Include .NET Installer

[MRedRaider]

I have an application in which I create and use a NotifyIcon from the .NET 2.0 framework. When I build and create an installer, I don't see an easy way to include the .NET installer or to require .NET prior to installation.

LabVIEW 8.2.1 build code that used .NET would error out with a fairly descriptive explaination if .NET framework wasn't installed. LabVIEW 8.5 shows a broken arrow on the built application and says something about requiring the LabVIEW Developement system to fix the problem.

1. I don't like a distributable application to EVER show the broken arrow.

2. I fixed it by installing .NET 2.0 Framework.... I just need to be SURE my user installs it.

Any ideas?

[MRedRaider]

Bump.

I am going to post this on LAVA as well.

[NoahR]

Hi MattH,

Thanks for contacting National Instruments.  I've been looking into your question a little more and I have a suggestion for you that you can try.  When you are trying to install the .NET framework with the installer.  You can add the .msi file for the .NET to your project by Right-clicking on "My Computer" and selecting Add>>File.  Then, you can create a batch file that will call this .msi file to run.  After doing this, make sure that you add the .msi file and batch file to your installer so that they will be installed on the other computer.  The final step will be to go the Advanced Tab when building the installer and make sure that the "Run executable after installation" option is checked.  Then, you can add the batch file to this option so that it will run after installation and call the .msi file for the .NET framework.  I hope some of this helps and feel free to reply back if you have any more questions.  Thanks!

[MRedRaider]

Sounds good, LAVA suggested the same solution so both forums worked !!!

Only thing now is the tremendous size of the NI Installer

Thanks!

[NoahR]

That's great! I'm glad we are all on the same page then.  One thing you may want to look at with decreasing the size of the installer would be to see if just having the run-time engine will work as opposed to the whole framework.  If this will allow you to run your application, then the size of the installer should decrease a good amount.  Hope it helps!