Hi all,

As stated in the title above, I would like to create a SINGLE setup file that is capable of detecting .net framework and installs redistributable .net framework if missing before installing my vb app. I'm currently using the setup & deployment function of VS 2008 Professional. I have had success using VS2008 to detect and install redistributable .net framework, BUT the setup.exe file wouldn't work without the generated folders (with redistributable net framework files inside). What I would like to achieve is to be able to send to users a single installation file instead of the setup.exe, <filename> .msi, and the generated folders with redistributable net framework files. I know it sounds silly, but due to policies, freeware/shareware is not an option (i.e. WinZip and other tools are out). I know Microsoft XP and above comes with Internal Zip program, however some of the target machines are running Win2k, so they probably can't unzip the files without using external party software. Can anyone help me please?

PS1: Sorry for the long windedness ><
PS2: If anyone is interested in creating the setup file to NOT download net framework from the Internet, this is what I've done:
- After creating the setup & deployment project, Go to Solution Explorer > [Setup_Project _name ] > Properties Icon> Prerequisites Button > Click the radio button "Download prerequisites from the same location as my application". Note that you MAY need to put the redistributable net framework file in your project output folder.

Thanks in advance!
K

Hi Bluezerk,

I am moving this thread from Base ".NET Framework Setup" forum to the "ClickOnce and Setup & Deployment Projects" forum, since the issue is related to deployment. There are more deployment experts in the "ClickOnce and Setup & Deployment Projects" forum.

Thanks

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Welcome to the All-In-One Code Framework! If you have any feedback, please tell us.

There seems to be some misunderstanding about what programs like Winzip and others do. You do not need those tools on the target machine. You basically use some tool (whether Winzip or any of the others) that will package all your files into a self-extracting executable that you ship to clients. They run this program, and it unzips everything into a folder and runs the setup's setup.exe that installs prereqs and then runs your MSI. The client machine does not need Winzip for this.

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Phil Wilson

Hi YiChun,

Thanks for helping me shift the thread to the relevant forum :)

There seems to be some misunderstanding about what programs like Winzip and others do. You do not need those tools on the target machine. You basically use some tool (whether Winzip or any of the others) that will package all your files into a self-extracting executable that you ship to clients. They run this program, and it unzips everything into a folder and runs the setup's setup.exe that installs prereqs and then runs your MSI. The client machine does not need Winzip for this.

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Phil Wilson

Hi Phil,

Thanks for the reply. Due to tight budget, we are looking for a Microsoft tool that allows us to package the files into a self-extracting executable instead of purchasing external party software like WinZip. Could you kindly recommend any Microsoft software to perform the function as you have described above?

Thanks alot!

Hi bluezerk,

These are some links shows how to create a self-extracting executable:

http://www.techsnack.net/create-self-extracting-package-using-built-in-windows-tool.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa244282(VS.60).aspx.

Best regards,
Aland Li

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Hi bluezerk ,

These are some links shows how to create a self-extracting executable:

http://www.techsnack.net/create-self-extracting-package-using-built-in-windows-tool .
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa244282(VS.60).aspx .

Best regards,
Aland Li

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Hi Aland,

Thanks for the links!
I have tried IExpress but sadly it only creates self extracting packages for files only. Since using visual studio 2008 produced both installation files and directories , IExpress cannot be used. The installation file requires the directory hierarchy to be maintained, without which the installation will encounter an error. As for the 2nd link, http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa244282(VS.60).aspx , I'll go try it out and see if it works.

Thanks & Best Regards!
K

Hi Aland,

I have tried the 2nd link and it seems somewhat similar to the steps I'm taking. Mine is slightly different in the sense that folders are created to allow users to install the prerequisite .Net framework instead of having to connect to the Internet. Is there any other options other than using the 2nd link?

A million thanks!
K