I need to package up an application to make it easy for a client to install it on a PC, but I'm not sure how best to do it. There are also a few requirements that the installer must do:
1) Prompt the user for an activation code. The code will either be on a remote server that the installer must connect to to retrieve or alternately, be hard-coded into the installer program. If the entered code is correct then the install can proceed.
2) Allow the user to specify an install directory. (set to a default but can be changed)
3) Create an shortcut on the desktop to start the application & possibly provide an option to have it auto-start with Windows startup.
4) Check if SQL Server Express is installed & if not then install it, preferably silently.
I have looked into the ClickOnce installer but that doesnt seem to have the options I need. Can anyone recommend an installer that will meet the needs listed above? (preferably free or low-cost) Thanks...
1) Prompt the user for an activation code. The code will either be on a remote server that the installer must connect to to retrieve or alternately, be hard-coded into the installer program. If the entered code is correct then the install can proceed.
2) Allow the user to specify an install directory. (set to a default but can be changed)
3) Create an shortcut on the desktop to start the application & possibly provide an option to have it auto-start with Windows startup.
4) Check if SQL Server Express is installed & if not then install it, preferably silently.
I have looked into the ClickOnce installer but that doesnt seem to have the options I need. Can anyone recommend an installer that will meet the needs listed above? (preferably free or low-cost) Thanks...