Adding files to an MSI, from the command line?

Question

I would like to add a custom config file for users downloading my MSI installer file. To do this I need to add a file to the pre-built MSI file just before download.

Is there a command line way to do this? (bonus points if it works under Linux or Wine)

Answer 1

There is a command-line program called msidb.exe, which is included in the Windows Installer SDK and can help you add files to the MSI. However, just putting the file in there isn't enough; you need to update the the File, Directory and Component tables to include the file in the installation, which means you need to have a pretty good understanding of how those pieces work and the tools to use them.