MSI Installers

[Seekermeister]

Twice, I have noticed that when installing a program with a MSI installer, that it caused my PVR150's picture to freeze for maybe 20 seconds, and then have the sound and video remain out of sync, until I changed the channel. In the last instance, Installing MS's Calculator Plus, it also caused Zone Alarm to pop a dialog saying that my file manager was attempting to gain access to the internet, and when I denied that, another saying that the installer was trying to contact the internet, which I also denied. Taken one at a time, I might discount the significance of these, but together, they have me wondering what was going on? Why is there even such a thing as a MSI installer, when we already have other installers that work without any problem?

I doubt that anyone can answer these questions, but I have to ask regardless.

 

[RebateMonger]

MSI installers are an Microsoft standard formats that offers features like:
Ability to install and uninstall applications using Domain Group Policies
Ability to customize the installed features and settings to meet individual company needs.
Detailed logging.

Wikipedia: Windows Installer

 

[Seekermeister]

Thanks, but that doesn't explain the behaviors that I described. Why would the installer have to call home to accomplish anything like those things? Why does it interfere with a TV tuner's operation? These things occurred while the installer was initializing, before the actual installation even began. Therefore, no files should have even been changed.

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Thanks, but that doesn't explain the behaviors that I described. Why would the installer have to call home to accomplish anything like those things?

Shot in the dark, but it may phone home in order to check if you have the most recent versions of the files used by the installer engine.

 

[John]

The installer is most likely phoning home due to activation or validation reasons. Microsoft Calculator Plus needs a genuine copy of windows. Install a packet sniffer if you want to find out what data is being transmitted.

 

[corkyg]

Correct! MSI (MicroSoft Installer) operating sequence now includes validation that it is being installed into a genuine Windows product. The handshake with "home" is part of that sequence.