Handling Invalid Windows Installer Packages
AdminStudio 2023 | 25.0 | Tuner
Ideally, all Windows Installer packages will pass validation. Realistically, many will fail (generating errors). When a package fails validation, it means the package was not built to Microsoft’s specifications. It does not mean the installation does not work. However, there are a few things you can do when your package has validation errors:
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Solution |
Explanation |
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Use Tuner to correct validation errors. |
This involves opening the base package using Tuner and creating a transform file which contains your corrections. |
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Contact the installation vendor. |
The company that created the installation (usually the same company that created the software) may be able to resolve the validation issues and provide you with a valid setup. Be sure to provide the validation report to vendors so they know where to focus. |
|
Reconsider using the application. |
Although it might be an extreme reaction to an invalid package, there may be compelling reasons not to use an installation not built to Microsoft guidelines. |
|
Ignore the problems and install anyway. |
This is probably the most likely scenario. The invalid installation may not be worth trying to fix, or even have errors that you are concerned about. You could proceed and just use the installation as it is. From a practical standpoint, this may be your best option. |
Note:Most packages will also generate Warnings during validation. These can occur in valid packages, and many cannot be removed. Although the presence of Warnings does not make a package invalid, it is generally a good practice to eliminate Warnings (if possible).