How to use msiexec to update a program

Question

I have a .msi to install a program. Upon 'update', I want to be able to check whether there is an update available on a server, and if there is, install it.

• Can msiexec do that? I've looked around, and all I can find is that the /update just applies .msp patches.
• Is the .msp patch a patch for the installer itself, or for the installed application?
• Can the latest .msp patch different versions of an installer/installation to the latest one?

If this isn't possible through msiexec or this method is problematic, what are the alternatives?

Answer 1

msiexec doesn't do anything like what you've described.

The msp file is a patch for the installed application, not the Installer service.

You can create a patch that is applicable to multiple products. You define this behavior in the patch's summary information stream.

Answer 2

It sounds like you want to check out ClickOnce deployment.