Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To automate Windows Installer from a script, run a Windows Script Host (WSH) script outside the installer, create the COM object with the ProgID WindowsInstaller.Installer, and call its automation methods. That is different from a script custom action: Windows Installer runs those scripts directly, without WSH, so the WScript object is unavailable.

Choose the right scripting context

There are two distinct ways scripts can relate to an MSI package. The key choice is whether your script is an external automation client or code executed as part of installation.

Workflow Where it runs What it is suited to Important constraint
External WSH automation Under WScript.exe or CScript.exe, outside Windows Installer Inspecting installer data, running automation tasks, or managing package information Requires Windows Script Host and the Windows Installer automation interface
Installer script custom action Invoked by Windows Installer during package processing Specific work that must occur as part of an installation Does not use WSH; WScript is unavailable, and access to other WSH objects may be restricted

Microsoft states that “The installer runs script custom actions directly and does not use the Windows Script Host.” See Microsoft’s Scripts reference. Do not write a custom action as though it were a desktop or command-line WSH script.

How to create the Installer COM object from VBScript

The automation entry point is an Installer object created with the ProgID WindowsInstaller.Installer. Microsoft describes it as loading automation support and exposing methods and top-level objects. See the Installer object reference and About the Automation Interface.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
  1. Save a VBScript file. In an external script, create the COM object with CreateObject. For example: Set installer = CreateObject("WindowsInstaller.Installer").
  2. Use the automation members for the task. The Installer object exposes Windows Installer automation methods and top-level objects. Consult Microsoft’s interface reference for the specific member and object you need rather than assuming an MSI database is interchangeable with an ordinary file.
  3. Run it with a WSH host. Use CScript.exe for command-line execution or WScript.exe for the desktop host. For example, from a command prompt: cscript.exe //nologo yourscript.vbs. WSH supports creating COM objects from VBScript with CreateObject; JScript can use ActiveXObject or WScript.CreateObject. See Microsoft’s Using COM Objects in Windows Script Host.

This is an external automation pattern. It does not make WScript available inside a script custom action, nor does creating the Installer object alone select or modify a package: the rest of the script must call the appropriate documented automation members.

What you can do with Microsoft’s script examples

Microsoft’s Windows SDK includes VBScript examples illustrating automation tasks. The documented examples include:

Rank #2
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Flair, USB-A Flash Drive, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds
  • High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
  • Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
  • Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
  • Sleek, durable metal casing
  • Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
  • WiLstPrd.vbs for listing products, properties, features, and components.
  • WiImport.vbs and WiExport.vbs for importing and exporting files.
  • WiStream.vbs for managing binary streams.
  • WiGenXfm.vbs and WiUseXfm.vbs for generating and applying transforms.
  • WiRunSQL.vbs for executing SQL statements against installer databases.

Microsoft says these samples require Windows Script Host and are unsupported, though they may be useful as reference material. Their presence in the SDK is not a guarantee that a particular sample is suitable for a current deployment. See Windows Installer Scripting Examples.

Prefer package customization mechanisms when they fit

If the goal is to configure an installation, first check whether a public property or a customization transform can express the change. Microsoft’s Windows Installer Best Practices recommends these mechanisms for configurable package values and cautions against repackaging that misunderstands Installer configuration. The guidance also refers to Msitran.exe for creating customization transforms.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
2 Pack 64GB USB Flash Drive USB 2.0 Thumb Drives Jump Drive Fold Storage Memory Stick Swivel Design - Black
  • What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
  • Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
  • Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
  • Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
  • Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers

Custom actions are for needs the standard actions do not address; Microsoft notes that standard actions are sufficient in most cases. A custom action may be appropriate when you need to call a function or defer work to a particular installation stage, but it adds execution-context, security, and sequencing considerations. See Microsoft’s Custom Actions guidance. A transform or public property is generally the more direct option when it can represent the required configuration without custom code.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When a script custom action is appropriate

Windows Installer documents script custom-action types for VBScript and JScript. These are embedded in or installed with the package and run under the installer, not under a WSH host. A 64-bit script custom action must be marked as a 64-bit custom action. Consult current Windows Installer references and test behavior in the target environment before relying on a legacy example.

Rank #4
SIMMAX 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives Swivel Thumb Drive Pen Drive (32GB Purple)
  • GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
  • BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
  • EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
  • TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
  • WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
  • Use external WSH automation when a separate script needs to inspect or work with installer data through the COM automation interface.
  • Use a script custom action only when work must execute during package processing and the relevant custom-action type and security constraints are understood.
  • Use a public property or transform when the requirement is package configuration that those mechanisms can express.

The Microsoft pages on scripts, automation, and examples are legacy technical references; several were marked last updated January 7, 2021. Their descriptions explain documented interfaces and workflows, but should not be read as a blanket statement of compatibility with every current Windows deployment environment. The Installer object reference’s stated operating-system requirements are specific to that page, not a guarantee of support across all present-day platforms.

Best Value
IMEASON Swivel Design 16GB USB Flash Drive with Keychain, USB 2.0 Portable Thumb Drive Memory Stick, FAT32 Format Flashdrive for Data Storage, Photos, Music, Files (Black, 16 GB)
  • 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
  • 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
  • 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
  • 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.