How do I embed a File Version in an MSI file with Visual Studio?

Question

I have a setup project for my C# program, and this setup project has a Version in its properties. I'd like for the MSI file that is generated to have this Version embedded in it, so I can mouse over it in explorer and see what version the file is.

I'm using VS2008. How can I do this?

Answer 1

If you simply add the "Version: 1.5.0" text into the Description property of the Setup Project, the version number also shows on the MSI file like so:

http://screencast.com/t/A499i6jS

Answer 2

As far as I know MSI file will never show version. Simple reason is that MSI files are not PE files, they are sort-of database. Msiexec.exe then interprets this database to do the actual installation. The version property you mention is used by MSI engine internally for upgrades, uninstalls etc and is never displayed.