The executable NSIS bootstrapper is a multi-purpose wrapper over an MSI + required prerequisites. It is a lightweight application which contains packed metadata, prerequisites, and the installation package, and installs them in a specified order. Executable bootstrapper is a great way of consolidating an installation package consisting of many supporting files and prerequisites into a single .exe file, which can be then redistributed. All necessary prerequisites can be bundled together and installed if required.
When a bootstrapper is build it reads the package settings from the Prerequisites section and builds a script which ensures that dependencies are installed in a correct order, with proper conditions and installation failure detection. The process is automatic - as soon as the prerequisite is added to the project the necessary information is present.
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Note: Bootstrappers are created only when building an RPP project or rebuilding an MSI / MST package. Using the File > Save / Save as option does not start the build. |
Command Line Switches
The executable bootstrapper supports command line parameters for:
•Silent installation
•Uninstallation
•Logging
•Passing command line parameters to the MSI database
The command line options are described in Executable bootstrapper command line switches chapter.
Customizing Bootstrapper Appearance
Refer to the Advanced Topics section for more information about how to customize the bootstrapper.