How to add manifest to a .NET DLL?

Question

I have a c# class library project that uses a COM dll registered on the system. I now want to deploy the COM dll as a side-by-side assembly, so I don't have to register it, or interfere with other applications that might use a different version of the dll.

I have added app.manifest to the c# project using the add new item menu, but I'm not sure what to do next. In the project properties/application/icon and manifest, the manifest drop down is disabled. I don't know how to get past that. I've added a manifest file, why is it not in the dropdown list?

I have a manifest for the COM dll that works with C++ applications, and I think I keep that as is. Now I need to know how to edit the app.manifest for the c# project. I will start by adding a known good dependency element. But I need a tutorial on how to set this up, I don't see it covered anywhere.

I am using VS2008

Answer 1

A manifest applies only to EXEs/host apps - as this is the level at which one understands how all the dependent assemblies and their capabilities mesh together.

For example, in the case of setting the UAC marker via the trustinfo/security/requestedPrivileges/requestedExecutionLevel element, the case of a dependent assembly legitimately being able to say "I say we all understand about UAC" doesnt make sense.