How to create a distribution kit in Meaurement Studio with Visual C++?

[RichMyers]

First time Measurement Studio/Visual C++ programmer. I am used to working with LabWindows CVI.
I have debugged my C++ application and compiled it in both debug and release configurations. Now I want to install and run this program on a different PC that will serve as the test station controller. How do I create a distribution package? I cannot find a menu selection that allows me to produce a distribution kit. Surely I cannot just copy the executable from the release directory to the new computer??

[IM]

You can use the InstallShield Wizard to create a distribution package (Menu 'Extras'). It includes all ActiveX, Dlls etc. Perhaps you have to install it, it's on your MeasurementStudio CD.

Ingo.

[RichMyers]

Ingo,

Thanks for your help. However, I loaded the "LabWindows/CVI and Measurement Studio Full Developmemnt System, Version 6.0" CD and selected install, and then add/remove features. Nearly everything is already installed, and I cannot find any reference to the InstallShield Wizard.

Are you sure that this comes with NI Measurement Studio? FYI -- I am using Microsoft Visual C++ Standard Edition. Microsoft's website shows that the Standard edition does not come with InstallShield. Could this be my problem.

[Elton Wells]

If you're still using Visual C++ 6.0, I would recommend using Visual Studio Installer 1.1. It's a free update for registered Visual Studio 6.0 users and is very easy to use. If you're using Visual C++ .NET, you can use a Visual Studio .NET Setup Project, when you can find under File->New->Project, then select Setup and Deployment Projects under the New Project dialog, then select Setup Project.

- Elton

[IM]

Sorry,
I think it was de Microsoft Visual C++ Professional Edition CD. That's why you can't find it. But it was quite hidden, you will be asked at the end of installation to install other features. Maybe not during the installing the Standard Edition.
Ingo.

[Puglover]

Elton, I have created the .msi file and setup.exe files from your suggested Setup Project, but my project still has an issue. My project uses a tab control and multiple dialog boxes, however at startup there is only one tab with one dialog box in it. It has 2 NiButtons and some regualar VC++ controls. When I run the .exe on other computers it won't create the dialog box. Do you have any suggestions as to why this may be happening. It runs fine on my computer.

Thanks

[Puglover]

One more thing. I removed the 2 NiButtons I had on that dialog and the program ran on the other computer, so I am positive it has something to do with the buttons or how I'm using them.

Thanks,

[Patrick_P.]

Hey Puglover,

Usually the dialogs will not pop up because there is some missing dependency.  One situation where I have seen this before is when distributing projects that have ActiveX controls.  If you do not distribute the ActiveX controls, the dialog window that contains the control will not appear.  This KnowledgeBase describes how to distribute your application in .NET so that it will include everything you need to run your built executable on another machine.

Thanks,

[Puglover]

Thanks, I was missing the merge modules.