Old Product ID won't install next to new Product ID

[kssummer]

I have three versions of an application that need to be installed side-by-side: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0. I've (sequentially) given them unique Product IDs and Installation directories (as well as shortcut names). I can successfully install the applications sequentially: 1.0, then 2.0, then 3.0; but if I try to install them out of order, I get a user-privileges error telling me to run the installation as the administrator...which results in the same error.

The application directories (for all intensive purposes) are:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Company\Application
C:\Program Files (x86)\Company\Application 2.0
C:\Program Files (x86)\Company\Application 3.0

I tried to change the directory, but to no avail.

What's going on with this Product ID and or revision checking that I should know about? I find it very strange that I can install them sequentially, but not out of order.

[giaviv]

Hi,

You might want to look at using Transform Instance. It is a Windows Installer MSIcode command that allows you to have multiple version of one setup installed.

[kssummer]

Shouldn't a unique Product Code differentiate these applications (versions)?

[kssummer]

I opened the .mpr file as text to see how changing the Product Code affects the file. As it turns out, there's another (non-specified) Product Code under the Product Code I expected. What generates this product code? How can I change it (without manually manipulating the .mpr text)?

Also, I tried "Transform Instance", but to no avail...I still get unexpected errors when installing the older version "Application 1.0" next to the new version "Application 2.0".

[giaviv]

Hi,

Could you please attach that project here?