[resolved] Newbie Question - deploying VB.NET 2005,CR & SQL Express

[skinpower]

Hi,
This is my first windows application that I am building with VB.NET 2005, Crystal Report XI and SQL Express 2005.
It is going well so far because I haven't thought about deployment yet.

In my software, I have a database in SQL Express, and I also have Crystal Report XI connect to that database in order to create reports.
(I created CR outside of VB.NET 2005 IDE and called them using Crystal Report viewer in my VB form).
Since the CR in VS.NET 2005 is bundled version, it doesn't have much features however, I managed to present everything I wanted to.

Now, here are my questions.
1. Which Crystal Report merge module should I use? ( there are three different files for CR for VS.NET 2005).
The client computer is a stand-alone windows XP machine.
2. How will the database transfer?
3. later if I wanted to update the software, will database be overwritten?

I have too many questions to answer...gosh.
Thanks in advance for your help.

[randem]

1. Which Crystal Report merge module should I use? ( there are three different files for CR for VS.NET 2005).

Don't know I usually just run ********** and let if figure out what I need. Otherwise you need to do research to find out which you need.

The client computer is a stand-alone windows XP machine.
2. How will the database transfer?

You Have to add the database to your installation along with any client database driver installation.

3. later if I wanted to update the software, will database be overwritten?

Only if you indicate to the installation package to always overwrite files, otherwise if the file exist it should not be touched. That is the default in Inno Setup anyway.

[RobDog888]

Maybe take a look at this - http://diamond.businessobjects.com/node/728

[skinpower]

Thanks Robdog and randem, this paper is great.
I found that I need to use x86 module.