Free install wizard software [closed]

Answer 1

I would consider dotNetInstaller as well.

It's pretty easy to setup installation with prerequisites, has a nice wizard and an editor that let manage the xml scripting from a form.

Answer 2

NSIS (nullsoft scriptable installer system) will do the job. It's open source.

http://nsis.sourceforge.net/Main_Page

Answer 3

WiX

• Very powerful and flexible.
• Can produce MSI packages (Microsoft deployment format of choice)
• Almost no documentation
• Very steep learning curve.
• XML-based.
• Recommended for very complex installators.

Inno Setup

• Cannot produce MSI packages.
• Its scripting part looks like INI files structure.
• Uses Pascal Script based language for extra flexibility.

NSIS

• Cannot produce MSI packages.
• Fully scripted, very powerful but at cost of high learning curve.
• Recommened if WiX is too much and Inno Setup not enough.

AdvancedInstaller

• Basic version is free.
• Can produce MSI packages.
• Very good user-interface, almost no learning curve to get things done.
• XML-based (but schema is not very user-friendly, doesn't really matter as you would use GUI editor anyway)
• The best option if you have only basic installer requirements and don't have time to learn something new.

IzPack

• Cross-platform
• Maven integration
• Customizable actions
• Well documented
• Opensource

Answer 4

We use MakeMSI here to construct Windows installers. Very steep learning curve, but it's guaranteed to work on any Windows system.

We've had problems with Nullsoft installers in the past, as silent, automated installs (the kind done all the time in managed environments) aren't supported by default.

Answer 5

Nullsoft Installer is the way to go. It has a bit of a steep learning curve but once you've worked out the scripting you'll have a decent installer in no time. Check out the Eclipse plugin too, it is a great addition.

Answer 6

NullSoft NSIS http://nsis.sourceforge.net/Main_Page