How do I get my installer to deploy the Visual Studio 2013 (VC120) runtime to Windows XP?

Question

I recently updated my application to Visual Studio 2013. I'm attempting to make a final Windows XP build before dropping support, but I'm running into a problem with the installer after changing the installer version from 200 to 405. I had to do this in order to include the VC120 merge modules.

When I try to install my application on Windows XP, I get a dialog saying 'This installation package cannot be installed by the Windows installer service. You must install a Windows service pack that contains a newer version of the Windows Installer service.' This machine does have the latest service pack, however.

Is there any way for me to redistribute the VC120 runtime to Windows XP alongside my application?

Answer 1

Don't use the merge modules. Create a burn bootstrapper bundle that redistributes this instead. The installation requirements call out XP as acceptable.

Building Installation Package Bundles

Answer 2

Windows XP SP3 included Windows Installer 3.1 which is likely too old.

There is a separate Windows Installer 4.5 Redistributable you can use to update an XP system.

Can run Msiexec at a commmand line to check the current Windows Installer version (a dialog comes up which shows the version at the top of a text box).