[RESOLVED] [2005] customize 2005 setup

I have two windows applications where one relys on the other (i didn't write it, i'm just installing it) that normally would be installed in two steps. I am trying to reduce it to one step.

The original instructions state that the packages need to be executed in a particular order. That crystal runtimes be installed, as well as framework 1.0 (while everything current is in 2.0, some things have not been upgraded yet so require the 1.0). I have the crystal runtimes and 1.0 install working perfectly with the first package on the list that must be installed.

What i am trying to do is add the setup file from the other project as a custom action, which it seems to do, but can't find the MSI file for that setup.

I have added the MSI file to the setup project in the first one, added it to the primary output in the setup project, and copied it to the setup/ release directory of the first installed project to no avail.

I know this can be done, look at office it installs stuff, and i have a hard time believing M$oft didn't think this would be something that needed to be done. I dont' however, have a hard time believing that there is no information on the micro$oft side of the net on how to do this, they elude to it in their docs they say "hey you can do this" but nowhere does it say HOW. I usually dont require much beyond the occasional MSM file be included in the setups around here, as all of our stuff is strictly in house.

Any information on HOW to get the second action of successfully executing the second setup package within the first would be most greatly appreciated as i am fully out of hair to pull out.

If M$ told you how, how would they make money on support??? I have seen glaring mistakes in code on their website to instruct one on how to do things and not one of them is a complete example!!! I even saw on example where they dimed everything as a variant when they were using strings and integers...???:confused:

Fortunately I use Inno Setup and know exactly how to do it there...

I'm marking it resolved, I managed to create a vbscript that runs everything including the install of framework 1.0 and every other supporting file. found a nifty script to exe maker too that the boss bought for me (hey she can't give me a raise, but does buy me neat toys to play with).