How to make an executable file?

[nikolay]

Hello. I'm using Visual Studio 2008. I've done a simple program and i want to make an executable file that will run on another computers without visual studio or any other compilators. The program is running well on my PC but when i "release" it (Build->Configuration Manager->Active solution configuration->Release) and try to run it on my other PC it doesnt work. There's some kind of error that says: "This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect."
Any ideas?

[chrisname]

If you can see the .exe in Windows Explorer (I assume you are using Windows) then it has been compiled and linked. If you can only see .o or .obj files then you need to link them into an executable.

How exactly to do that in VC++ I do not know; but look for something that says 'Build' or 'Link' or something similar.

I think that's what the question is asking anyway.

[Bazzy]

"This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect."
Typical with programs compiled with VC++,
to solve you can:
- use a different compiler
- install the VC++ runtime library on the computer you want to run the program
- in the project properties, change the linker settings to statically link instead of dynamically link

[jloundy]

Install these

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9B2DA534-3E03-4391-8A4D-074B9F2BC1BF&displaylang=en

and

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d5692ce4-adad-4000-abfe-64628a267ef0&DisplayLang=en

[msn92]

Hi!

I'm suffering with this too. Please help!

I want it to work on other computers as well without asking any libraries or any other files. Let the exe file be great size, but it should work everywhere (at least WinXP +).
How can I do that?
Please tell me any solution except installing VC++ runtime libraries on the target computer.
I don't know how to change options to static linking. Please explain how to do it at least.

I'm using Visual Studio 2005. Creating CLR Windows Forms Application.

Any help would be appreciated.

[S6k9GNh0]

Seriously, just use another friggin' compiler. I'm sick of hearing this. There are SO many solutions on the World Wide Web but you guys still feel obligated to post on a forum and then instead of doing what you were told to do, you are simply wanting to be spoon-fed the answer.

[msn92]

All right, then please tell me which compiler to use(a compiler with IDE that can create windows forms application and with form designer like in Visual C++)?
I hate MS VStudio too. But I couldn't find any other good alternative.
Borland C++ Builder is a good one too. But there is the same problem with it. Programs compiled using BC++ requires BC++ runtime libs.

[S6k9GNh0]

There are SO many. Intel C++, MinGW, BC++, Tiny C (C only), Digital Mars, SO MANY! You don't necessarily need to have runtime libraries follow your executable around in VC++ either. You can simply create a static linking which creates the needed sections of the runtime into your program.

Bazzy
- in the project properties, change the linker settings to statically link instead of dynamically link

You can avoid this in other compilers completely.

[z05DSL3A]

computerquip,

There are SO many. Intel C++, MinGW,...

Hmm...Creating CLR Windows Forms Application.?


msn92, Let's face it, You want to do .net, you have to install the framework on the target computer.

[msn92]

Grey Wolf and computerquip, thank you!

I found a solution: Use VS 2003 instead of 2005 ;). Looks like VS 2003 uses net framework v1.1. Now apps are working on xp installed computers too.

[rafaelbrasilia]

Hi, i was having the same problem and now it works fine....

but i have another problem, whenever i run my program it works but i cannot see the output window, since it executes and closes real fast.

what should i do to keep the output on the screen? and then just press any key to continue?

thanks

[Lodger]

If you want to deploy your application on other computers, why not create an installer for it?

VC2005 and upwards provide all the tools necessary to create simple installer that when executed on another machine, will install both your application and it's dependencies e.g. the .NET Framework 2.0 and whatever other libraries your application requires. Or you can use something like NSIS.

(Can't remember if VC2003 does - can someone confirm?)

[rafaelbrasilia]

oh ok.

can you tell me how to create this installer? is there any tutorial i can access online?

thanks!!

[z05DSL3A]

I'm not sure that all versions of VS have the capability but if you create a new project (within your solution), look for something like Other project types->Setup and deployment, there should be a setup wizard.

If not you can look on the net for a third party (free and commercial).

[Lodger]

Sorry, I've always used either VC Enterprise or Professional edition so I'm used to the option always being there. The express editions may not include support for creating setup and deployment projects, maybe someone can confirm that?

As Grey Wolf says, there are other applications available for creating installers. NSIS is one of the more popular (and quite powerful I believe) ones. It is free and available here: http://nsis.sourceforge.net/Main_Page