Usage of Files element in WiX 5?

[bpeikes-ts]

We're using WiX 5, and I'm trying to understand how to use the Files element. What we're trying to do is include all .dll files that are in the output directory from one project, and have the files installed in the INSTALLDIR. In the past, we manually added files because we couldn't get heat to work correctly. My understanding is that heat does not need to be used now that there is support for a Files element.

Currently we have a file called ProductComponents.wxs which contains a Fragment, and inside the Fragment is a ComponentGroup. This ComponentGroup includes the executables, and a service, which is set to auto start. We would like to be able to leverage the new Files element so we don't have to manually add all of the Component elements for each dll.

Having issues figuring out what to use for the Directory element. I want it to harvest the .dll files in the output directory for project called WindowsService. I tried adding
<Directory Id="DIR_WindowsServiceOutput" FileSource="$(var.WindowsService.TargetDir)" /> in our main wxs file, and then the following in our ProductComponents.wxs file:
<Files Directory="DIR_WindowsServiceOutput" Include="*.dll" />

But I'm getting a warning saying that no files were harvested.
I couldn't find documentation that has an example of using Files element. Any help appreciated.

[bevanweiss]

Have you had a look at https://docs.firegiant.com/wix/fivefour/?

The Files pretty much just takes a glob that specifies which files to include, and then creates a component for each one.
If you need to do fancy things with certain items, like the example shows for a ServiceInstall, then you exclude it from your general Files, and put it into its own File element.

You can ditch the FileSource on the Directory element. The Files know where they came from..

Anytime you mention you got a warning/error you should include a screenshot or the exact text from that warning/error

But I'm getting a warning saying that no files were harvested.