How to build setup installer for visual c application

[keith23]

Hi all. i have a few visual c++ program and i wonder how i can make an setup installer for it . My purpuse is to send it to some one who has no knowlege of compiling and using visual stuidio and i want him to run the install and be able to use the applicaion with out needs for him to install compiler and compile the program. Just like commertional programs that we buy. I be happy if an expert tell me what tools i need and how i can achive it.Thanks

 

[cpjust]

Why would you need a compiler to run the program? You compile the source files into an .exe file, then send that .exe file to the person that's going to run it.

If your program depends on any DLLs, you need to make sure you send those DLLs also.

 

[keith23]

Many thanks to u reply . I am using visual studio version 6 . could u tell me how i can compile the source files into an .exe file? I looked at file menue but i did not see any option to make .exe for vc++ project!!Thanks

 

[cpjust]

Click Build->Build exe

 

[keith23]

cpjust i tried that and i get this massage:

exeinfo.exe - 0 error(s), 0 warning(s)

but i could not find the .exe file!! where i can finde it? Thanks

 

[lionelhill]

Should be in the debug folder of your current project

 

[cpjust]

or the release folder depending on whether you built it in debug or release mode.

 

[keith23]

Thank for u all for your nice replie. Unfortuntly there is no debug folder or release folder. I even used search function in xp and it could not find it :-(( I am using visual studio version 6 .Is it any problem with my visual studio version ?Thanks

 

[cpjust]

Well you should make sure you have the latest Visual Studio 6 Service Pack, but I doubt that's the problem.

Where is your VC++ project? It should have .h & .cpp files, a .dsw and .dsp file, and some other stuff that gets generated by the compiler.

Is this a Console App or a Win32 App?