Summary

Synopsis

This article explains shared files and core components and how Express handles them. This applies to Basic MSI Project Type.

Discussion

Shared files and core components are important in keeping your system as well as your user's system working properly, so it is important that you know how to install and uninstall these kinds of files. To know how to use them, you must first understand how they are used by the system.

Shared files - These are files that are used by multiple programs or are designated to be used by multiple programs. Every time a program installs this type of a file, the reference count for the file is increased. The reference count is a binary value located in the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs.

Core components - These are shared files that are considered part of the operating system. These files should not be removed when an application is uninstalled. See the file Corecomp.ini for a full list of all core components. Express does not differentiate between shared files and core components.

The Windows Installer Service has built-in support for installing shared files. Files installed to Common Files Folder and System folder are automatically shared by the engine. These files do not need to be explicitly shared by a setup author. If, however, you need to set shared files, you can use the following steps to accomplish this:

1. Right-click on a file under Files > Destination computer's files view.
2. Select Properties to launch the Properties dialog.
3. Select the Advanced tab to find the Shared attribute.
4. Under Installation / Uninstallation Properties, select the Shared check box.

Additional Information