Steps for creating VB.Net standalone exe - RESOLVED

Resolution: I simply installed the .NET Framework on my WinME laptop. Then copied my VB.Net exe file from the BIN folder (plus all the other files required by the program) into a C:\MyProg\ folder and pasted the exe and files there. I installed the .NET Framework from the "Prerequisites" CD from my Visual Studio.NET 3 CD set and did not have to download it. At first I got some errors (exceptions) when I tried to run the program and found I had not copied all the files (.bmp) I was using. It works great and I appreciate the helps. jj2 6-5-05
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If reading for the first time please see my reply (3 or 4 down) for clarification.

I have a VBNet program I started while taking a VBNet class and would like to be able to run it on a laptop without VBNet. My class did not discuss creating an exe.

I did a search and found a similar question "distributable standalone exe" posted by alcodesign, 2-5-05 but that discussion and replies was all over my head.

Is there a step by step discussion in layman's language that I could find on-line describing how to accomplish creating a VBNet standalone. I have VB6 on the laptop (running ME) and have the choice of rewriting the program in VB6 but prefer not to do this unless there are distinct advantages such as smaller more compact code for the exe and accessory files. I think I'll do all my future VB programs in VB6 rather than VBNet. I will appreciate all help. Thanks, jj2

After you build your project look in the "bin folder" for the the project (usually mydocuments/visualstudioprojects/<projectname>/bin, should be an .exe in there.

Also VS.net includes a "dotnetfuscator" which will greatly recude your executable size and memory footprint by cleaning up your project depenedencies and also adds to your source security.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jj2

I think I'll do all my future VB programs in VB6 rather than VBNet.

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Your career will suffer as a result of that decision and you will regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow... :)

Don't be put off by the first problem that presents itself.

Its dead easy to make an EXE.

Fire up VS. write a bit of code. Hit Build. Thats it!

Its just common sense to look for the compiled program exe near to its source code. :D

Also, its nbot really a standalong exe because it requires the .NET Framework also. If your planning to distribute the program on to
other systems then you need to create an installation package.

Thanks for the replies. To Clarify: I'm retired and my applications will be of a hobby nature so I will not have a "professional programming career".

I'm aware of the exe VBNet gives but its not "standalone" in that I cannot directly run it on my Laptop running ME or other computers without VBNet. I guess what I should have asked for are a reference to a list of step by steps for creating the installation package.

Thanks, jj2

VB6 EXE's aren't "standalone" either, you don't need VB.Net, you need the .Net Framework Installed. Any Windows 2000+ User (that keeps their machine up-to-date with updates will be able to run it with no problems, ok this removes 95% of most users :()

You need to Install the .Net Framework for a VB.Net (or C#, or Managed C++) app to run. You can download the redist here

Windows codename "longhorn" will have the Runtimes integrated (like WinME, Win2K+ with the VB6 runtimes)

This question is asked quite regularly, an simple search should have turned up a verbose answer.

Quote:

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I'm retired and my applications will be of a hobby nature so I will not have a "professional programming career".

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All I use VB.Net for is mucking around with personal little wigets, and little hobbist things...

So along with your .Net application you need to send along 23MBs for the framework? :eek:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wossname

common sense

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Huh?

Thanks ABX, please clarify - are you saying:

that, on my WinME laptop, I can run a VB.Net exe if I have the .Net Framework loaded? I checked and it does not have the .Net Framework loaded.

The laptop does have VB6 professional loaded and obviously runs VB6 programs OK.

I don't understand the "longhorn" comment.

Thanks, jj2

Longhorn is the Next Version of windows. (Windows XP was codenamed "Whistler")

Yes, if you Install the .Net Framework on the computer any .Net Executable will run (this includes one written in vb.net)

So you have two options
1) your users must download the .Net Framework (if they dont already have it)
2) you distrubute the 23mb .Net Framework Installer (linked, in my previous post) with your application.

If you wanted to distrubute your VB6 applications to Windows 98, you would need to Include the vb6 runtimes.

Thanks much ABX, this simplifies things for me since I am my only user and at the moment just need to get my program running on the Laptop for further testing.

jj2

Initially, I was thinking that the problem might be Win ME itself. :p