1. Introduction
2. Getting Started
3. Package Types
4. Package Folder
5. Included Files
6. Cab Options
7. Start Menu Items
8. Install Locations
9. Finished!

Comments

1. Suresh P
   28 Aug 2007 at 07:55

   Hello

         Open the  folder(Package folder) where .exe file is available..

         There one setup file is available open that setup file in notepad..

         In that below the Setup1 Files, search the word DLLSelfRegisterEx..

         Remove the letter Ex and save the file..

         Now install & execute.. Send respose..

2. Thushan Fernando
   08 Apr 2006 at 02:39

   I keep seeing people post on the forums about P&D issues, P&D Wizard was great when VB6 first arrived (around 98) but after Microsoft invested in MSI (Windows Installer) P&D was pointless.
   
   To save yourself (and your users) the trouble switch to using Visual Studio Installer 1.1 or one of the other freely available installers such as InnoSetup or NSIS Installer. You'll find that these tools are more robust and alot more user-friendly than the older v3.x versions of the installer shell/runtime that P&D uses.
   
   I hope that helps
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. buffbuh
   03 Feb 2006 at 22:36

   No problem, Sallen.  I'd be happy to help out if I can.  I remember looking a while for answers for a while and finally gave up.  Let me know if you found a legitimate solution.  Good luck!
   

   
   Bryan

4. Sondra Allen
   03 Feb 2006 at 22:10

   Thanks Bryan.  I'm going to have to do some research and recommend to my team what we do to resolve the issue.  We've been talking about going to a different PDW for quite some time and as you say this may be our straw that broke the camel's back.  I'll give the free one a look over and if I have any questions I'll be in touch--if you don't mind.
   Thanks,
   Sondra
   

   
   

5. buffbuh
   03 Feb 2006 at 21:40

   SALLEN,
   

   
   I don't think I ever found a solution.  But read on if you want an alternative solution.  
   

   
   I decided I wanted a more professional software installation package anyways, that offered more options and looked nicer - and I wanted it in .msi format, so I tried out MAKEMSI, a free software packaging tool, and have been using that to package my software ever since.
   

   
   There's a learning curve there, but I'd be willing to share what I've learned as far as packaging a VB project using MAKEMSI.  Granted, my VB package is not too complicated.  I include a number of VB executables, a DLL library, an .mdb file, and .ini file.  Added a banner graphic, icon, and software license text.  It's really not a bad way to go for free.  
   

   
   I have used Wise Installer, which is much better/easier to use, but costs quite a bit of money.  I might recommend that to someone with money to buy it.
   

   
   Sorry I don't have a fix for you.  I guess that's the straw that broke the camel's back for me.  I couldn't believe VB packager would hang up like that.  GRRRRR!!!
   

   
   Sincerely,
   Bryan (BuffBuh)
   

   
   

6. Sondra Allen
   03 Feb 2006 at 19:56

   Is there a resolution for this issue?  I'm having the same problem.
   Thanks,
   SALLEN

7. buffbuh
   23 Sep 2005 at 18:24
   A project I have compiles fine (slowly granted) - but when using Package and Deployment Wizard, it freezes right after designating Install folder.  I tried changing the Install folder location, but it doesn't help.  It just freezes - "not responding" forever.
   
   Help!
   
   Buffbuh
8. buffbuh
   23 Sep 2005 at 18:20
   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/236529
   
   Good idea to do a search in Google on error messages - you'll often find links to Microsoft's Knowledge Base - good place to start.  
   
   Buffbuh
9. buffbuh
   23 Sep 2005 at 18:10
   I'm not sure I understand the question completely.  I have packaged various .exe's in one package with one main .vbp file.  I just added the other .exe's to the package as additional files.  The main .vbp actually calls the other .exe's when appropriate using the following code:
   
   Dim strMyShell As String
   strMyShell = registry("strPath") & "Other.exe"
   If FileExists(strMyShell) Then
      Call ExecCmd(strMyShell, 0)  ' Second byte parameter determines whether parent .exe waits or not for "Other.exe" to finish before continuing.
   Else
      Err = 5
      ErrorOut Err, "'" & strMyShell & "' does not exist.  Get a copy and put it in the right directory."
   End If
   
   Where:
   
   
   
     Private Type STARTUPINFO
        cb As Long
        lpReserved As String
        lpDesktop As String
        lpTitle As String
        dwX As Long
        dwY As Long
        dwXSize As Long
        dwYSize As Long
        dwXCountChars As Long
        dwYCountChars As Long
        dwFillAttribute As Long
        dwFlags As Long
        wShowWindow As Integer
        cbReserved2 As Integer
        lpReserved2 As Long
        hStdInput As Long
        hStdOutput As Long
        hStdError As Long
     End Type
   
     Private Type PROCESS_INFORMATION
        hProcess As Long
        hThread As Long
        dwProcessID As Long
        dwThreadID As Long
     End Type
   
     Private Declare Function WaitForSingleObject Lib "kernel32" (ByVal _
        hHandle As Long, ByVal dwMilliseconds As Long) As Long
   
     Private Declare Function CreateProcessA Lib "kernel32" (ByVal _
        lpApplicationName As Long, ByVal lpCommandLine As String, ByVal _
        lpProcessAttributes As Long, ByVal lpThreadAttributes As Long, _
        ByVal bInheritHandles As Long, ByVal dwCreationFlags As Long, _
        ByVal lpEnvironment As Long, ByVal lpCurrentDirectory As Long, _
        lpStartupInfo As STARTUPINFO, lpProcessInformation As _
        PROCESS_INFORMATION) As Long
   
