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MSI

As explained in Learn Docker in a Month of Lunches, Second Edition

An MSI installer is a Windows Installer package containing files and installation metadata for deploying software.

An MSI installer is a Windows Installer package for distributing more complex applications. It can create files, edit the Windows Registry, and set configuration options. section 13.2

Desktop installation commonly uses a graphical installer, but Windows containers have no GUI. Container images therefore install MSI packages with scripted commands. section 13.2

A practical container workflow:

  • Choose a Windows base image that supplies the required dependencies. section 13.2

Installing hello-world.msi

A Dockerfile installs hello-world.msi with msiexec /i, /quiet, and /norestart, then copies HelloDiamol.txt into a Nano Server image. Build with the default Windows version or pass ltsc2022 when a manifest error occurs.

How Learn Docker in a Month of Lunches, Second Edition covers it

How deep it goes
Explains MSI capabilities and scripted container installation, but stops short of describing installer internals.
Examples
Uses hello-world.msi, Server Core, Nano Server, msiexec, and a multi-stage Dockerfile.
What it assumes
Starts with selecting a suitable Windows base image and automating deployment rather than assuming a graphical installation environment.
What you can do after
Build it from scratch into a Windows container image using Dockerfile commands and scripted msiexec options.
How it connects
Connects MSI with Windows containers, Dockerfiles, PowerShell, msiexec, Windows Registry, and multi-stage builds.
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Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Learn Docker in a Month of Lunches, Second Edition. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.