Objects/Merge ModulesMerge Modules
In the Objects/Merge Modules view, you can add common pieces of functionality, known as merge modules, to your setup. This functionality is helpful if your application requires commonly used file libraries, such as an MFC library. This way, you won't need to collect and manually add all of these files every time you package an application that needs them; you can just select the right merge module, and the files will all be installed to the correct folder automatically.
In earlier versions of InstallShield, objects provided a similar function as merge modules. Many companies, Microsoft included, have created merge modules for commonly needed functionality, such as the Visual Basic run-time files. These modules provide you a nearly fail safe method of incorporating another company's technology into your setup. See Merge Modules for more information.
You can also add merge modules your setup in the Setup Design view. To add a merge module in this way, right-click on a feature and select Merge Module Wizard. This wizard walks you through the process of adding a merge module to your setup.