Installer for Windows application [closed]

Question

I have to create an installation file for ActiveX components. This ActiveX components will be downloaded as an *.exe installer file, executing this installer file will install the required ActiveX components on the user's PC.

To create such an installation file I came across two installer software -

• Install Shield
• NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System)

So which of the above option is preferable or any other options?

Answer 1

The only thing InstallShield has going for it is its IDE. And as it turns out, it works decently well for very basic installers when you don't need to write a line of code. However, when you need to create custom tasks and get into InstallShield's scripting language, it's a very clunky and unpleasant experience.

In terms of reliability, flexibility, speed, and size, NSIS is far superior to InstallShield. I know it's a bold claim. But you can read about my install system saga here and what led me to NSIS... http://swortham.blogspot.com/2008/02/nsis-another-gem-from-nullsoft.html

Answer 2

In visual studio, you can also create an installer project for your Active X which uses the windows installer.

Answer 3

InstallShield is superior to NSIS. However, because NSIS is free and enough for your needs, I recommend using it.