Versioned files are binary files that include a version resource, such as executables, DLLs, or LabVIEW packed project libraries. Non-versioned files are text files, such as .ini files, or binary files that do not include a version resource, such as VIs.

MSI-based Installers use the version resource of a file to determine what action to perform when the file already exists on the computer, as shown in the following table.

Version Resource of MSI-based Installer File Version Resource of File on Computer Action MSI-based Installer Performs
Later Earlier Overwrites file on computer
Earlier Later Does not install the file
Any None Overwrites file on computer
None Any Does not install the file
None None Uses creation and modified dates

If you update the version of a file, you do not have to use the Force File to Install option on the Distributed Files tab of the TestStand Deployment Utility to include the file in the deployment.

MSI-based Installers evaluate the creation and modification dates of non-versioned files to determine what action to perform when the file already exists on the computer, as shown in the following table. Right-click a file in Microsoft Windows Explorer and select Properties from the context menu to view the modified and created dates.

Modified Date of File on Computer Created Date of File on Computer Action MSI-based Installer Performs
Later than created date — Does not install the file (prevents overwriting changes made to the file after original installation)
— Later than modified date Overwrites file on computer
Same as created date Same as modified date Overwrites file on computer