How to make an installer for my C# application?

Question

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

I want my installer to

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

How can I do it?

Answer 1

1. Add a new install project to your solution.
2. Add targets from all projects you want to be installed.
3. Configure pre-requirements and choose "Check for .NET 3.5 and SQL Express" option. Choose the location from where missing components must be installed.
4. Configure your installer settings - company name, version, copyright, etc.
5. Build and go!

Answer 2

Generally speaking, it's recommended to use MSI-based installations on Windows. Thus, if you're ready to invest a fair bit of time, WiX is the way to go.

If you want something which is much more simpler, go with InnoSetup.

Answer 3

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

Here is 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 a setup project

• Menu file -> New -> Project --> Other Projects Types --> Setup and Deployment

• Set properties of the project, using the properties window

The article How to create a Setup package by using Visual Studio .NET provides the details.

Answer 4

Why invent wheels yourself while there is a car ready for you? I just find this tools super easy and intuitive to use: Advanced Installer. This one minute video should be enough to impress you. Here is the illustrative user guide.