windows installer - How to create a MSI file which simply copies a directory to Program Files?

Question

I want to create a MSI file, which simply copies a directory into the "Program Files" directory and creates an icon in the start menu.

Nothing more. No questions to the user, no dependencies, no registry entries, etc. Just copy the directory and set the icon.

And if we deploy a new version of our program, then the MSI should just copy the new one over the old one. No "uninstalling" procedure.

Which tool to use for this task?

Answer 1

Just to extend on Stein's answer, with the free edition("Simple" projects only) of Advanced Installer you can build this simple package.

After you create the project just go to Product Details page and disable the option that says "Register with Windows Installer".

Most likely all of the tools mentioned above have a similar option, you just need to search it as I am not that familiar with all their ins and outs (P.S. I work on the team building Advanced Installer).