Windows Installer Versioning

Troubleshooting MSI Installer Issues in Visual Studio

Installing software using MSI (Microsoft Installer) packages is a common practice among developers. However, many face the frustrating issue of installation failures when trying to update to a new version of their application. The error message, “Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version cannot continue…” can leave you stumped and searching for a solution. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why this issue occurs and how to effectively resolve it, especially for users of Visual Studio 2008.

Understanding the Problem

When you build an MSI package with Visual Studio, it assigns a version number to that package. If you attempt to install a newer MSI with the same version number, Windows Installer will not allow the installation to proceed, as it identifies that an earlier version already exists. This can be particularly problematic if you intend to update your application frequently.

Common Error Message

  • “Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version cannot continue…”

This message indicates that your installation attempts to overwrite an existing version with the same version number, leading to failure.

Solution: Ensuring Proper Versioning

The key to successfully updating your MSI installers lies in the configuration of your package’s version properties. Let’s break down the steps you need to take to address these issues:

Step 1: Increment the Version Number

  1. Open Your Setup Project: This is the Visual Studio project where you define your MSI package.
  2. Locate the ‘Version’ Property: In your setup project’s properties, there should be a field labeled ‘Version’.
  3. Increment the Version: Change the version number to a higher value. Remember, this number is independent of the version numbers of the assemblies in your application. Each time you create a new build of your application for deployment, the version number needs to be incremented to reflect that it is a newer version.

Step 2: Set ‘Remove Previous Versions’ Property

Although you experimented with this setting, it’s worth a reminder:

  • Navigate to your setup project properties.
  • Confirm that the “Remove Previous Versions” property is set to True. This setting ensures that the installer removes the previous version before installing the new one.

Step 3: Rebuild the Installer

Once you’ve adjusted the version number and confirmed the property settings:

  • Rebuild your MSI: Make sure to compile all changes into a fresh installer package before trying to install it again.

Additional Considerations

  • Testing: Before rolling out your new MSI to users, conduct tests in a controlled environment to ensure everything works as intended.
  • Documentation: Keep track of your version numbers and the changes made. This practice will save you time in the future and help manage updates efficiently.

Conclusion

Managing installations and updates with MSI packages in Visual Studio doesn’t have to be a headache. By ensuring that you increment the version number correctly and set the appropriate properties, you can prevent installation errors and deliver updates smoothly for your users. Remember, keeping your versioning organized not only enhances the installation experience but also showcases professionalism in your software development processes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still encountering issues after following these steps, consider exploring other packaging tools, such as Wise or Advanced Installer, which might offer different functionalities that align better with your needs.

By understanding the nuances of MSI versioning, you’re well on your way to creating a hassle-free user experience for your software installations.