A software installation and semantic database validation system using custom actions is disclosed. The system includes a database engine module for maintaining a database. The database contains a custom action table, with columns in the table providing information about the action. Each row in the table represent an individual action. The system also includes an installation engine module operative to read an action value from an action column of the action row and causing an action specified by the action value to be performed by a computer. The actions can be executable programs, Dynamic Link Library modules, or script written in scripting languages such as JavaScript or Visual Basic.