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STN Express - Should I use the MSI or Scripted Installer?

Which installer should I use?

STN Express, Version 8.5, offers two installer options.  In many cases, you can choose either option.

	None (New Installation)	Upgrading from STN Express, Version 8.3 or 8.4	Upgrading from STN Express, Version 8.2 or earlier
MSI (v8_5msi.exe) [MSI Installer]
EXE (v8_5.exe) [Scripted Installer]

Notes:

• MSI installer (v8_5msi.exe)

The MSI (Windows Microsoft Installer) is recommended for new installations and upgrades from STN Express, Version 8.3 or later versions. Powered by an installer engine that is part of all recent versions of Microsoft Windows, it should have a very familiar "look and feel", since MSI installers are widely used for installing software. It is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. 

MSI installers are widely used, powering 60-70% of software installations. MSI installers are requested by customers who have central software distribution, such as Microsoft Active Directory. Customizing an installation to the needs of a particular company is easier with MSI.

• Scripted installer (v8_5.exe)

This is the STN Express "classic" installer, and it must be used to upgrade from STN Express, Version 8.2 or earlier. It has been the installer for multiple recent versions and is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. For those who have installed other recent versions of STN Express, it will have a familiar "look and feel".

• Upgrades from STN Express, Version 8.2 or earlier

The STN Express, Version 8.5 Scripted installer is strongly recommended for this task. It will preserve and copy user files and folders from Version 8.2 or older versions to new locations in:

• Windows 2000 and XP:
  C:\Documents and Settings\Username\My Documents\STN Express 8.5\
• Vista:
  C:\Users\Username\Documents\STN Express 8.5\
• Windows 7:
  C:\Users\Username\My Documents\STN Express 8.5\

The Scripted installer will uninstall STN Express, Version 8.2 or earlier, and remove the STN Express related *.ini files from C:\Windows.

The MSI installer will not uninstall prior version software and is not recommended for upgrading STN Express 8.2 or prior versions. You may manually uninstall after the STN Express, Version 8.5 installation is completed.