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Basic Level

1. What is Application Packaging? The process of creating a standardized installation file (MSI/MSIX) for deploying applications in an enterprise environment.
2. What is an MSI file? A Microsoft Installer file used to install, maintain, and remove software on Windows.
3. What are the phases in the Application Packaging lifecycle? Source validation → Repackaging → Testing → UAT → Deployment → Closure.
4. What tools are commonly used in Application Packaging? AdminStudio, InstallShield, Orca, SCCM, PSADT (PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit), Process Monitor, Beyond Compare, 7-Zip.
5. What is the difference between EXE and MSI?
   • MSI is structured, supports silent install, rollback, and is managed by Windows Installer.
   • EXE is an executable and may contain its own logic for installation.
7. What is silent installation? Installing an application without GUI prompts using switches like /S, /quiet, or /qn.
8. What is a transform file (.MST)? A file that customizes an MSI without modifying the original MSI.
9. What is a patch (.MSP) file? A file used to update an existing MSI installation.
10. What is the purpose of a log file during installation? To track issues, errors, and success status of installations (use msiexec /i app.msi /l*v install.log).
11. What is self-healing in MSI?

A feature that repairs missing or corrupted files or registry entries when a shortcut is launched.

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Intermediate Level

1. What are custom actions in MSI?

Actions added to perform extra tasks during install, like executing scripts or DLLs.

1. How do you perform repackaging of an application?

Install the application on a clean VM, monitor file/reg changes, and create an MSI using tools like InstallShield or AdminStudio.