There may be cases where a software installation includes a driver install but it is not desirable to remove the driver if the software is uninstalled.
Synopsis
There may be cases where a software installation includes a driver install but it is not desirable to remove the driver if the software is uninstalled. In a standard scenario, the driver would be uninstalled along with the application.
Discussion
There are two common approaches that will result in the driver being kept intact if the software is uninstalled. These approaches are discussed below.
The first approach involves separating the driver installation and the software installation. By creating separate installation packages for the driver and the software, you can effectively let the user uninstall whichever one they wish to remove without encountering unexpected behavior. It is also possible to bundle the packages in a Suite project if you wish to deliver the install as a single install experience. You can opt to disable the Suite ARP entry so that the user would have to uninstall each package one by one.
The second approach involves setting the components that are related to the driver as permanent. By doing this, the driver files and install should be left behind should an uninstall occur and this allows the driver to remain intact post uninstall. Keep in mind, however, that this approach would result in the driver being uninstallable by your installer. The user would have to uninstall the driver manually through the device manager and manually remove the driver files should they ever want to remove the driver.
