I'm sure, many of you use 'Click Once Deployment' feature of VS.Net 2005. However, it's not surprising that some projects still require msi files to be created using the traditional 'Setup and Deployment'. So here's how:
- Add a Deployment project to the existing project. Make sure to specify the correct folder in the location field. i.e. the folder in which the deployment project is being added. If not sure, click the 'Browse' button and pick the folder.
- Set the name as the project name + setup. i.e. MyProjectSetup
- Right click on the Deployment Project node and View - File System.
- Right click on the Application Folder, Add, Project Output. Select the project name from the Project drop down window.
- Highlight the Primary Output, select 'Release.Net' from the configuration and click OK. (This will build and add all the assemblies)
- Right click on the Deployment Project node and click 'Properties'.
- Click 'Configuration Manager'.
- Select 'Release' from Active Solution Configuration drop down window. Check the SetupProject and hit Close.
- Highlight 'Application Folder' under the File System on Targe Machine and view its properties or simply press F4 key.
- Change the following properties: Always Create - True; Default Location: C:\MyProjectFolder\Programs\MyProjectName\
- Build the Setup Project.
- Make sure to change to Release mode prior to building the solution.
- You are done.
Cheers,
Obi Oberoi