An EXE to MSI converter can come in handy for software deployment. Some of the best known Software Deployment Tools only allow MSI deployment on remote computers. Also, MSI packages are preferred by System Administrators for silent software deployment. So, if you have an installation package in EXE format which you need to install on multiple computers remotely, then you can use any of these two free EXE to MSI converter software. These software take EXE file from your system, and according to the information provided by you, generate MSI package. I was able to find and review two such EXE to MSI conversion tools that are available for free. Let us check them out.
MSI Wrapper
The free version of MSI Wrapper lets you convert EXT to MSI with ease. Begin with adding an EXE file, then you have to define certain parameters for conversion. Once all the parameters are set, you will get a MSI package as output.
There are certain steps involved in the conversion of Executable file to MSI file.
While selecting the EXE file, you can set Security and Elevation parameters. Set output MSI file name and select Installation context as Auto, Per Machine, or User.
In the next step, you will have to enter Application ID and Upgrade code. Application ID is important to identify a package while upgrade or installation. You can skip this step, but remember, the MSI package will not be upgradable or uninstallable remotely.
The next step requires you to add Product name, Manufacturer, Version, Comment, and Program Icon. After this, you can add several info related to Help, Update, About, and Contact.
Add Installation and Uninstallation Arguments in the next step, if required.
Once all the parameters have been defined, you will see a final summary before building the MSI file. After building the MSI file, you can either install it to check if it’s working or open the folder containing converted MSI file.
Note: The free version of this EXE to MSI converter adds a comment to the product name, which shows up in the Add/Remove program list. The paid version will not add any comment and also provides a command line EXE to MSI converter. Go to the Professional Features page to checkout additional features.
Exe to MSI Converter Free
Exe to MSI Converter Free lets you convert EXE to MSI in a single step. All you have to do is add the EXE file that you want converted and set command line parameters for silent installation. You will have to manually enter the command line parameters. You can find some of the command line parameters here. Once done, simply click on Build MSI option.
There are not many options available with this EXE to MSI converter, but it does its job pretty well.
The Pro version of this tool had certain advanced features, but unfortunately it’s discontinued.
Final Words:
Both the above mentioned EXE to MSI converter software are good at building MSI packages. The first one requires some advanced parameters to be set, which can be completely avoided while using the latter one.
