How to create a robust, minimal installer for Windows? [closed]

Answer 1

Both NSIS and Inno Setup will cope with all the tasks specified. Inno Setup uses a Pascal-like language for its scripts, NSIS uses its own script language.

Answer 2

I've heard good things about the free installer Innosetup, and the website says it can create single EXE installs.

Answer 3

InstallShield has a release option called "Single .EXE". It can bundle the payload inside, plug register w/Add-Remove Programs as you specified.

Answer 4

You can create a single installer file using just Visual Studio 2017 Pro and Windows in 3 steps:

1. To have an entry in the Add/Remove Programs, you need to have a setup project.
2. The setup project may compile into 2 files: *.msi and setup.exe
3. To create a self-extracting package, you can use the IExpress tool

Answer 5

NSIS, MSI any installer can do that for you.

NSIS is pretty small and compact.

Answer 6

Try Advanced Installer, I think it can do all that you ask. I use it for slightly more complex installers but the free version is easy to use and powerful.

There can be an issue with MSI files, older PCs don't have the latest Windows Installer, 3.1, so you need to install that or prompt the user to, first! Have you looked into using IExpress if you just want to copy a file across?