Runtime Dlls

[thefuss22]

I was wondering if there was a way I could destribute my program as a normal .exe to a computer that doesnt have the VB6 Dlls. I know it won't run unless I include the dlls, but is there a way I could put them into my exe as resource files or something? Thanks.

[RobDog888]

Thats a catch 22. See you could place them into a resource file and extract them when your program runs, but in order for your program to run it needs those files first.

You could also create a self extracting zip file that would do this or just create a installation package.

[thefuss22]

Yes an installation package would work, but I'm trying to make it a single exe file. Is there not a way to merge the dlls with the exe and make it work that way?

[baja_yu]

No, but the installer can be just one file. Get NSIS (Nullsoft Installer), its free and you can create an installer for your app with it, and it will be compiled and compressed into one file. Other then that it is impossible, like RobDog explained.

[RobDog888]

As I previously posted a self extracting exe file like the ones that WinZip can pack will work or package it together using an installer like the P&D Wizard to make a Setup.exe are your only two real options.

Check out the Aplication Deployment forums FAQ for other Installers.

[thefuss22]

Alright then, thanks for the help .

[randem]

thefuss22,

Why would you try to shortcut the installation process? What could you possibly gain? Please read Installation Problems in my signature.

[baja_yu]

In the worst case scenario, you can make the installer Silent (can be done using NSIS). That way, when run, it will automatically install the application (you can also set it to run it automatically when it finishes) without any user intervention or windows shown to the user.

But I wouldn't recommend it. I would be pretty pissed if some application installed itself on my PC without my permission. Use this suggestion wisely.
It would be best if you can answer randems question in the post above this so we can have an idea of what exactly you are trying to achieve and we can help you better.

[thefuss22]

Since my program that I have made is very small (doesn't do much), I didn't think it needed a installation, I was hoping I could just zip it and that way the user wouldn't have to go through the hassle of installation an application that was very small. But I have no problems with making it into an installation file.

I don't think I would want the installer to install it silently either.

Thanks.

[RobDog888]

If its that small and only the msvbvm60.dll or something then you should take my advise and use a self extracting zip file that WinZip or other compression utility can make.

Moved from Classic VB forum.

[baja_yu]

What I do to keep the installation file small is this.

- I use NSIS to make the installer
- I have the installer check for presence of msvbvm60.dll and if it is not found the installer downloads and installs it.

That way I can make the installer at least 1MB smaller. If you need help with the script with this idea let me know.
I do this because of most systems today have the msvbvm60.dll, either by default or some other application already installed it.

[thefuss22]

That sounds good, that would be great if you could help me out with the script. But don't you need more then the msvbvm60.dll to run a VB6.0 application?

[randem]

Frankly I dont see the benefit of attempting to save 1mb of size and then make the user download more info anyway. I know I would be upset if everytime I installed an app it had to go to the internet to download something before installing. Expecially since all computers are not on the Internet at all times. Your app could only be install if one is connected to the internet at the time of install.

I would give that app back to the place where I got it. I just would not use it. It's not like you only install apps while connected to the internet.

[baja_yu]

Like I said, it checks for the msvbvm60.dll, so if you installed the app once, or installed (or got the file in any other way) no connection would be attempted, and the application would be cleanly installed.
In any case this is done for smaller apps that are downloaded from the internet, and both versions (with and without) are given and the users that have XP or know they have the file dont need to download the extra size.

[randem]

baja_yu,

And I repeat. If the computer is not connected to the internet at the time of the install and does not have the file... The installation is basically useless unless more work by the user is done. Why create more work for the user???

[baja_yu]

Like I said, if you downloaded it then you are connected. And if you want to distribute it otherwise you can download the installation that includes it.