C# – WIX Autogenerate GUID *

cguidwix

Let's say I generate my WIX XML file with a Product Id of *. Also for each Component GUID I use a *.

  <Product Id="*" Name="xxx" Language="1033" Version="1.0.0.0" Manufacturer="xxx" UpgradeCode="xxx">

Behind the scenes is the * spinning a unique GUID each time I compile my WIX Installer? Let's say I have version 1.0.0 installed a machine. Then I recompile my WIX Installer to version 1.0.1.

When I go to install 1.0.1 how does WIX know that 1.0.0 is already installed and thus will remove all files/registry entries and install 1.0.1?

Should I be using * from GUID or should I have a unique ID/GUID in my WIX XML configuration?

Best Answer

Product/@Id="*" randomly generates a new GUID, which is sufficient for product codes. Component/@Guid="*" calculates a GUID that stays the same as long as your target path stays the same, which is necessary to comply with component rules.

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