Building multiple exes with single installer

[AlexGSFC]

I have a large number of projects that run various pieces of hardware. Is there a way to have a single installer that installs all of the exes onto a local machine? They key component is that I need separate exes for each program, not like a launcher from a master VI that uses libraries or anything like that. Thanks!

[crossrulz]

This would be simple if you were in a single project.  I'm not sure about going across projects.

[Hooovahh]

When it's any thing beyond a simple installer I move to using Inno Setup (combined with ISTool) which makes it's own installer.  You can have it copy files, make shortcuts, setup the environment, and optionally run other installers (like NI runtimes) or other things.  It is pretty flexible and not as restrictive as NI's installers from the application builder.

Another option for you might be to make all these NI installers, one from each project, and then make an Inno Setup that includes all the other installers, and runs them each.

[mcduff · Accepted solution]

Maybe I am not understanding correctly.

I usually make an installer that may have more than one exe in it; usually I am installing a helper program.

If I am understanding correctly this is what I do. (picts below)

1. Compile all the exes beforehand.
2. Drag the EXE folders to the project where you are going to make the installer.
3. You will need to set up the source files and destination correctly in the installer.
4. Then Build.

Installer Dialog with Multiple EXEsProject Window where external EXE has been dragged into the project

mcduff

[AlexGSFC]

Thanks, I didn't realize that you could pull in external exes.