Wix Toolkit - MSI Installer - Window's pop-up constantly appears when installed application is launched

Question

I have a WiX script that creates an installer that lays down an application in Microsoft Windows 7 and 10 machines silently. There are no options so there is no need for a GUI.

Answer 1

Short Answer: This is an MSI self-repair problem.

1. Work out what component triggers the self-repair. Details below.
2. Correct the situation by making changes to the setup eliminating the conflict situation.

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Self-Repair: This is the classic "unexpected self-repair" issue often seen with MSI packages when certain conditions are met. I have written about this issue so many times that I will recycle some answers. I think the most accessible answers might be these two (please read at least the first link):

• Visual Studio 2015 msi build initiates another installation
• Why does the MSI installer reconfigure if I delete a file?

Debugging Using Event Log: To determine what MSI component triggered the self-repair you need to debug by inspecting the Event Log. This is described by Stefan Kruger's FAQ entry: Windows Installer launches unexpectedly, for no obvious reason. Alternatively read Flexera's Article: Understanding Windows Installer (MSI) Self-Repair (features nice screen shots).

Components & Products: When you have an offending component GUID, you can determine what product it belongs to by running this VBScript: Look Up Products for Component. It could be another product - if not just open your product's MSI file and find the component's key path.

Full Details: And the very in-depth answers with full explanations. Try the bolded third link for practical issues:

1. Self-repair - explained
2. Self-repair - finding real-world solutions
3. Self-repair - how to avoid it in your own package

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Other Resources:

• What is the use of Repair option in a msi installer and what does it really do (internally)?