MSI packaging tools

[humbletech99]

I want to repackage some programs from .exe into MSI format for distribution via group policy but am having trouble finding suitable tools. I have been googling but haven't had much luck finding what I want yet. Ideally I'd like to use something simple and free/open source.

I tried WinInstallLE 2003 but that is no longer free and it's packages are tainted with expiry, so I went back to try the WinInstallLE 2000 version that was shipped on the Windows 2000 server cdrom. Unfortunately it fails to package, leaving the thing in an .nai format, complaining about invalid .reg name in the package (I tried several times with a simple name no spaces but no luck).

I've also looked at AdvancedInstaller from Caphyon which isn't too bad, but requires you to know all the program files and registry change needed to install the program, and NInstall which seems to basically be an editor for the underlying tech details that I have time to deal with.

What I am looking for is for something that will basically take a snapshot, I use the setup.exe to install the application and it does another snapshot to diff the two snapshots. This would be the easiest and best way and it also means the application doesn't have to be complicated with loads of features that I don't have time to use.

Any recommendations?

[snowmonkey]

What you are looking for in embedded in Server version of Windows Operating system......I recall learning about that years ago in a exchange 2000 course.....do a search in Windows Help file for "Windows Installer Technology"......it will do exactly what you asked for...taking a snap shot of the whole system (including registry) and creating package for distribution.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310598

Hope this helps

Cheers

[humbletech99]

err, yes that is the technology I have mentioned above. Did you read the link you gave me? That just describes what an MSI package is and why it is a good way to install things. It's windows 101. please tell me you aren't an mcse....

What I want os a way to create those packages (of which there are several but none that meet my needs as stated above)

[snowmonkey]

What would having mcse have anything to do with it.......yes I have read what was on that link. I thought you may have over looked what was available on to you in the OS.....what ever