Windows Installer Deployment Overview

Deployment in Visual Studio differs from traditional setup and deployment in many respects. Rather than creating script-based setup programs, Visual Studio deployment uses Microsoft Windows Installer technology to create installers that give you complete control over the installation process.

The following topics introduce important concepts related to deployment.

In This Section

• Deployment Via Distributable Media
  Explains the process of distributing applications via CD-ROMs or other media.

• Deployment of a Web Setup Project
  Describes methods for deploying files and applications to a Web server.

• Deployment Alternatives
  Describes other methods of deployment.

• Setup and Deployment Projects
  Describes the available types of deployment projects.

• Setup Projects
  Describes creating an installer for an application.

• Cab File Projects
  Describes creating a .Cab file for Web download.

• Merge Module Projects
  Describes creating a merge module for a component.

Related Sections

• Windows Installer Deployment Concepts
  Provides links to topics covering concepts related to deployment.

• Windows Installer Deployment Tasks
  Provides links to topics covering the tasks involved in deployment.

• Application Development in Visual Studio
  Explains the steps involved in developing an application.

• Managing Solutions, Projects, and Files
  Gives information about working with projects and solutions, including deployment projects.