Quick Question - TARGETDIR & access database -- dotnet setup

LEGS
8/22/2003 7:25:51 AM

I am working on a simple application and needed some assistance.

In my program I usually hardcode my data directory (i.e. access database).
How do I not hard code it while developing (and testing), then am able to
use the userinput on targetdir?

Would I create a TARGETDIR constant during testing (i.e. c:\program
files\test app\) and then when I am writing my ADO.NET procedures, do I
reference TARGETDIR\Data\mydatabase.mdb? Then, when it is finished, I just
delete the TARGETDIR constant?

Also, what other variable (similar to TARGETDIR) are out there?

Thanks for your help!

Phil Wilson
8/22/2003 11:12:09 AM

If you want a constant install folder during testing, you could just use a
command line:
msiexec /i <path to your msi> TARGETDIR=C:\My Destination.

However it looks like you just need to know where your application was installed
to. The easiest way to do this with a setup project is to create a registry data
item under HKLM\Software\<Manufacturer>\<Product> called (you choose) MyLocation
and for the Value, put [TARGETDIR] complete with brackets. That will resolve at
install time to the actual folder, you can get it from there.
--
Phil Wilson [MVP Windows Installer]
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dotnet setup : Quick Question - TARGETDIR & access database