SDK Installation and Product Properties (Windows CE 5.0)
When you use the SDK Wizard in the IDE to configure and build an SDK, the result is a Microsoft® Windows® Installer (MSI) package. This package contains information required to install or uninstall an SDK, using the Windows Installer.
Each MSI package includes the following:
- An .msi file that contains the following:
- An installation database
- A summary information stream
- Data streams for various parts of the installation
- One or more transforms
- Internal source files
- External source files or cabinet files required by the installation
The Windows Installer allows you to include splash screens with your SDKs.
The Installer also automates the SDK installation process. During this process, it creates an entry for the SDK in the AddorRemove Programs dialog box under Control Panel on your development workstation. This allows a developer who installed your SDK to later remove it in a straightforward manner.
The Windows Installer also requires a product globally unique identifier (GUID) for each distinct SDK to facilitate the installation process.
The SDK Wizard manages the GUIDs for you, generating a unique GUID for each SDK with a new product name you create. However, if you modify the product version number for an existing SDK, the GUID for that SDK does not change.
The IDE displays a history of product names associated with the OS design, allowing you to update an existing MSI package. If you make changes to your OS design and want to replace an existing SDK, select the product name associated with the existing MSI package.
For information about modifying the Help Support information in the SDK, see Optional OEM Support Information.
The following table shows the installation information that the SDK requires.
| Product properties | Description |
|---|---|
| Product name displayed when .msi file runs | Name exposed to OS during installations and uninstallations. |
| Manufacturer name | Name of your company. |
| Locale language | Default language used for user interface (UI) installation elements that are not scripted. |
| Product version | Versioning to allow the installer to compare differing installations, using the format 00.00.0000. |
For more information, see Product Properties Tab.
See Also
Modifying the SDK Installation Properties | Modifying the SDK Product Properties | Adding a Splash Screen to an SDK Installation | SDK Development | MSI-based Installer Modification
Last updated on Thursday, February 02, 2006
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