Why can't we run 2 msi files at same time?

[cnu_yc]

Hello Team,

I am new to InstallShield. Can anyone answer the question please.

Why can't we run 2 msi files at same time?

Can anyone suggest where i can find the basics of Installer's, Patches, Merge modules, Transforms?

Thanks in Advance.

[rrinblue22]

You can't run two msi at the same time it's an MSI limitation.
For patches and upgrades you can refer the IS help or MSDN articles.

[MSIYER]

Why can't we run 2 msi files at same time?

msiexec.exe needs a mutex(mutual exclusion) for its functioning. This is to avoid avoid the simultaneous use of common resources and race conditions.
These conditions may happen during Registry or FileSystem write/read.

Can anyone suggest where i can find the basics of Installer's, Patches, Merge modules, Transforms?

There is a Windows Installer book by Phil Wilson. This is the best resource for beginners. Forums and Blogs are the other resources. You cannot find all info compiled together at one place as you can for other technologies. Seek help when stuck and help others when they are stuck.

[Christopher_Pai]

Read the MSI SDK doco included in the InstallShield help library. It's a really hard read but all the information is in there. For example you'll find the help topic:

_MSIExecute Mutex

The topic describes the name of the mutex and what it enforces:

1) One Execute Sequence per system
2) One UI Sequence per process

If you need to chain multiple MSI's, you should look at using Setup and Feature Prerequisites. If you move forward to InstallShield 2012, take a look at the new Suite Installers.