Is it right for me?

[Command007]

Hey everyone. I have a question about whether VB 2005 is the right way to go for me.

Basically I have very minimal experience with programming, next to nothing really. I am interested in learning but I want to know if VB 2005 (or VB 2005 Express) is going to be able to be used for what I want to do.

Essentially the main type of applications I would like to eventually write are more toward the lines of system utility type programs.

For example, the first program I would like to write would be a program that would be able to remove all components of a program that didn't un-install successfully. I'm a PC technical support rep and I get a lot of calls about McAfee security center not completely being able to be removed. McAfee has manual removal instructions whereby you have to unregister dll files via the command prompt, edit the registry, and delete files in specific locations. Now what I would like to know is VB something that I can use to automate tasks like these? Will I be able to edit the registry with a VB program? Execute windows command line commands and system commands? Basically is a program like this possible with VB. I understand it's probably not easy, but will it be good for something like this?

I appreciate any advice on this.

Thanks in advance!

Guy

[conipto]

Completely possible, and probably easier than you'd think. However, the one downside to any .NET program is that it needs the .NET framework to be installed (about a 25 meg download) If you want to easily redistribute your apps, this can possibly cause complications, but VB 2005 express is still what I'd recommend to any programming beginner.

Process.Start("rgsvr32.exe", "/u /s mcaffeecrapfile.dll")
'is all you need to do to run that command

Editing the registry can also be done with just a few lines of codes, but there's a few more . 's involved

The biggest reason to pick 2005 express is it's free.

Bill

[Command007]

Wow that is pretty simple. Seems like the way to go.

But as for the .NET framework, is that something that is a part of an automatic Windows Update too? Or is it just available by going to the MS website and having to manually find it and download it?

Thanks for your reply.

Guy

[conipto]

I know it shows up in Windows update, but I believe it's an 'optional' download.. I'm not sure if the new windows update that runs in the system tray will auto download it or not..

Bill

[tr333]

I know it shows up in Windows update, but I believe it's an 'optional' download.. I'm not sure if the new windows update that runs in the system tray will auto download it or not..

Bill

Windows XP SP2 and later come with the Framework pre-installed. You can alternatively download it from Windows Update or from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en .
the manual download works for Win98/ME/2000/XP/2003.

[Command007]

Awesome, thank you both. Great information.