How do you extract .msi files from setup.exe's?

[Python007]

Thanks Morglum007 - your a star

I'd spent days searching the 'net for ways to extract the .msi from the setup.exe to no avail

I'm still interested in how 'Cueball' developed the .msi for Call of Duty tho'

[Cueball]

i made it from scratch mate using commercial software, had to do it in my workplace as the software i used is too expensive just for what i needed it for

can't remember the software right at the moment but will take a look when I get back to work if you really are interested in knowing what it is.

[Python007]

Hiya Cueball,

Yeah, i'm still interested.......

You say u made it from scratch?

Was it difficult?

I would say that my knowledge of PC coding lies somewhere between novice and expert.........if it helps, I have cracked (without external help) the 'innosetup' install routine's, which gave me a bit of a buzz for this 'cracking' thing.

After doing the installers I would love to learn how to crack the executables themselves - I used to do it during my teens (80's) with 8-bit 6502 assembler and later on using 32-bit RISC (Acorn machines), but then again, it might be over my head nowadays.

Regards

[Cueball]

ok the program is Installshield (version 10 is the one used at work, but I believe there is a newer one now)

it was relatively easy for COD, with a hell of a lot of testing from Grumpy & Reddragon.

the program itself is virtually wizard run but does need some modifying after, however you need to know what reg keys and such the game makes, you can use a tool called regmon to find this out

there are quite a few games that can't be converted to dvd because of the setup routine used, ie Call of Duty, so if you feel like using a good few days up and spending a bit of cash on the software I'm sure there will be plenty of people who would be very grateful.

I was going to look at Soldier Of Fortune 2 but just not had the time lately, if I get time i will do.

oh and I didn't crack it mate, I just worked around it

EDIT: the link for the software: http://www.installshield.com/products/installshield/

http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Regmon.html

[Python007]

Cool m8

I was looking at Filemon, and had a little play, so see what files were been installed during the setup installer for Perimeter.

I presume Regmon is made by the same company who made Filemon.

i'm ok at modifying .msi's, but when it comes to creating them, I might get stuck.

it's a shame there is no way of decompiling the setup.exe to extract the .msi file

That's why I like innosetup, because you can use innounp to extract the .iss script and file cabinets, make your adjustments, then repackage i.e. I have done a successful patch install on Restricted Area