Is it possible to register a .NET assembly for COM interop without adding registry entries?

Question

I am deploying a .NET VSTO application via click once. The application\'s main assembly needs to be registered for COM interop as part of the installation process. I know

Answer 1

You could use registration-free activation of COM components. I have used this in an application deployed via click-once and it worked well. Here are a few links to get you started:

Registration-Free Activation of .NET-Based Components

Walkthrough: Manually Deploying a ClickOnce Application

How To: ClickOnce deployment for unmanaged app with COM component in managed assembly

Answer 2

I came across registration-free COM while researching a related problem. I didn't end up using it, so I can't say for sure if it will solve your problem, but it might be worth checking out:

Simplify App Deployment with ClickOnce and Registration-Free COM

Registration-Free Activation of .NET-Based Components: A Walkthrough

Answer 3

It depends on the scenario, but maybe Registration free COM (using a manifest) will help. See this article

Answer 4

Don't think you can. Might be wrong but a big part of COM is really just a way to find things via the registry. If you can't edit the registry... you are in trouble.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_Object_Model#Registry