How to make an installer for my C# application?

I have created an application (C#, Windows Forms) on Visual Studio 2008, and now I want to make installer of this application. How can this be done?

I want my installer to

• Copy all the files that my application is using to a user chosen path (copy the files to the chosen, some for the server-side application and some for the client side).
• Also install .NET 3.5
• Check for SQL Server or SQL Server Express Edition

How can I do it?

1. Add a new install project to your solution.
2. Add targets from all projects you want to be installed.
3. Configure pre-requirements and choose "Check for .NET 3.5 and SQL Express" option. Choose the location from where missing components must be installed.
4. Configure your installer settings - company name, version, copyright, etc.
5. Build and go!

Generally speaking, it's recommended to use MSI-based installations on Windows. Thus, if you're ready to invest a fair bit of time, WiX is the way to go.

If you want something which is much more simpler, go with InnoSetup.

There are several methods, two of which are as follows. Provide a custom installer or a setup project.

Here is how to create a custom installer

[RunInstaller(true)]
public class MyInstaller : Installer
{
    public HelloInstaller()
        : base()
    {
    }

    public override void Commit(IDictionary mySavedState)
    {
        base.Commit(mySavedState);
        System.IO.File.CreateText("Commit.txt");
    }

    public override void Install(IDictionary stateSaver)
    {
        base.Install(stateSaver);
        System.IO.File.CreateText("Install.txt");
    }

    public override void Uninstall(IDictionary savedState)
    {
        base.Uninstall(savedState);
        File.Delete("Commit.txt");
        File.Delete("Install.txt");
    }

    public override void Rollback(IDictionary savedState)
    {
        base.Rollback(savedState);
        File.Delete("Install.txt");
    }
}

To add a setup project

• Menu file -> New -> Project --> Other Projects Types --> Setup and Deployment

• Set properties of the project, using the properties window

The article How to create a Setup package by using Visual Studio .NET provides the details.

Why invent wheels yourself while there is a car ready for you? I just find this tools super easy and intuitive to use: Advanced Installer. This one minute video should be enough to impress you. Here is the illustrative user guide.