     Private Declare Function CloseHandle Lib "kernel32" (ByVal _
        hObject As Long) As Long
   
     Private Const NORMAL_PRIORITY_CLASS = &H20&
     Private Const INFINITE = -1&
    
   Public Sub ExecCmd(cmdline$, bytWait As Byte)
   
      '   From VB article  Q129796
      
        Dim ret&
        Dim proc As PROCESS_INFORMATION
        Dim start As STARTUPINFO
        ' Initialize the STARTUPINFO structure:
        start.cb = Len(start)
   
        ' Start the shelled application:
        ret& = CreateProcessA(0&, cmdline$, 0&, 0&, 1&, _
           NORMAL_PRIORITY_CLASS, 0&, 0&, start, proc)
   
      If bytWait = 1 Then
            If ret& = 0 Then
                 Err = 8
            End If
      
            ' Wait for the shelled application to finish:
            Do
              ret& = WaitForSingleObject(proc.hProcess, 0)
              ' ret& = WaitForSingleObject(proc.hProcess, INFINITE)
              DoEvents
            Loop Until ret& <> 258
            ret& = CloseHandle(proc.hProcess)
      End If
        
   End Sub
   
   
10. buffbuh
    23 Sep 2005 at 18:00
    I understand that this is not a complete solution, but I found you had no other replies.
    
    I have had problems doing this, but have found a nasty, unprofessional work-around.
    
    First - create the shortcut, save it in folder.
    
    Second - Normally, a shortcut has extension "*.lnk", right?  Well, you have to change the extension to say "*.txt", making sure the file is not really "*.txt.lnk".  This may be accomplished via a command window with the rename instruction.
    
    Third - When packaging, add this file to your install package.  On the screen where destination folder is designated, you need to enter "$(App.Path)\..\..\All Users\Desktop", going back however many folders from the designated App.Path.
    
    Fourth - This is the nasty part - after installing, the "txt" file will be copied to the desktop.  Now you simply have to rename it via windows to "*.lnk".  That will make it a shortcut and replenish the appropriate icon.
    
    This is the closest to "automatic" I have come up with using VB's Package and Deployment Wizard.  If anyone has found a better way to do it, please let us know!
    
    Buffbuh
11. Girija
    07 Sep 2005 at 21:49

    I have two projects with two exe. Example A.exe and B.exe. Suppose I want to run A.exe first and then B.exe. Is it possible to tell Packege and Development while intalling Run A.exe first?
    

    
    thanks
    

12. Ajay Khadatkar
    04 Jul 2005 at 06:41

    In same package folder setup.lst file willl be there
    open this file using notepad. search for DllSelfregisterEx and just remove Ex
    

    
    this accurs if you use Calender control

13. shaila
    03 Jun 2005 at 13:46

    I have created one pakage in VB. but while installing that pckage  at the end stage it will give error like 'c:\windows\temp\msftqws.pdw\$(DLLselfRegisterEx) could not be registered b'se it was not found. how to solve this?

14. chandra sekhar
    24 May 2005 at 06:16

    While using the package and development wizard I would like to know how is it possible to add a shortcut on my project automatically in the desktop during setup.
    

15. GeneinGray
    13 Apr 2005 at 18:20

    Here's an easier way.  Add the files from the folder you need, leave the destination to $(AppPath).  When the P&D is done, edit the SETUP.LST file.  Just put \Folder after the $(AppPath), copy and paste to the remaining lines.

16. Maxball
    17 Mar 2005 at 14:56

    I used the VB  Package & Deployment Wizard  for my projects, but i have this problem :
    The process of installation  becomes with English, but the uninstallation of  my VB programs becomes with Spanish dialogues.
    How can  fix this problem?
    (I have Windows 98 SE Greek)

17. Pizdica
    10 Dec 2004 at 01:02

    Is there any way to include a directory in that shit package?

18. deepak bisht
    05 Oct 2004 at 01:26

    Hi,
    

    
    I m in same problem. I have a many pictures which is to be included in one folder kindly tell me how can i add all pictures (about 8000) in one folder.
    

    
    my emailid: deepakbisht@gmail.com
    

    
    thanks
    Deepak
    

19. James Groves
    11 May 2004 at 18:37

    What About Adding More Than 1 Folder?

20. Rhagoletis
    28 Apr 2004 at 17:12

    Pal I found a way to add a folder in a package.
    

    
    When the wizard ask you to add any additional files add your files one by one. After some "nexts" it will ask you to write where to install every file. There you will see as a destination the $(AppPath), change this for your custom files as $(AppPath)\FolderName to install your pics in desired folder. It takes a long if you have a lot of files but it's the only way I found.
    

    
    I hope this helps!
    cheers

21. BlueJay24
    30 Sep 2003 at 19:28

    Did you ever find out how to add a folder to a vb package?

22. farri_no2
    09 May 2003 at 07:25

    can somebody refer me to a free BETTER P&D wizard then the one that is shipped with visual basic ?
    

23. Jerrin Jose
    19 Mar 2003 at 06:03

    Hi
    I am making a VB package I have to ship one folder which contains lots of images.
    Can u tell me how i can package this folder in the set up.

24. harvail
    22 Jan 2003 at 07:16

    Hi
     I am making a VB package I have to ship one folder which contains images
    Can u tell me how i can package folder in the set up
    

    
    thnx
    

25. Developer Fusion Bot
    01 Jan 1999 at 00:00

    This thread is for discussions of Package & Deployment Wizard.