Visual Studio MSI Installer: Asp.net Core as a Window Service

Question

I am trying to create a MSI installer for asp.net core as a windows service.

I was successful in creating the window service which host asp.net core application by using below links

1) https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/aspnet/core/host-and-deploy/windows-service?view=aspnetcore-2.2

2)https://dzone.com/articles/running-aspnet-core-application-as-windows-service

But I want to create a MSI file(Visual Studio Installer) which will be installed by end user. I will not be able to use third party installer i.e. Wix,Advance Installer etc.

Can anybody guide/help me how will I create a MSI file when installed it will automatically start the window service or I am looking in wrong direction?

Answer 1

WiX: Visual Studio Installer projects have many limitations, you really should try WiX - which is free - or another commercial tool. See list of major tools here. There are links in that overview to a list of Visual Studio Installer project limitations.

• How to get started with WiX
  • Step-by-step minimal WiX project in Visual Studio.
  • How to install WiX service
  • How to use .NET custom actions - step-by-step
• How to get started with Visual Studio Installer Projects
  • Old, but written by MSI-expert Phil Wilson who also wrote The Definitive Guide to Windows Installer.