Need help adding a file to an MSI with Orca or similar

[sidewinder]

Ive been given some software called Universal Logicator by the Tech department to install. Helpfully it includes an MSI which works flawlessly, but they've undone their good work by requiring the Unlock Code to be typed into each machine on first bootup. The licence details are kept in a registration.xml file
Obviously I could have a small script that copies this file into the correct directory but I would prefer the MSI to be able to do it all.

Ive put the file in the folder the MSI takes the installation files from and tried adding the file to the 'files' table in Orca but it doesnt work - Im not surprised because I know nothing about Orca.

Is there any way I can easily do this?

[ajbritton]

This is not a trivial task by any means if the only tool you have is Orca and not much experience.

What I tend do to is to create a transform (.MST file) which adds a custom script that runs after the install. The script can then do whatever you need it to do, including copying in extra files from the installation source.

Create a new Transform file

Add these 2 entries to the CustomAction table

Action=SetPostInstallScriptPath
Type=51
Source=PostInstallScriptPath
Target=[SourceDir]PostInstallScript.exe

Action=RunPostInstallScript
Type=3186
Source=PostInstallScriptPath
Target=

Add these entries to the InstallExecuteSequence table
Action=SetPostInstallScriptPath
Condition=NOT Installed
Sequence=(a number just after PublishProduct sequence number) |

Action=RunPostInstallScript
Condition=NOT Installed
Sequence=(as above)+1

Save this transform calling it something like PostInstallScript.mst.

Create the post installation script in AutoIt, compile to PostInstallScript.exe and save it in the same folder as the MSI.

Test, test and test again!!

If you are assigning with AD then be sure to add the MST as a modification when doing the assignment.