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  1. #1
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    Pre-requisites for installing a c# program on another computer

    If I write a program in c# and then install it on another computer, what does the other computer need to have on it before the program will run?

    Of course it will have to be a Windows PC but what version(s)? And will they need to download the .Net framework or is everything required contained in the .exe file?

    Thanks in advance.

    (I'm using .Net 4)

  2. #2
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    Re: Pre-requisites for installing a c# program on another computer

    They will need the .NET 4.0 framework installed. You can get the redistributable installer here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa569263
    Best Regards,

    BioPhysEngr
    http://blog.biophysengr.net
    --
    All advice is offered in good faith only. You are ultimately responsible for effects of your programs and the integrity of the machines they run on.

  3. #3
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    Re: Pre-requisites for installing a c# program on another computer

    Also, you can install under Linux (I know your post doesn't say so) using Mono: http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page
    Best Regards,

    BioPhysEngr
    http://blog.biophysengr.net
    --
    All advice is offered in good faith only. You are ultimately responsible for effects of your programs and the integrity of the machines they run on.

  4. #4
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    Re: Pre-requisites for installing a c# program on another computer

    Many thanks for replying. I hope you can help me with some follow-on questions.

    Would I be able to include the framework installation in my program's install package? If the installer detected that the correct version of the framework was already in place, I guess it would have less to do? Does the .Net framework come as standard with XP/Vista/Windows 7?

    So many questions, and I'm very grateful for you helping me at all. Ultimately I'm trying to distribute a program that must be very easy to install. If users are faced with a list of prerequisites then they're not going to bother installing it.

  5. #5
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    Re: Pre-requisites for installing a c# program on another computer

    To be honest, I haven't done this before, but a popular solution is to use NSIS, which is a free installer maker. You can find details about ensuring .NET is installed with this wiki entry: http://nsis.sourceforge.net/DotNET

    Actually, I think it's almost just as simple to tell your users to install .NET first (give them the installer) and then install your program. It's a lot simpler from your perspective. OTOH, if you're making an installer for your program anyway, might as well try to integrate .NET installation with it.

    Wish I could be more helpful, but I have no experience in this regard mostly. Perhaps someone else on the forum can help.
    Best Regards,

    BioPhysEngr
    http://blog.biophysengr.net
    --
    All advice is offered in good faith only. You are ultimately responsible for effects of your programs and the integrity of the machines they run on.

  6. #6
    Arjay's Avatar
    Arjay is offline Moderator / EX MS MVP Power Poster
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    Re: Pre-requisites for installing a c# program on another computer

    If you have a non-Express version of Visual Studio, then you'll be able to create install programs.

    The install program should be able to supply a stand-a-lone .net installer. There should be that option. The more typical option is for the install to point to the web to install the .net framework (this option reduces the installer size).

    Btw, the installer determines the .net version to install based on your project requirements (which may or may not require .net 4.0).

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