Deploy .NET (C#) exe application on desktops

Question

I develop application in C# with MSVC 2010 Express, with Forms/WPF/etc.

Application consist of some private assemblies (maybe DLLs) and .exe file. It uses .NET 4 features.

How I deploy this application to other computers? Of course if they have .NET 4 I just can send zip of .exe with .dlls and it work. But if they don't have .NET at all (on Win XP machine)? Or maybe they have lower version of .NET? Should I point them to install .NET from internet or package it with my app or what?

Thanks

Answer 1

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324733

Answer 2

when you package you application,you shoud include the .NET Framework

Answer 3

You didn't say what type of clients they are (are you making a small app for your friends to use or are they paying customers), but whatever the case may be, I'm always completely against sending a zip file with an instruction document describing what to do with it and what folder to extract it to. As Remy said, ClickOnce is not a bad idea, but I've found it to be a bit of a pain to set up (once you get it set up, though, it works just fine). On the other hand, a Deployment project is simpler and if I were you, that would be the first thing I'd explore.

Answer 4

Yes, you should point them to install .NET. Otherwise it won't be possible for them to run your application.