how to run a winform Exe in normal Pc not having .net frame work installed

Question

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?

Answer 1

yeah,you can do that by converting your whole application to an installer.just check it out, it will helps u a lot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCnfGUT-K-4

Answer 2

I solved the problem.I added a package in visual studio.I added Setup and deployment as a new project to my solution.later i added exe to that package.so if client machine runs the setup it'l create exe and can run the application successfully.

Answer 3

(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.

Answer 4

This cannot be done. You must have the .NET Framework in order to run the application.

Answer 5

Yes! You can do this with a variety of programs, and Spoon seems to be among the most up-to-date ones.

(Of course, this doesn't mean that you should, just that you can.)