Chapter 4. Improving Control with Launch Conditions and Installed States

We've covered how to store data in properties and how to search the target computer for files, directories, and settings using AppSearch. All by itself that makes WiX an attractive solution for deploying software. However, things are about to get more interesting. We're going to discuss how to use the information you've collected to control what gets installed and if the installer will continue past its initial startup.

WiX gives you a powerful tool that allows you to make these decisions—conditions. In this chapter, you will learn to:

• Set launch conditions to require prerequisites for your install

• Utilize feature and component conditions to prevent a portion of your software from being installed

• Read the action state and installed state of your features and components