Envvars are truly optional. The are only needed to assist compiler with finding WiX compilation tools. However it is capable of finding them even without these variables. You can either:
Bootstrapper doesn't create an MSI file but exe. Typically it is
- Set special environment vars pointing to the WiX location (this is what you've done).
- Install WiX and Wix# compiler will find it at run time.
-
Alternatively set as the first statement in your code
Compiler.WixLocation=@"some path". WixLocation XML documentation has a detailed description of what this path should be.
Bootstrapper doesn't create an MSI file but exe. Typically it is
setup.exe Keep in mind that the WixBootstrapper_UI doesn't have build events setup so after building the VS project you need to run it. When you do WixBootstrapper_UI.exe invokes WiX compilers and builds setup.exe in the same Debug/Release directory where WixBootstrapper_UI.exe is.