Text Archive Files

The Windows Installer database tables can be exported to ASCII text files by using MsiDatabaseExport or the Export method of the Database object. The information in these text archive files can then be imported back into a Windows Installer database using MsiDatabaseImport or the Import method of the Database object.

Tools such as msidb.exe are capable of exporting and importing text archive files. See Export Files and Import Files for Windows Installer Scripting Examples that can export and import text archive files from a database.

Note

Text archive files are not intended as a means to edit the installation database. You should use a Windows Installer table editing tool, such as Orca or a third-party tool, to create and modify an installation package.

 

Text archive files can be used for the following purposes.

The following pages describe text archive pages and their formats.