ThinApp creates an MSI database that contains captured executable files, installer logic, and the thinreg.exe utility.

ThinApp uses the template.msi file, in the ThinApp Program Files directory, as the basis for building MSI files. Administrators for example, can customize this file by including an environment variable setting for each physical system as the MSI is installed.

An MSI database is useful for deploying captured applications through traditional desktop management systems to remote user systems and creating desktop shortcuts and file type associations.