MSI File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .msi
MIME Type application/x-msi
Primary Use Installation and configuration of software
Developer Microsoft
Introduced 1999
Based On Microsoft Database format
Architecture COM Structured Storage
Compression Yes
Encryption Optional
Signature Can be digitally signed
Main Functionality Software installation, maintenance, and uninstallation
Accessibility Can be inspected and modified with Microsoft Orca tool
Execution Requires Windows Installer service
File Sequence Management Supports file versioning and rollback
Custom Scripts Support for custom actions through VBScript, JScript or executable files during install/uninstall
GUI Supports custom GUI during the installation process
Reliability Designed for reliable installations and uninstallations
Integrity Supports integrity checking to ensure that the package has not been altered after creation
System Integration Tightly integrated with Windows Operating System
Prerequisites Checking Ability to check for system requirements before installation