[2005] The "Setup" file doesn't ask me where to setup the app.

Hello

When I use the Build> Publish button (in vb2005) for creating the "setup" file, it works OK, but when I run the setup file, it doesn't ask me where to install my app. or whether or not I need a desktop shortcut for it. It just installs it in an unknows folder (I don't know where it is). I read in vb help that I should use File> NewProject> Deployment Project for making more advanced setup files, but when I click on "New Project", I only have these options:

http://www.vbforums.com/images/ieimages/2007/05/1.jpg

Now I want to know how I can create more advanced setup files for my app? Should I install a different version of vb or I have all my needs on this version and just don't know where they are?

Thank you

I believe the VB.NET Express edition ONLY supports creating ClickOnce deployment packages, which installs to a special "sandbox" on the destination PC. You can't pick where it gets installed to.

The full versions of VB support the more advanced setup package. You can also go another route, like using a free Installer app like INNO.

However while INNO is very powerful and a really really nice installer, there is a learning curve. Its a generic installer which means it isn't specifically made for installing .NET apps, but any kind of app. So there is more that goes into building a setup, it doesn't do as much of the work for you.

It depends on which version of Visual studio you have. I beleive that the Express editions only support the click-once deployment type.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700921.aspx

Thank you. Seems like I should buy the Standard or Professional edition. Isn't there a "Plug-in" which gives me the ability to make deployment packages?

I have also "InstallShield Express" CD, but don't know if I can make deployment Packages for VB or not, and how to do it by "Installshield exp".

Any guide is appreciated.

As Kleinma said, you can use a third party software. Inno is free to use, but it takes quite a bit of getting used to.

http://www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php

How do we set up our project to accomodate INNO or any other installer? When I click on Publish, and publish it, those files do not work.

Stop clicking publish.... run Inno... go through there to build the setup.

-tg

What files do I need to include? I certainly don't want to include the files from the Project do I? There .vb files. I am just confused as to what files to include? How do I do it?

Being that INNO is a setup for ANY type of program, and not specifically for .NET programs, there is more leg work involved because the setup software is more "universal". That being said you as a beginner in programming may find INNO a bit more difficult to use that the simplicity of ClickOnce deployment in Visual Studio, which is what happens when you use the "Publish" tab.

I will answer your question though. You don't include the .vb files, you include your projects exe that is in the BIN subfolder of where your project is on your hard drive. There should be a "release" folder there, and that is where the release mode exe of your program is. That is what needs to be included.

Other files that need to be included are any that your app may use, whether it be a text file, picture file, database file, dll file, etc...

The only other requirement of your standard .NET application, is the .NET framework itself. Being that is is around 25MB, some people choose to include it in the setup, and others choose to not include it in the setup, and to just list that it must be installed prior to running your app.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That worked great! I am so happy now! Thank you a million!!!