Understanding the UPGRADINGPRODUCTCODE Property

The UPGRADINGPRODUCTCODE property is set by Windows Installer when an upgrade removes an application. The installer sets this property when it runs the RemoveExistingProducts action.

This property is not set by removing an application using the Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel. An application determines whether it is being removed by an upgrade or the Add or Remove Programs by checking UPGRADINGPRODUCTCODE.

You can condition custom actions that are sequenced after InstallValidate to handle major upgrades by using the UPGRADINGPRODUCTCODE property:

1. If you want a custom action to run during an uninstallation of the product, but not during the removal of the product by a major upgrade, use this condition.
   

   REMOVE="ALL" AND NOT UPGRADINGPRODUCTCODE
   
   

2. If you want a custom action to run only during a major upgrade, use this condition.
   

   UPGRADINGPRODUCTCODE