When you right-click on a Windows Installer shortcut and choose Properties, the Target field does not show the path to the executable. This is because Windows Installer shortcuts work in a different way. When you double-click a Windows Installer shortcut, Windows reads the Product code, Component code and other details stored in the Shortcut in order to determine the executable file location.

(For more information, refer Microsoft article How Windows Installer Shortcuts Work.)
Here is a tool which displays the target path of Windows Installer shortcuts, along with the Product code and Component code. You simply need to drag the Windows Installer shortcut from Windows Explorer (or the Start menu) to the "drop" zone in this tool.
Download msitarget.zip (34 KB)

Related Posts
- Windows XP/Server 2003 Admin Tools Pack Shortcuts Displaying Generic Icon
- How to Backup the Pinned Start Menu Shortcuts in Windows 7/Vista/XP
- Error “the Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed” In Windows Vista
- How to Install and Run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility if Windows Installer Fails to Work
- Install MSI Software Packages With Logging Using the Right-Click Menu
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed! We feature Tips, Troubleshooting information, Scripts and Utilities for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems!
Prefer an E-mail subscription?




This is one of the most informative and helpful sites on the web. All of the info is in a centralized location, it’s easy to access and understand. I’ve fixed 5 Vista Problems today alone. Usually you spend most of your time tracking the info down. Best Windows help site I’ve come across!!! Thank you