[RESOLVED] How to make an .exe file then distribute the file the easiest way?

[JackDarwid]

I use VB 2010 Express and now my game is ready. It's a small size game (around 300kb), and use standard things in VB. I only import system.io, and nothing else.

How can I distribute the file the easiest way to any computer I want?

I have tried to "Build" (From the Build Menu) and VB creates some files in folder "/release". I copy the folder in a flashdisc then try to run the program in a different laptop and fail. The new laptop doesn't have .NET Framework 4 Client Profile (x86 and x64).

Then I try to "Publish" (from the Build Menu) and I have a new folder too with different files. I copy the folder in a flashdisc then try to run the program in a different laptop, then run setup.exe. It automatically download .NET Frameeowk 4 Client Profile (x86 and x64) from the internet (the new laptop must be online) and after a looong time downloading and installing (20-30 minutes), at last it works (thank God!). But this will be a VERY BIG barrier if someone who wants to play my game (and don't have the .NET Framework 4) must download a big file from the internet and install it, just to play my small size game...

Is there a way to distribute my program easily, in the smallest size possible? I remember a long time ago Delphi is very good at this (small file), make an exe or setup with only the necessary files and copy it to a new laptop, install (if needed) and run. Easy. Is there a way to do that in VB?

Thanks a lot!

[4x2y]

I think your game doesn't requires framework 4, so if you changed the target framework from 4 to 3.5, it will run on Windows Vista and 7 without needing for any downloads because framework 3.5 is pre-installed, Only Windows XP will requires to download the .NET framework if it is not installed before.

To change the target framework, go to Project menu> ProjectName Properties...> Compile tab> press Advanced Compile Options... and select the target framework from the dropdown list.

[JackDarwid]

Thank you for the reply. Now I uninstall .NET Framework 4 in my other laptop to test this case.

I have just checked, my other laptop uses Windows XP. So, what are other alternatives? I have changed the required .Net Framework to 3.5 in my game but it will not work in XP, right? What about lowering the .Net Framework version further? Reading from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.NET_Framework , I can't decide which version is the best for this case... (reading the wiki, it's 50MB for version 3.5). Sigh... installing 50MB to use a 300kb game ?? Oh my...

Is there any automatic checker that my game needs the minimum of version X of .Net Framework? So I can get the minimum version? I want to make the installer as broad as possible and as small as possible...

[Reapism]

When you want to obtain the .exe of your program you go to your projects folder and click your project and head over to the Debug folder and you should see your .exe

[JackDarwid]

After lowering the requirement of .NET Framework to ver 3.5, I try to copy my .exe file (only) to my second laptop. My second laptop has XP Windows and .NET Framework ver 3.0 installed, and it works! Hmmm... so far this solves my problem.

Thank you!!! (Reputation given to you both. Thanks!)

[4x2y]

Windows XP comes without any version of .NET, so in any case XP user must download it, .NET 2 is about 24 MB only, I think your game can work with .NET 2

BTW: many of modern software need at least .NET 2 to be installed therefore most XP users already has it.

[JackDarwid]

I have changed the req .Net Framework to ver 2.0 (the lowest possible), and try to my XP laptop and it works! Thanks...

By the way just to make sure: if a computer have only .NET Framework ver 3.0 or 4.0, my game (with ver 2.0) will still be able to run in that computer, right?

[4x2y]

By the way just to make sure: if a computer have only .NET Framework ver 3.0 or 4.0, my game (with ver 2.0) will still be able to run in that computer, right?

Of course YES, higher .NET Framework version can run any program require lower .NET Framework version but not vice versa.

[JackDarwid]

Thanks!

You are the best!