VS2010 Setup Project: Can't create shortcut

Question

I have created a a Setup Project for my application in VS2010. I used the Primary Output from my application-project to add it to the Setup Project, but I can't figure out how to add a shortcut.

I used the right-click -> create new shortcut -> application folder -> Primary Output to create a shortcut.

This didn't generate any compile-errors, but when I use the installer on a Client-PC the shortcut doesn't work. Even though I set an icon for the shortcut in VS, the icon is just a document now. When I click the shortcut it open the "Preparing Windows Installer"-dialog, which I then cancel. I have to go to the Program Files-folder to run my application.

Answer 1

It looks like your installer doesn't install all resources. This would explain why the shortcut in invalid. Perhaps this will help you find the problem: http://setupanddeployment.com/general-installation-problems/preparing-install-popping/