InstallShield is a popular tool used for creating software installation packages for Windows applications. It simplifies the process of packaging software for distribution and ensures that applications are installed correctly on the end-user's system. This article will guide you through the basics of using InstallShield to create a Windows installer.

What is InstallShield?

InstallShield is a proprietary software tool developed by Flexera Software, used for creating setup executables for Windows applications. It supports the creation of MSI and EXE installers, and it is widely used by software developers to package their applications for distribution.

Getting Started with InstallShield

1. Installation: First, download and install InstallShield from the Flexera website. Choose the version that suits your needs (e.g., InstallShield Professional or Premier).

2. Creating a New Project:

   • Open InstallShield and select "New Project."
   • Choose the project type. For most Windows applications, you will select "Basic MSI Project" or "InstallScript Project."

3. Configuring the Project:

   • Define Application Information: Enter the application name, version, and other metadata.
   • Select Installation Requirements: Specify system requirements such as operating system versions, hardware requirements, and software dependencies.
   • Add Files: Import the files that need to be installed. This includes the executable files, libraries, documentation, etc.
   • Configure Shortcuts: Define shortcuts that should be created on the desktop or in the Start Menu.
   • Set Up Registry Keys: If your application requires specific registry settings, configure these in the "Registry" section.

4. Building the Installer:

   • Once your project is configured, click "Build" to compile the installer. InstallShield will generate an MSI or EXE file that can be distributed to users.

5. Testing the Installer:

   • Test the installer on different Windows environments to ensure compatibility and to verify that it installs the application correctly.

Examples

Example: Creating a Simple Installer

Here's a basic example of how you might use InstallShield to create an installer for a simple application.

1. Open InstallShield and start a new "Basic MSI Project."
2. Enter Project Details:
   • Application Name: MyApp
   • Version: 1.0
3. Add Files:
   • Navigate to the "Files and Folders" view.
   • Add your application's executable and any supporting files.
4. Create Shortcuts:
   • Go to the "Shortcuts" view.
   • Create a shortcut to your application's executable on the desktop.
5. Build the Installer:
   • Click "Build" to generate the installer package.

Example: Running InstallShield via Command Line

InstallShield can also be executed via the command line for automated builds. Here's a sample command to build a project:

IsCmdBld.exe -p "C:\Projects\MyApp\MyApp.ism" -r "Release"

This command uses the IsCmdBld.exe utility to build the project specified by the .ism file.