MSI Unistall: How to force uninstall UI sequence

Question

When uninstalling an application by double clicking the MSI that I have created via WIX, I get the "Change, Repair, Remove" dialog as I have designed. But, when uninstalling via Add/Remove programs OR from the command line via msiexec /x I do not. All I get is "Are you sure you want to uninstall this program?"

I would like to force the user to always be prompted with the "Change, Repair, Remove" dialog when uninstalling. The reason is I have some custom UIs invoked upon Removal. Another alternative is to always force the user through the Removal UI sequence I have designed.

Any hints on how to do this with WiX?

Answer 1

If you just use an MSI, you unfortunately can't control this. Generally to force an uninstall UI sequence you will need to implement a bootstrapper and have that call your MSI with the desired UILevel rather than letting ARP call your MSI directly.

Answer 2

If you want show Dialog in InstallUISequence table when uninstall, try it:
STEP 1: Condition to show Dialog in UISequence table is REMOVE = "ALL"
STEP 2: "msiexec.exe /x {ProductCode} /qf"
qf: Full UI
Good Luck!

Answer 3

The simplest approach is to set ARPNOREMOVE property to 1.

This way the user can only select Change or Modify and full UI is used . Overriding the install button is somewhat complicated and usually it's not worth it.