Create Install Package, not a Click Once install

[BassTeQ]

Hello,

I'm after some advice on the best way to create an install package. I don't like the the Click Once type install packages. Is there any option in VS to create a different kind of installer?

Cheers

[jmcilhinney]

ClickOnce is the only deployment technology built into VS Express. Paid-for editions of VS also support Windows Installer, via Setup projects, InstallShield LE or both, depending on your version. There are also lots of third-party deployment tools, some supporting Windows Installer and some not, some free and some not. One very powerful tool that is free is Inno, but expect a learning curve. This site does have a Deployment forum though, where you can ask questions about deployment. In fact, that's where this thread belongs because it has nothing specific to do with VB.NET.

[BassTeQ]

Thanks for the reply, sorry I wasn't aware of a deployment forum. I'll keep researching my options.

[Joacim Andersson]

Thread moved to the Application Deployment forum

[dilettante]

As far as I know VS2012 ripped out the ability to create Installer packages from all Editions. You'd have to do that using an earlier version or a 3rd party product now.

[jmcilhinney]

As far as I know VS2012 ripped out the ability to create Installer packages from all Editions. You'd have to do that using an earlier version or a 3rd party product now.

VS 2008 and earlier included Setup projects for creating a Windows Installer package. VS 2010 added InstallShield LE and, at that point, they stated that it was the preferred option for creating a Windows Installer package. VS 2012 has now removed Setup projects so InstallShield LE is the only way to create Windows Installer packages within VS.

As has always been the case, if you want to create a Windows Installer package then you add a new project to your solution from under Other Project Types -> Setup And Deployment. There you will find one or the other or both of Setup project and InstallShield LE project. InstallShield LE is not actually installed by default so the first time you try to create one the project template will help you download it. You've never been able to create Windows Installer packages in Express editions so no change there.