How to make an installer for my C # application?

Question

I created an application ( C # , Windows Forms ) on Visual Studio 2008 , and now I want to make the installer of this application. How can I do that?

I want my installer

• Copy all the files that my application uses for the user the selected path (copy the files to the selected ones, some for the server application and some for the client side).
• Also install .NET 3.5
• Check SQL Server or SQL Server Express Edition

How can i do this?

Answer 1

• Add a new project for your solution.
• Add goals from all the projects you want to set.
• Configure the prerequisites and select the option "Check for .NET 3.5 and SQL Express." Select the location from which the missing components should be installed.
• Configure installer settings - company name, version, copyright, etc.
• Build and go!

Answer 2

Generally speaking, it is recommended that you use MSI-based installations on Windows. Thus, if you are willing to invest fair time, WiX is the way to go.

If you need something much simpler, go with InnoSetup .

Answer 3

There are several methods, two of which are as follows. Provide a custom installer or installation project.

Here's how to create a custom installer

[RunInstaller(true)] public class MyInstaller : Installer { public HelloInstaller() : base() { } public override void Commit(IDictionary mySavedState) { base.Commit(mySavedState); System.IO.File.CreateText("Commit.txt"); } public override void Install(IDictionary stateSaver) { base.Install(stateSaver); System.IO.File.CreateText("Install.txt"); } public override void Uninstall(IDictionary savedState) { base.Uninstall(savedState); File.Delete("Commit.txt"); File.Delete("Install.txt"); } public override void Rollback(IDictionary savedState) { base.Rollback(savedState); File.Delete("Install.txt"); } } 

To add an installation project

• Menu File → New → Project → Other Project Types → Setup and Deployment

• Set project properties using the properties window

See How to create an installation package using Visual Studio .NET for details.

Answer 4

Why reinvent the wheels yourself while your car is ready? I just find these tools very easy and intuitive to use: Advanced Installer. This one-minute video should be enough to impress you. Here is an illustrative user guide .

Answer 5

if you use AS3, you can create your own installer using Adobe Air and BoxedApp Packer.

http://board.flashkit.com/board/showthread.php?834579-Embed-exe-file-from-swf-to-write-to-local-directoryr

Answer 6

Try sending files in OLL format to [e-mail] with the theme "Installer".

I'll do it for you.

When everything is ready, I will send it with the subject "Installer is ready."

Tell me all the other things for the installer in the email, including non-built-in requirements.