How to create a .NET setup project with crystal report prerequisite?

Question

I have worked on a desktop application in .net and it uses crystal report for generating report in pdf/ms word. However, I am now trying to deploying this app with visual studio setup project. Now, finding a way to bundle the crystal report assemblies in some way so that they can also install automatically on a pc where crystal report isn't installed. How can I achieve this please?

Regards

Answer 1

There is a folder called Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Crystal Reports\CRRedist\IA64 in your Programs folder. There you will find a redistributable package. Just add this file to your setup project - user defined actions - and install it.

edit: As you mentioned setupProject CustomActions only allows exe/dll files

I found another solution. Hope this ones satisfies your needs.

Add a mergeModul to your setupProject (right-click solution explorer on setupProject, add mergeModul). A folder called C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Merge Modules should automatically show up. There you may find a file called CrystallReportsRedistxxx.msm. Add this to your project and it should install too.

To find the right MergeModul for your version have a look at: BusinessObjects_CrystallReports

Adding MergeModul to setupProjects look at: SetupMergeModul

What kind of CrystalReport package to use, look at: MS CrystalReport I and MS CrystalReport II

hth