My IT supervisor asked me to answer this question?

Question

What's the difference between an . exe and .msi (how do .msi's work) and explain the process of creating a .msi from an .exe and vice versa?
I pretty much know the difference between the two but not how .msi's work or how to create one from an .exe or vice versa.

Answer 1

The EXE file type is primarily associated with 'Executable File' by Microsoft Corporation. An executable file is basically another name for a program. Virtually all programs that run under Windows are in the .EXE format. The MSI file type is primarily associated with 'Windows Installer File' by Microsoft Corporation. Associates components with features and contains installation control information.

I'm not sure how to create a exe file out of a msi though.

Answer 2

MSI means MicroSoft Installer. The recommended, free software to create them is WiX Toolset. Older versions of Visual Studio can pack your compiled project. Msi has several benefits, like install from network share, repair, etc.



I prefer to use the easier, free Inno Setup (and Inno Script studio), which create .exe files

Answer 3

All the answers here are referring to ".exe" in a general sense...but I suspect in your context, your supervisor is referring to a self-extracting exe/installer...since you're also mentioning .msi's....

Answer 4

...so you come here to ask instead of googling it? that makes zero sense. google it and read up for yourself.