This is an example of how to build a Windows MSI installer for a node.js server application using WiX.

Introduction

The msi installer will install:

1. All files of the project root folder (except for excluded files).
2. node.exe to run the program.
3. nssm.exe to register a service.
4. A shortcut in the Start menu to the url of the web application

By default it will install to C:\Program Files (x86)\My Manufacturer\My Application. Every component installed is rolled back on uninstall.

Prerequisites

You need to have WiX Toolset 3.11 and node.js installed.

The paths are hardcoded but if something fails you get a very good message.

Usage

1. Open a new powershell.
2. Enable execution of powershell scripts by entering: Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
3. Navigate into the installer directory.
4. Run .\build.ps1 on powershell.
5. Find the installer under installer/output/installer.msi.
6. Also make sure to add the generated Guid file under installer/guid.txt to your repository and never change it.

Customization

You can edit the files inside installer/resources to apply your company design. The icon under public/favicon.ico is used for the shortcut in the Windows Start menu and for the entry under Windows Add/Remove Software. Enter your company name and product name in the according fields in installer/en-us.wxl.

Exclude files

If you want to exclude files from WiX so it will not be installed have a look at installer/exclude_files.xslt and add your files.