Chapter 2. Creating Files and Directories

In the previous chapter, we saw that creating a WiX installer isn't so tough. Less than seventy lines of code and you've got a professional-looking deployment solution. One of the things we covered was how to copy files and create directories on the end user's computer. We've covered the basics, but now it's time to dig deeper.

In this chapter you will learn how to:

• Organize your File and Directory elements using the DirectoryRef and ComponentGroup elements

• Split your WiX markup using Fragment elements to keep it manageable

• Use heat.exe to create the Component markup

• Install special case files such as installing to the GAC