04-11T23:50:43.143
0
In addition to what others have answered, you can get a pretty good idea of what is installed and where by an MSI file by extracting all the files with an admin install:
msiexec.exe /a File.msi
Then specify an extraction location and the MSI file will be unpacked (cabs will be extracted) and you will get a neat folder hierarchy next to a smaller MSI file - now stripped of its internal cab file content.
Some MSI setups are wrapped in EXE files, and you can run an admin install simply by opening a command prompt and writing setup.exe /a and then specify the output path.
Stein Åsmul
Posted 2014-04-11T22:21:27.567
Reputation: 969
An .msi installer can extract files to more places than just the Program Files folder. What is exactly your main purpose? – Doktoro Reichard – 2014-04-12T02:37:00.943