DLL Strong Name GAC Util

Question

Hi. Please someone help meeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to distribute a C# dll with .COM interopability. I understand that in order to access the dll from VB6 I need to register the c# dll with a strong name and install it in the windows assembly using GACutil. In order to use these utilities i have to have the vs.net installed right??? in that case how does my client who only uses vb6 use this dll without having to install the .net development kit?

mibuyt · Answer

Hi, I was also wondering though if there is a way to use a csharp dll without .net framework. --> I don't think so. :) Note: Assume that rotor and mono are the same with .net framework, and you want to run .net applications without .net framework Cheers.

sashah · Answer

Thanks. Your info really helped me out. I've been able to access my methods fine now. I was also wondering though if there is a way to use a csharp dll without .net framework. Can I just find out what .net libraries im using and then just add them into my project??

mibuyt · Answer

A typo: Before: b) make sure all the exposed public methods with a specific GUID [GuidAttribute("")] generate the guid through vs.net Tools menu, and then select Create GUID After: b) make sure all the exposed public CLASS with a specific GUID [GuidAttribute("")] generate the guid through vs.net Tools menu, and then select Create GUID

mibuyt · Answer

Hi, It is not true. You do not need to attached your C# dll with strong name or add it into GAC in order your vb6 application to call it. I have seen many people recommending this way, but it is not true. I have tested it myself except you proof me wrong :) Try this instead. 1.1 If you are coding with vs.net and testing on the same machine, right click your project and set to true on the Register for Com Interop. 1.2 If you are deploying on a machine without vs.net, you have to do this: command line: tlbexp DotNetAssembly.dll will generate DotNetAssembly.tlb 2. Then in order to make your components to appear within the VB6 Project References... do this: regasm /tlb:DotNetAssembly.tlb DotNetAssembly.dll 3. Yeah it will work. There are some tips for you as below: a) When you want to make sure your classes or methods to appear properly in VB6 - object browser or intellisense... make sure any public classes or interfaces, etc (will only provide you an example on public classes which you want to expose out) [ClassInterfaceAttribute(ClassInterfaceType.None)] b) make sure all the exposed public methods with a specific GUID [GuidAttribute("")] generate the guid through vs.net Tools menu, and then select Create GUID c) When you call in VB6 always do this: Incorrect: Option Explicit dim test as ClassA.Main set test = new ClassA.Main Incorrect:Option Explicit dim test as new ClassA.Main Correct: dim test as ClassA.Main 'within a sub/function sub Main() set test = new ClassA.Main 'then it will work as accordingly end sub These are just a few examples... Hope it helps. Cheers.

madinewala · Answer

Hi http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/cpguide/html/cpconcomcallablewrapper.asp is of much help in this regard. Also, there is no need to install the VS.NET installed on the client m/c. Only .NET Framework would suffice! I generally follow the following principle 1. Create the DLL in C#/VB.NET 2. On the client m/c that has the .NET Framework installed, use Regasm.exe/tlbexp.exe utilities and make use in the VB6 apps. HTH Bye irfan