How to modify .NET config files during installation ?

Question

I use the app.config file to store some values (path to a mapping database, data connection selections). These settings differ on the user machines and I would like the installer to set them right. Is there an installer that can work with .NET config files during setup and allow me to create some dialogs that would help me fill in these values ?

I know this question may be similar to : Initializing user.config or app.exe.config during install, but I am not limited to VS 2008 setup project and I want to change the settings in the config files.

EDIT: I see that using WIX is one option, but I feel like cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer. It may be the only solution, but I still hope for something simple.

Answer 1

I've used the WIX toolset to produce an msi. The tool allows you to declaratively specify changes to XML files like app.config during installation. Problem is though there is a significant learning curve. Search sourceforge for wix.

Answer 2

We use WIX to change the application's configuration file. It works really well, you'll need to add wixUtilExtension.dll in the reference.

WIX sample:

<Component Id="ChangeConfig" Guid="[YOUR_GUID_HERE]">
   <File Id="App.config" Name="MyApplication.exe.config" Vital="yes" KeyPath="yes" Source="[Path to project dir]\app.config" />
   <util:XmlFile Id="AppConfigSetConnStr" Action="setValue" Permanent="yes" File="[#App.config]"         
        ElementPath="/configuration/connectionStrings/add[\[]@name='MyDatabaseName'[\]]" Name="connectionString" 
        Value="Your Connection string values here" />

</Component>

It actually depends on what you are using to create the installer, What are you using ?
Have alook at the WIX Tutorial.

Answer 3

I used NSIS with an XML plugin to do this.

Answer 4

If you're using a VS setup project, have you created a custom action? I've used them for everything from poking XML values to deploying databases.

Answer 5

Hello Tomas,

Check the following URL, it has the tutorial to update app.config file during installation.

Hope it helps.

Thanks

Answer 6

Sorry Tomas, Here's the URL:

http://raquila.com/software/configure-app-config-application-settings-during-msi-install/