Why is there oftentimes a setup.exe AND a setup.msi in ONE inst packg?


  1. Posts : 244
    win7pro 64bit
       #1

    Why is there oftentimes a setup.exe AND a setup.msi in ONE inst packg?


    When I download software from official webpages then I observe oftentimes a setup.exe AND a setup.msi within the just downloaded single *.zip installer package.
    Example: http://www.bctester.de/en/download.html

    Why are there TWO files?

    Shouldn't it be enough to provide only ONE (either exe or msi) file for installation?

    Which one should users officially double click (at first) for installation?

    Peter
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #2

    You're right. Should be enough to provide only ONE (either exe or msi) file for installation.
    As you have the two, I would install with the setup.exe.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 334
    Windows 11 Pro (x64)
       #3

    setup.exe, is that main installer... usually... InstallShield Wizard
    I pretty sure the setup.msi is the "bootstrap"..

    here is some web data.

    An MSI is a Windows Installer database. Windows Installer (a service installed with Windows) uses this to install software on your system (i.e. copy files, set registry values, etc...).

    A setup.exe may either be a bootstrapper or a non-msi installer. ... A bootstrapper will contain an MSI instead of individual files.Nov 24, 2009
    What is an MSI file?

    MSI is an installer package file format used by Windows. Its name comes from the program's original title, Microsoft Installer, which has since changed to Windows Installer. MSI files are used for installation, storage, and removal of programs.
    What is the setup EXE file?

    File: setup.exe. The standard installation file for InstallShield Windows applications, this process is run on command and installs a variety of software packages. InstallShield is a utility for deploying software applications to Windows.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #4

    Melchior is right. The Setup.exe may have a wizard to choose some option. At the end it calls the *.msi.
    I have (many times) installed using the *.msi with same results.
      My Computers


 

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