Create an MST file using Orca

Last modified: July 25, 2025

You can create an MST file to customize the installation of ODBC Driver for Salesforce. An MST file is a settings file used by Windows Installer to enable customized installations of an original MSI package. It contains program configuration options that allow you to tailor the installation process to specific requirements without modifying the original MSI database. Since altering the MSI database directly is not recommended, MST files provide a safer and more flexible way to transform and configure the contents of an MSI package.

What is an MST file, and what is it used for?

There are many tools for creating and editing Windows Installer packages and merge modules. The following instructions are for the Orca, which is available as part of the Windows SDK Components for Windows Installer Developers.

Create an MST file

1. Launch the Orca application.

2. Select File > Open to open the required MSI file.

Once the file is loaded, the Tables pane on the left side of the main application window shows the properties and configuration settings of the selected MSI file.

3. Navigate to Transform > New Transform.

4. In the Tables pane, select Property, then double-click an empty row in the right pane of the application window.

5. In the Add Row dialog that appears, configure the following settings:

• Property: Enter ACTIVATIONKEY in all capital letters.
• Value: Enter the valid OEM license key for ODBC Driver for Salesforce.

6. Select OK to apply the changes.

A new property named ACTIVATIONKEY is added. The license key is displayed in the Value column next to it.

7. Select Transform > Generate Transform.

8. In the Save Transform As dialog that appears, enter an appropriate name for the new MST file, then select Save to apply your settings.

The Orca window title changes to DevartODBCSalesforce.msi (transformed by DevartODBCSalesforce.mst) - Orca, and the newly created MST file is saved in the specified folder alongside the MSI file.