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Packaging VB.Net app for Win Server 2012/16 with VS 2019

I just got Visual Studio 2019 installed on my PC at work, and I want to create an install package for a VB.Net application, that package will run on a Windows Server 2012 or 2016.

However, the Application Packaging Project, which seems to be the way to create such an install kit, only supports packaging for Windows 10 in its corresponding dropdowns. How can I generate an install kit for Windows Server 2012 or 2016 ?

Thanks for help
Bernard

Shaun Vermaak

I would use Wix or clickonce install
https://wixtoolset.org
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/deployment/clickonce-security-and-deployment?view=vs-2019

Serge Fournier

I use the installerproject addin for visual studio

it generate a msi

use left click a lot on the installer project, for registry keys, path to install to, files to include etc.

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=visualstudioclient.MicrosoftVisualStudio2017InstallerProjects

Bernard Thouin

ASKER

@Shaun

I read what the link says about ClickOnce, and unfortunately I am none the wiser, because it doesn't say at all how you physically trigger the whole Click once procedure. And it mentions certificates, which means IT would have to be involved, which will be a nightmare. I just need a good old .msi to be generated.
As for the WIX stuff, when I try to download the wix311exe.zip, it's empty, 0 bytes... Good job by the local IT to prevent any download of unknown stuff... And the Wix Toolset for VS 2019 download crashes immediately, for the same reason I assume.

@Serge

I work in a big, security-minded company where downloading stuff is blocked by default. And the first thing I'm asked when trying to get the installerproject addin is a request to update the installer itself, which means a download of an exe, which is immediately blocked by the company IT security infrastructure in place, see above...

Regards
Bernard

Serge Fournier

Installer project is not an exe, it's a .vsix: InstallerProjects.vsix
It is a visual studio "addin"

Just ask your it departement to install it

Bernard Thouin

ASKER

Hi Serge

I can't download that addin, the download is being blocked, will contact IT...

Bernard Thouin

ASKER

I managed to get the Installer Projects extension (.vsix) downloaded by IT, and I got admin rights and could install it on my PC, and I finally saw it appearing and could use it in one app where I needed it, and it is brilliant, it takes care of everything, I only have to set author and company, possibly version, and then it's a one click to get it running !

BUT then, I got Win 10, and since then, NO WAY will it appear again as project type !...

I see it in "Manage extensions", if I run the vsix file it tells me after a short while that it is already installed, but I can NOT use it because it NEVER appears in any list of all projects types I have in VS 2019 (version 16.2.3). Extremely frustrating.

So I have to use the Setup Project, which is lame, as I have to manually copy/paste the files required into the "app folder", whereas Installer Projects finds everything by itself.

Serge, if you have a suggestion, I'd be happy to try it !

Regards
Bernard

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Bernard Thouin

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