[2005] .Net Framework 2.0 general question

[hellas07]

Hi all,
I use Visual Basic 2005 to build programs. To run them is required .Net Framework to the computer that i run the applications. My question is:
Is there a way to run my applications to a computer that does not have .Net Framework 2.0 installed?
Also, can i put to my installer the .Net Framework 2.0 dll's that my program need to run(or Microsoft will complain)?

[timeshifter]

Instead of building your projects, publish them. This will create an actual install file that will take with it the 2.0 dependancies needed for your project to run.

[hellas07]

is there another way? I want to use a freeware installer because i must write also values to registry, create shortcuts, show a welcome screen ....

[timeshifter]

It's part of VS. Drop down the Build menu and select Publish.

[hellas07]

No, you did not understand....
I know how to do that, but i do not want to do it that way.
That what am i asking is there another way(except publishing)?
I want to use a my own installer.

[GaryMazzone]

The framework must be on the computer. Either you must package it for installation or the user must download from MS.

[Zakary]

Program build with .NET do required the Framework.
Running .NET program without the Framework is like trying to prepare a cake with recipe but without any ingredient.



Maybe .NET isn't appropriate to your need.

[hellas07]

If i pack to my installer,
i have to copy the required dll's to the 'C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727' folder OR in my programs' directory??

[GaryMazzone]

Did you look at Inno Installer? That gives a way to do everything you are asking and will package the framework installer with the installation package. There is a function that will test if the 2.o Framework is installed if it is then the regular installation continues. If not the framework is installed and then the rest of the app is installed.

[hellas07]

I use CreateInstall.com (free) and i find it more easy to use and more powerful.
So, i have to copy the required dll's to the 'C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727' folder OR in my programs' directory?

[GaryMazzone]

NO the framework must be installed.

[hellas07]

So, i can not put the required .Net Framework dll's, that my application needs, to my installer and copy them to windows system folder...
The computer must have .Net Framework 2.0 installed :-(

[hellas07]

thanks for the fast replies!

[Zakary]

If you don't what to mess with the framework , maybe you should change your approach and use another language, ASP or VB6.

But of course if your software is already build it is another thing ...

[jmcilhinney]

You need to get the .NET Framework Redistributable Package, which is the dotnetfx.exe file, and distribute that with your application, then have your installer execute that file to install the Framework before installing your app. You can download that file from Microsoft or just find it on your system yourself. as it will be present somewhere, probably more than once.

[randem]

I use CreateInstall.com (free) and i find it more easy to use and more powerful.

To make a statement like this you must already know how to use the other installers...

[hellas07]

You are right. I'm sorry...

Thank you again for the replies!!!

[Lord Orwell]

I haven't actually checked in vb.net, but in visual studio 6, the package and deployment wizard included its own source code. same with DirectX. You could customize the install any way you wanted because you had the installer source. Custom splash screens were a main benefit.