I have two projects in my solution. One EmbedSQLExpress that has a wrapper class and the SQLExpress setup file and all it's dependencies extracted. The other is my custom application.

I create a setup project that includes the output of both projects, plus all the dependencies. When I run my setup.exe that is generated. Everything copies to the correct file system, but no SQLExpress is installed.

How do I get the setup to exectue my EmbedSQLExpress app rather than just copy it over?

Thanks

I have gotten this to work. since the embedsqlexpress.exe was not an install file I've set the Install File property to false and it worked.

So, Just to clear this up I had a console application that was a wrapper for an installation of sqlexpress like in the previous link. I had a custom app that needed the database. I added both to a Setup and Deployment project and set the embedsqlexpress.exe as an Install Custom Action. In the properties for this action I set the Install File property to false.

It's not exactly clear to me what your goal is, butthethose names make me think you're trying to install SQL Express. If you are, thenyou should really be using the Prerequisites button in your setup project's properties to install SQL Express. If you're just trying to run a program at setup time use a custom action.

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Phil Wilson

My goal is to have one setup file that will first install SQL Express via the EmbedSQLExpress project and then install my custom application. Here is what I've tried but with no luck

That won't work, that's why the Prerequisites button is used to build a setup.exe to install SQL Express before installing your MSI. You cannot install SQL Express from your setup, that's why the doc at that link says:

NoteA SQL Server Express wrapper cannot be MSI-based because Windows Installer does not support multiple instantiation of the Windows Installer service.

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Phil Wilson

I have gotten this to work. since the embedsqlexpress.exe was not an install file I've set the Install File property to false and it worked.

So, Just to clear this up I had a console application that was a wrapper for an installation of sqlexpress like in the previous link. I had a custom app that needed the database. I added both to a Setup and Deployment project and set the embedsqlexpress.exe as an Install Custom Action. In the properties for this action I set the Install File property to false.