Visual Studio 2008 Setup Project

Question

I need to build a setup project for an windows application I developed in C#. Along the way, I need the user to be able to set the database server/instance name along with authentication type, and a username /password if they are using SQL authentication. This connection string is stored in my app.config file.

Once setup is complete, a website needs to open that will install a couple of controls that are needed for this application.

I have been looking at how to develop setup projects but I can't seem to figure out how to do what I need to do.

All help is appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,

you need to create a custom dialog in the setup project as shown Create custom dialogs for use in your Visual Studio Setup projects

One interesting way to do it is to use custom action with "normal" winform like described here

Take a look at Wix, i tested it for a small application/addin, works fine. For your problem more work to to, but i think if you create your Wix modular you can put the parts together for a new setup application.

Answer 2

You can also build an InstallHelper exe that will run during the standard VS Setup Project as described at http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials/aspnet/ec13b205-9a90-496f-9d7b-ccebdf1d3ca1/build-a-custom-action-ins.aspx.