InstallAware

By omitting the "browse" button I can enter file names manually. Bun only once. I cannot add another line. And I still don't see a way to select the hardcoded directory. I need some files installed there, another under Program Files..

Again, is there no way to edit the script manually?

All you need to do is add an Install Files command (by clicking on a line in MSIcode and starting to type Install Files).
Click enter, and in the files field enter (if one of the 8 directories is c:\test1) c:\test1\*.*
Make sure you click include subfolders..

1. clickning on install files only allows me to have one line, I need 8, at least
2. how to I define the path for those permanent files? there are also 'normal' files (not permanent) and should be located where the program is installed
3. is there no way to edit the script manually?

1. You simply need to create more of these commands. Easiest way to do so would be to use copy-paste.
2. Just like any other files - for example. c:\files\*.*
3. There is, in the MSIcode tab inside the IA IDE

1. copy paste does not work
2. but how? what command should I use
3. no, it always takes over, prompting with dialog boxes, I'm talking about a normal text editor

Perhaps this interface is helpful for some, but I find it extremely annoying, ie. not to be able to simply insert the commands.

Again, is there no way to have the script in a simple text editor that allows me to type in the commands I want? An editor that does not try to "help" by popping up with useless dialog boxes.

Could you please attach a screenshot of your main IA screen?

Don't know what you mean by main IA screen, or what possible difference that would make, here is one screen shot - .

I am just about to give up on install aware, for a few weeks it has impossible to get a straight answer on

- is it possible to edit the script file in a normal text editor?
- replies like "just like any other file" tell me absolutely nothing as I have never received proper answer on how to do this with any file?
- how do I setup up an install for both files that should be removed with uninstall and files that should be kept?

I understand your frustration with getting answers out of support, but on the forums, that's a different story. Here's a couple quick answers for you:

No, you can't edit the MSI code with a different text editor, InstallAware is using some custom options that make it virtually impossible to edit in anything but InstallAware.

To mark a file as one that is not to be removed, in the Install files configuration dialog (double-click the Install Files line) under Copy Options there's a check box for Permanent File and Never Overwite, which should cover what you're looking for.