Is InstallShield the solution for creating a self-contained program?

[sweetjones]

I have exe that needs some .DLL files to run on other cpu's that don't have Visual Studio on them. The only way to run my program is to put the .DLL files in the Windows/system32 path. Is there a way of including the information that's in the .DLL files in my code so that everything can compile together? Or is there a way of creating an All-In-One Installer that I can write specifically where to put these files? My main goal is to put my program on a file hosting site where all u have to do is go to the URL and run the program. Thanx In Advance!

 

[mgb_phys]

You can put the dll in the same folder as your app.
If you are using microsoft's .msi installer you just add the redistribution .msm file to the build.
I would recommend the free InnoSetup (www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php) installer, it is much easier to use than the microsoft .msi one and has a section describing how to handle system dlls cleanly.

 

[sweetjones]

You can put the dll in the same folder as your app.
If you are using microsoft's .msi installer you just add the redistribution .msm file to the build.
I would recommend the free InnoSetup (www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php) installer, it is much easier to use than the microsoft .msi one and has a section describing how to handle system dlls cleanly.

That sounds good to me. I'll check it out. I also was thinking about Batch Files. Would that be a good solution? Zip up the .exe, the .DLL files, and and make a Batch file that sends these file to the correct path. What about that scenario?

P.S. -Which one of the programs I need to use on that Inno Setup website?

 

[mgb_phys]

The installer is isetup-5.2.1.exe ( or whatever version ) in the download section.

You write a script in a text file which contains the list of files you want to send and where to put them. Run innosetup on the text file and it builds a "setup.exe" which contains all the files. You send it to your customer, they run the setup.exe and it puts the files in the correct directory, there is no need for batch files.

 

[sweetjones]

The installer is isetup-5.2.1.exe ( or whatever version ) in the download section.

You write a script in a text file which contains the list of files you want to send and where to put them. Run innosetup on the text file and it builds a "setup.exe" which contains all the files. You send it to your customer, they run the setup.exe and it puts the files in the correct directory, there is no need for batch files.

Thanks a lot for your help. I'll give it a shot.

 

[sweetjones]

Man, that was easy. I love that program. It works really well. Now all I have to do is figure out how to change the shortcut icon with a Batch File. Thanks Again for your help!

 

[stewartcs]

InstallShield makes software just for this purpose. You specify what files to include in the setup package, change icons, etc...I have an older copy that I use for most of my programs. It works well for me...