How to: Create or Add a Merge Module Project
Merge module projects are used to package files or components that will be shared between multiple applications. They create a merge module (.msm) file that includes all files, resources, registry entries, and setup logic for your component. The resulting .msm file can then be merged into other deployment projects, ensuring consistent installation of your component across multiple applications. However, we recommend that you install prerequisites and dependencies by using a chainer or bootstrapper because merge modules cannot be directly installed on end-user computers.
Note
The dialog boxes and menu commands you see might differ from those described in Help depending on your active settings or edition. To change your settings, choose Import and Export Settings on the Tools menu. For more information, see Working with Settings.
To create a new merge module project
On the File menu, point to Add, then click New Project.
In the Add New Project dialog box, in the Project Types pane, expand the Other Project Types node, click Setup and Deployment Projects, and then click Visual Studio Installer.
In the Templates pane, click Merge Module Project.
To add an existing merge module project to a solution
On the File menu, point to Add, then click Existing Project.
In the Add Existing Project dialog box, browse to the location of the merge module project and click Open.
See Also
Tasks
How to: Set Deployment Project Properties
How to: Add Items to a Deployment Project