How to use .NET to make an Add-In for an Office Application.. That isn't in the list?

[Tec-Nico]

Hello, everyone...

I was going through RobDog's FAQ entry about creating an add-in for an office application using .NET, now what if the Office Application didn't appear in "Select Application Host" list?

I kept going making it for Outlook just for the sake of it, but there are some new Office Applications that don't appear in that list, what would you recommend in that case?

Also, consider that as Office grows and evolves, new applications will be added to it, how would you create the add-in for those?

[Tec-Nico]

Never mind, I performed some research and found how to do this.

If anyone is interested, it is related to registry configuration:
Just ask here for more details.

Added: I have a C# version of Rob's FAQ code if anyone wants me to publish it, let me know.

[RobDog888]

What Office app were you needing that wasnt in the list?

Can you post the link to the registry hack? Maybe we can find a place for it in the FAQ?

[Tec-Nico]

Hello, Rob. InfoPath and SharePoint Designer are not included in the host list.

Regarding including the link that describes the registry hack, what I found was just that: "It is possible to do if modifying the registry".

Now, I spent some time playing with the registry and found the way to do it, I will gladly write down the instructions if you want.

[RobDog888]

Sure

I have InfoPath 2003on one system and havent installed InfoPath 2007 yet but do have it. You know there is new support in VSTO for InfoPath 2003 and a SDK for InfoPath. Maybe the SDK would be a better way to go?

[Tec-Nico]

I had heard about it but didn't take the time to check it... I thought you needed to have VS .NET 2007 for using the VSTO and since I forgot to bring the MS VS .NET 2007 from the Office I am stuck with VS .NET 2003 until Tuesday.

I will post the instructions in a minute... I would like to know if the installation of the add-in works fine without having to resort to this hack (I suspect it doesn't and needs an extra step for it to actually work)

Oh, I also took some time and translated the code you posted in the FAQ so that it uses C# and reflection. I left your comments just the way they are and added a few of my own in the code that had to be added for C# support.

Added:
Rob, what about SharePoint Designer? I am more interested in SharePoint Designer for the moment than InfoPath. Does it support VSTO too? Does it include a SDK as well?

I have been playing with the macros in SharePoint Designer and that's when I discovered the need of an add-in which has been the reason of all this research and development from my part.

[Tec-Nico]

Ok, here are the instructions for any Office Application that doesn't appear in the host list such as InfoPath or SharePoint Designer:

1. Open regedit and backup your current configuration (This might appear obvious but it is better to state it for the new comers)
2. Expand the explorer up to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools"
3. Go to the "AddIn Designer" Key
4. Add the following Keys in the following hierarchy:
   |-- Microsoft XXXX
   | |--> Microsoft XXXX 12.0
   | | |--> LoadBehaviors
5. Inside the "LoadBehaviors" Key add the following DWORDs:
   
   • Name = Load at next startup only, Value = 10
   • Name = Load on demand, Value = 9
   • Name = None, Value = 0
   • Name = Startup, Value = 3
6. Go Back to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools"
7. Go to the "AddinWizard7.1" Key
8. Add the following Key:
   - XXXX
9. Inside the "XXXX" Key add the following DWORDs:
   
   • Name = DisplayAdvFeatures, Value = 0
   • Name = StartupFlag, Value = 3
10. Inside the "XXXX" Key add the following String:
    
    • Name = RegistryRoot, Value = Software\Microsoft\Office\XXXX\Addins

That's all you have to do. Next time you open the Wizard Rob shows in the FAQ, the application XXXX will be there for you to select from the host list.

Remember XXXX is the name of the application, don't use "Microsoft InfoPath", that won't work, use "InfoPath" instead. Also, "12.0" is the current version, that's why you have to use it but this might vary in the future with new versions.

Figures:

[RobDog888]

I think I will find a place for this in the OD FAQ and either copy the post (it will actually be a post of yours) or move it to the FAQ.

I havent really been looking for SharePoint but will keep an eye out. Tomorrow I will do the FAQ stuff maybe as a new thread or should we add it to the .NET AddIn thread?

[Tec-Nico]

I don't know, what do you consider would be the best?

One option could be to make it a new thread and add a link to it from the .NET AddIn one.

Also, would you like me to give you the C# version of the code you have in the .NET AddIn thread?