Okay, so, here’s my problem: I have developed a .NET 4.0 (Client Profile) + SQL Server Compact application for someone and that someone reported the following issue: the application doesn’t start at all. No errors, no exceptions, no messages, no nothing. The loading cursor shows up for 5 seconds, and then nothing happens. The application doesn’t show up in the process tree either.
This is not the first .NET app I develop for him, so I am 100% confident that all required software has been installed on his machine (.NET 4.0 CP). I have asked him to install the runtime for SQL Server Compact 4.0, which he did, so I don’t think the problem is coming from here.
I have tried sending a build with UI initialization only (no other stuff within the main form’s constructor/load method). It has the same issue.
I have no idea where to look for the problem’s source. Anyone here who could help me with some hints, to point me to the right direction? My guess is that the application ‘tries’ to start during those 5 seconds, but fails.
If you need some more info, please ask.
Try looking in Windows “Event Viewer” for some clues and send him a simple console-app (Hello World will do – maybe with simple Sql Compact test) to make really sure he got everything he needs. And if everything else fails go and check for yourself – it’s sometimes the simplest things your user just don’t mention.
And yes: add loging (into a simple text file will do)