Summary

When attempting to install to a target machine with multiple drives, files are being placed on the wrong drive.

Symptoms

When attempting to install to a target machine with multiple drives, files are being placed on the wrong drive. This occurs during a non-administrative install.

Cause

Windows Installer uses a ROOTDRIVE property that specifies the default drive for the destination directory of the installation. On a non-administrative install, the property is set to the drive with the most space.

Steps To Reproduce

1. Create sample installer
2. Install on machine with 2 hard drives

The drive the installer selects is the one with the most free space.

Resolution

Set the ROOTDRIVE property in the Property Manager.
Alternatively, the WindowsVolume directory can be used for file destination if the files are intended to be installed on the drive where Windows is installed on.

Related Documents

ROOTDRIVE property