For InstallScript MSI projects, note that InstallShield may sometimes add another uninstall key named InstallShield_... under the same 32-bit registry location, alongside the main one created by the Windows Installer. Both are present to ensure compatibility with different system components.
If you create a new software project by copy-pasting an old InstallShield project file, change the Product Code immediately . If you don't, the new software will overwrite the old software on the user's machine because Windows thinks they are the same product.
You can use IsCmdBld.exe (InstallShield command-line builder) to modify the .ISM file using a script:
The Windows Installer also stores more detailed installation information for each product in another key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\<UserSID>\Products\<ProductCodeHash>\InstallProperties , where <ProductCodeHash> is the product code hashed into a string without braces. installshield product code
The InstallShield Product Code is a fundamental property in Windows Installer (MSI) setup projects. It serves as the primary unique identifier for a specific release of your software application. Managing this GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) correctly ensures seamless installations, smooth upgrades, and clean uninstalls.
Changes frequently. It identifies a specific version or edition of a program.
In simple terms, the is a GUID that the operating system and the Windows Installer (MSI) service use to uniquely identify your specific application. The installation process registers this GUID on the target machine at run time. This registration is what allows Windows to: For InstallScript MSI projects, note that InstallShield may
This is brute force. It ignores components and file reference counts. Use it for clean breaks, not frequent releases.
After 15+ years of enterprise deployment consulting, these are the non-negotiable rules:
For MSI-based installs:
The Product Code is the fingerprint for a specific version of a specific product. Unlike the Upgrade Code, it is not a family identifier; and unlike the Package Code, it is not a simple file identifier. As a best practice, the Product Code for a given release must never be changed unless you intend to perform a . Changing the Product Code for an already released product is irreversible and will break the installation’s ability to uninstall or upgrade the previous version properly.
If you need to silently uninstall an InstallShield-built MSI application via the command line, you must use the correct Product Code syntax: msiexec.exe /x YOUR-PRODUCT-CODE-GUID-HERE /qn Use code with caution. /x : Triggers the uninstallation.
To generate a new, unique GUID, click the button with three dots ( ... ) next to the Product Code field. Caution: Do not manually edit the GUID unless absolutely necessary; always use the generator to ensure it is valid. Best Practices for Product Code Management If you create a new software project by
Demystifying the InstallShield Product Code: A Guide to Upgrades and Identification
In Windows Installer (MSI) technology — which InstallShield uses — a is a GUID (e.g., A1B2C3D4-E5F6-7890-AB12-CD34EF567890 ) that uniquely identifies a product.