How can a C++ windows dll be merged into a C# application exe?

Question

I have a Windows C# program that uses a C++ dll for data i/o. My goal is to deploy the application as a single EXE.

What are the steps to create such an executable

Answer 1

Have you tried ILMerge? http://research.microsoft.com/~mbarnett/ILMerge.aspx

ILMerge is a utility that can be used to merge multiple .NET assemblies into a single assembly. It is freely available for use from the Tools & Utilities page at the Microsoft .NET Framework Developer Center.

If you're building the C++ DLL with the /clr flag (all or partially C++/CLI), then it should work:

ilmerge /out:Composite.exe MyMainApp.exe Utility.dll

It will not work with an ordinary (native) Windows DLL however.