DLL Hell and Windows Installer 1.1 1

[koala15]

There seems to be conflicting advice regarding which (including version) of DLL's to redistribute with an installation package.

I like the MS Windows Installer V1.1 but which DLL's etc should I distribute with my app and which one's should I "assume" are on the target machine?

That target system could be running an OS that has not yet even been released by MS. Example, if the package was built in (say) 2000 it may now want to be installed on XP.

Obviously, any "custom" OCX's etc are not a problem but what about the standard ones such as MSSTDFMT.DLL etc etc?

I noticed that Windows Installer 1.1 has the facility to install DLL's in the app folder and point the registry entries for the app at that folder so that the app (and only that app) will use those DLL's. Is that a good strategy?

Does anyone have a view as to which approach to take?

Alterntive strategies are most welcome.

Thanks Experts.

"Life is full of learning, and then there is wisdom"

 

[ZOR]

I got fed up with the endless circle of ensuring everything was there. Another Tek-Tips member - Jag, introduced me to a product which looks at what your application wants, compresses them and adds to a 1 programme .exe. It then is self sufficient of wahts at the other end. So far never looked back. You can download a trial version, and to but its cheap. Called Stand Alone Xpress.

http://www.digitssoftware.be/

This reply is Not an advert or tied in with any commision.
Reagards

 

[koala15]

ZOR,

Thank you, it looks good - I will check it out.

"Life is full of learning, and then there is wisdom"

 

[JAG14]

ZOR, thanks for the mention buddy!!!

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I should also note that I personally, am not in anyway affiliated with Digit's Software. I am just an end-user.
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[tt]"Very funny, Scotty... Now Beam down my clothes."[/tt]

 

[ZOR]

Your welcome Jag, good to see your still around, trust all is well with you. Thanks again for the referral, works a treat. Regards

 

[JAG14]

ZOR, all is fantastical, still livin it up!
You too?

Did you upgrade to version 2.0?

For those who are unaware, Stand-Alone Xpress has upgraded to version 2, but it needs the NET Framework installed on your PC. If you bought version 1.0 you can get a cheap license for 2.0 (or depending on when you purchased 1.0, it may even be FREE! (the best price in the world))

[tt]"Very funny, Scotty... Now Beam down my clothes."[/tt]

 

[ZOR]

That was quick!!. Things changing all the time over here, keeping my head down. I tried upgrading to version 2.0 but had problems. However now looking back, I only put the .Net distribution package on, ie the smaller package. I think maybe I should have put the larger one on as well, but things became hectic and had to put it to one side. Maybe I will try it again if that was the case. Regards

 

[koala15]

For Stand Alone Xpress 2, am I correct in that only the development machine needs .net Framework (ie the target machine does not need .net)?

Thanks.

"Life is full of learning, and then there is wisdom"

 

[JAG14]

koala, very correct, as long as the developing is done in VB6 and not .NET (obviously, i think)

[tt]"Very funny, Scotty... Now Beam down my clothes."[/tt]

 

[koala15]

Jag,

A star for your professionalism and your time.

Ozzie from down under.

"Life is full of learning, and then there is wisdom"

 

[ZOR]

You found it okay then?. Made my life much easier. Regards

 

[JAG14]

Koala, Thank you.

[tt]"Very funny, Scotty... Now Beam down my clothes."[/tt]