How to Build a Release Version of VB.Net Application and How to Publish VB.Net Application

Conclusion

  1. Using Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 Express to build (publish) an installer (setup.exe), there are many limitations:-
    1. unable to specify the path to install files; by default it install the exe file into “..\AppData\Local\Apps” folder
    2. no “Uninstall” shortcut/icon
  2. Therefore, we will not use Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 Express to build an installer file (setup.exe).

How to Build a Release Version

  1. Double-click on”My Project”.
  2. Go to “Compile” and set the “Build output path”.
  3. Goto “Build -> Configuration Manager”.
  4. Select “Release” and “Any CPU”.
  5. Goto “Build -> Build Type_Maker”.
  6. The build or release folder is located at the path that has been set in the “Build output path” which is “bin\”.
  7. The build application is “Type_Maker.exe”.

 

How to Publish VB.Net Application

Publish means to create a set-up file (installer).

  1. Go to “Build” -> “Configuration Manager”.
  2. Specify the “Active solution configuration” and “Active solution platform”. Close the Configuration Manager.
  3. Go to “Build” and “Build Type_Maker”.
  4. Go to “Solution Explorer” and double-click on “My Project”.
  5. Click “Publish” tab.
  6. In “Install Mode and Settings”, select “The application is available offline as well (launchable from Start menu)”.
  7. Click “Application Files…” and set the list of files that will be included in the installation.
  8. Click “Prerequisites…” and set as below:
  9. Click “Publish Wizard” button.
  10. Specify the location to publish the application. Click “Next”.
  11. Select “From a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM”. Click “Next”.
  12. Select “The application will not check for updates” and click “Next”.
  13. Click “Finish” to publish the application.
  14. After the publish completed, the saved folder will be opened automatically. Double-click on the “setup.exe” file to install the application and click “Install”.