MSDN Documentation

Deploying .NET Framework 3.5 Applications

This section provides comprehensive guidance on deploying applications built with the .NET Framework 3.5. Effective deployment strategies are crucial for ensuring your applications are installed and run correctly on target user machines.

Deployment Methods

Several methods are available for deploying .NET Framework 3.5 applications, catering to different scenarios:

• ClickOnce Deployment: Ideal for web-based distribution and automatic updates.
• Windows Installer (MSI): Suitable for enterprise environments and controlled installations.
• XCOPY Deployment: A simple file-copy mechanism for applications that don't require complex installation steps.
• Web Application Deployment: Specific considerations for deploying ASP.NET applications to web servers.

Prerequisites and Dependencies

Before deploying your application, ensure that the target machines meet the necessary prerequisites:

• .NET Framework 3.5 Runtime: The .NET Framework 3.5 (which includes .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0) must be installed.
• Operating System Compatibility: Verify that your application is compatible with the target operating systems.
• Other Dependencies: List any other libraries, components, or runtime environments required by your application.

Creating Installers

For more robust deployment, consider using installation authoring tools:

• Visual Studio Installer Projects: Extend Visual Studio to create MSI installers.
• Third-Party Installers: Tools like InstallShield and WiX Toolset offer advanced customization.

Deployment Scenarios

Desktop Applications

For typical desktop applications, ClickOnce or MSI installers are the most common choices. ClickOnce simplifies distribution through web links or network shares, providing a seamless user experience with automatic updates.

Web Applications

Deploying ASP.NET applications built with .NET Framework 3.5 involves deploying application files to a web server and configuring IIS. Ensure the correct ASP.NET version is enabled on the server.

WCF Services

Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) services can be deployed as self-hosted applications or hosted within IIS. Deployment steps vary based on the chosen hosting model.

Deployment Best Practices

• Version Control: Maintain clear versioning for your application releases.
• Testing: Thoroughly test your deployment process on various target environments.
• Error Handling: Implement robust error handling during installation and runtime.
• Uninstallation: Ensure a clean and complete uninstallation process.

Refer to the following sections for detailed walkthroughs and specific guidance on each deployment method.