An action encapsulates a typical function performed during the installation or maintenance of an application. Windows Installer has many built-in standard actions. Developers of installation packages can also author their own custom actions.

Examples of installer standard actions include:

• CreateShortcuts action: Manages the creation of shortcuts to files installed with the current application. This action uses the Shortcut table for its data.
• InstallFiles action: Copies selected files from the source directory to the destination directory. This action uses the File table for its data.
• WriteRegistryValues action: Sets up registry information the application requires in the registry. This action uses the Registry table for its data.

The following sections discuss standard actions.

• About Standard Actions
• Using Standard Actions
• Standard Actions Reference

Send comments about this topic to Microsoft

Build date: 8/13/2009