How can I deploy a c#.net application on a machine that doesn't have a .net framework installed ?

Question

How can I deploy a c#.net application on a machine that doesn't have a .net framework installed ? do I have to include any file as part during the deployment of the application or creating a set up program for that? thanks for the help in advance.

Administrator · Answer

You can add the .NET redistributable to your install script and launch it. Microsoft gives the redistributable away for free. Its called dotnetfx.exe I believe and can be downloaded from the site. I understand why Microsoft didn't add this to the setup because its rather large. But I agree they should at least give the option when creating the setup because anyone releasing their dot net application as a real product would have to give the ability to install the .NET redistributable on the users machine for 98/NT/2000 if its not there. It should also be able to detect if its already there. -Mike G. C# Corner Author

Administrator · Answer

Thanks for your reply. then what is the alternative?

Administrator · Answer

I've had a quick look at doing this but never got it to work. Here is another thread that talks about the same problem. Apparently it's very easy with Installshield  but thats expensive. I really wish Microsoft just included the ability to install the .NET Framework first in their installer...

Administrator · Answer

Thanks for your reply. Has anybody tried Installing the .NET Framework with the Setup.exe Bootstrapper Sample ? Please let me know as Iam not able to do so. Thanks

Administrator · Answer

I don't think you can do that. Framework must be installed in order for the .NET applications to run on a machine.