MTE Explains Differences Between .exe and .msi

MSI is an installer file which installs your program on the executing system. Setup.exe is an application (executable file) which has msi file(s) as its one of the resources. Executing Setup.exe will in turn execute msi (the installer) which writes your application to the system.

1. What is the difference between EXE and MSI?
2. Should I use EXE or MSI?
3. What is MSI and EXE file?
4. What is an MSI file type?
5. Can I convert an EXE to MSI?
6. How do I get MSI from EXE?
7. Is it safe to delete MSI files?
8. What EXE means?
9. Is MSI file safe?
10. What is Windows 32 bit MSI?
11. Are MSI files compressed?
12. What is the difference between MSI and ZIP?

What is the difference between EXE and MSI?

The difference between MSI and EXE is that the MSI is an Installer database that comprises a collection of installer files and all the data needed to install, update, modify or get rid of certain software on your computer whereas EXE files can be used to install and run application software and also has the additional ...

Should I use EXE or MSI?

Rule of thumb: Unless you know what you are doing, it is recommended to use the setup.exe file whenever you have the choice between a setup.exe or an . msi file after you unpack a software installer on your system.

What is MSI and EXE file?

msi file is an installation package that will be processed by a Windows installer executable. And the .exe file is an executable containing the installer and installation files.

What is an MSI file type?

MSI is a file extension that applies to database files used by the Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI). They contain information about an application divided into features and components, and every component may contain files, registry data, shortcuts, and so on.

Can I convert an EXE to MSI?

Convert EXE to MSI using a free utility

MSI Wrapper allows to easily convert any .exe file into an MSI package, and also delivers premium features for software developers as part of its Pro offering.

How do I get MSI from EXE?

Run Windows Command Prompt (cmd) (in Windows 10: open the Start menu, type cmd and press Enter) and go to the folder where your EXE file is located. replace <file.exe> with the name of your .exe file and <target-folder> with the path to the folder where you want the . msi file to be extracted (for example C:\Folder).

Is it safe to delete MSI files?

You should be able to delete those files without any risc. ... msi files are only used during installation of a program or an update. In a perfect world the installer would have cleaned them out automatically. If you can delete them, then do.

What EXE means?

The .exe file extension is short for “executable.” These files are most commonly used on Windows® computers to install or run software applications.

Is MSI file safe?

The danger: Since MSI files are usually trustworthy and commonly used for software installations, it can be difficult to spot malicious files. This provides an optimal doorway for viruses to be delivered and installed on your computer.

What is Windows 32 bit MSI?

MSI is an installer package file format used by Windows. ... MSI files are used for installation, storage, and removal of programs. The files are contained in a package, which is used with the program's client-side installer service, an . EXE file, to open and install the program.

Are MSI files compressed?

An MSI file itself is never actually compressed, however it can contain embedded CAB files which may be compressed.

What is the difference between MSI and ZIP?

msi file is an installer. When you launch it, you start, by default, installing software. ... zip file is just an archive that doesn't have to contain a setup file as sometimes software can be used without installation (you doubleclick the .exe file). To work from zip file you first need to extract it.