What is the ArcGIS for Desktop setup?

The ArcGIS for Desktop setup was created using Microsoft Windows Installer technology. This technology uses a package file (.msi) and a client-side installer service (msiexec.exe). Windows Installer is a service that runs on your operating system. This service enables the operating system to manage the installation and uses the information contained within the package file to install the software.

The msiexec.exe program is a component of Windows Installer. Msiexec.exe uses a dynamic link library, msi.dll, to read the package files (.msi), apply transformations (.mst), and incorporate command line options.

NoteNote:

Windows Installer 3.1 (minimum) is required for the ArcGIS for Desktop setup. If you are installing by using setup.msi directly, you must have at least Windows Installer 3.1 on the target machine. It is recommended that you use setup.exe to install ArcGIS for Desktop when possible.

Windows Installer technology

More information on Windows Installer can be found in the Windows Installer Software Development Kit (SDK) which can be found at the Microsoft website.

The setup.msi installer package can be used to deploy ArcGIS for Desktop in Windows Installer supported environments such as Active Directory and Microsoft System Management Server. See Installing ArcGIS for Desktop silently for information on command line options for installing ArcGIS for Desktop. A deployment white paper is available on the ArcGIS Resource Center.

10/8/2012