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I developed a winform application using C# in visual studio 2008. Now i want to run the exe on another PC which doesn’t have .net framework or Visual Studio. I am sending the application using Zip via email. The second PC downloads that application and extracts into a normal folder and then it executes the exe file.
But i am getting the exception that .net frame work v 2.0 must be installed.
Can you please tell me how to run that exe without .net frame work installed?
(Amended for @Merhdad’s sanity :-))
The short answer: You can. You shouldn’t.
The long answer: You could technically create your own unmanaged bootstrapper that goes and download the .NET client profile redist and silently installs it using the MSI APIs, and then loads the CLR and hosts it in the process in order to execute the managed code, after which it silently uninstalls the .NET Framework from the machine.
The Disclaimer: I know few people that could pull that off. They would be the first to tell you not to do it.
The alternative hack answer: You can also use one of the tools @Mehrdad mentioned. i can’t comment whether they work or not. However, you should be aware that this leaves your app linked to a specific snapshot of the .Net framework code, and for every security update you need to take, yuo have to relink and release an update of your application as well.
The alternative open source answer: You could ensure your WinForms app builds and runs on Mono, and deploy Mono side-by-side with the app. I’ve heard it supports that scenario.
The alternative IT answer: You could create a VM appliance with stripped down Window image that has .Net and your app only, and ship it as a single executable.
The right answer: Create an installer for your app that installs the .NET Framework for your customers.