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Updating the Setup and Deploy Project

Bill Cunnien — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:31:55 GMT

I have been using Click-Once since I started with my current C# application project 2 years ago. I have lost count of how many updates I have made. Recently I have been having some unusual behavior in my IDE which given me pause to reconsider my deployment options. I am investigating deploying the SF application via Group Policy in AD.

So far, the experience with AD deployment has been a good one. Now, I want to update the setup project with the most recent changes and get the update out to the install base. This should be easy, but I am missing something.

First, if I simply build the SF app, then build the setup project, my current changes are not picked up. Version update somewhere?
Second, how do I get the new MSI to update to old MSI? I am a little confused on that one. Is it basically uninstall, then reinstall?

Any pointers on this setup project would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Bill

RE: Updating the Setup and Deploy Project

Bill Cunnien — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:31:55 GMT

I think I have got it. All I need to do is change the version property of the setup project. With the RemovePreviousVersions property set to 'true' I build the setup project. The resulting MSI file has the updated assemblies that I need for the SF application. It works quite well.

RE: Updating the Setup and Deploy Project

Bill Cunnien — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:43:44 GMT

Silly me...I am not sure what I am looking for. :ermm: I did try the RemovePreviousVersions property set to true. Also, I changed the version from 1.0.0 to 1.0.1. Neither worked.

This is really the first time that I have gotten into using a different deployment method than Click-Once. I am really green when it comes to this, so I apologize for asking some really basic questions here. I know you guys can all help me, though. :)

Basic scenario: I have created the mysetup.msi file and a user has installed it. The user calls me and asks for a new feature, which I have easily added to the application. Now, I want to give the user the updated application. This is where I am getting stumped.

Rebuilding the setup project does not seem to be picking up the changes; therefore, the new feature is not going to be installed. My application involves a base project and several module (assembly) projects. Only one of the assembly projects had a change in it. Do I need to alter it's version or something? I've not had to do that before.

Is there a better way to provide updates rather than uninstalling and reinstalling the application via a new MSI file? The nice thing is that all database changes are handled separately from the application updates. These are synchronized but not simultaneous. Uninstalling/Reinstalling is not bad, but it can be a little time consuming for the user. If it is just one DLL that has been updated...couldn't I distribute that DLL another way?

I know...basic questions. Any help is greatly appreciated...as always!
Bill

RE: Updating the Setup and Deploy Project

Keith Chisarik — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:51:26 GMT

1) Are you looking for the "Assembly Information" button on the Application tab of the project properties?

2) Try the "RemovePreviousVersions" property of the deploy project, works for me.