Depends on the file locks. A binary that is simply loaded in a process can be
moved/renamed and the directory it was originally in when it was loaded removed
without disturbing the process, but if the process is holding other files in
that same directory open with different kinds of file locks then the file
move/rename returns a "file in use" error.
When Windows Installer moves a file (in preparation for removal) it moves it to
a directory it "owns" (so that if it has to rollback it can "reinstall" by
simply moving the file back). If the uninstall/upgrade is successful it then
tries to delete the moved files, and if that fails then it marks them for
removal during the next reboot.
That directory used by Windows Installer for moved files is usually named
"Config.Msi" and is marked with both System and Hidden attributes, which would
explain why explorer couldn't find the directory.
Blair
> From: simongustavs...@driveworks.co.uk
> To: wix-users@lists.sourceforge.net
> Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2014 10:13:10 +0000
> Subject: [WiX-users] Uninstalling with application running
>
> Good morning Wix users :)
> I've come across an instance where uninstalling our product while it is
> running succeeds and leaves the application running. The Program Files
> directory, ARP entry, all registry keys etc are all removed. Going into task
> manager, right clicking the application and selecting "Open file location"
> shows an error message similar to "Could not find C:/config.msi"
> (paraphrasing from memory).
> Internally it has been reproduced on three different PCs, however, whenever
> I've tried it myself Windows Installer always fails half way through with a
> "File in use" error message, as I expect it to. Anyone know what's going on
> here?
> Thanks
> Simon
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