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How to distribute applications that use DevExpress .NET Windows Forms controls

Description:
How to distribute applications which use Developer Express .NET controls

Answer:
If your project uses Developer Express .NET components, the DevExpress~ libraries listed in the References section of your project must be deployed to clients. You can use our special tool for collecting the required assemblies, which you can find in the following article: A tool for collecting the required DevExpress assemblies for further application deployment.

Please refer to your End User License Agreement for any restrictions which apply to re-distribution of our controls. In addition, you must have a valid license for all developers using our tools within your organization in order to legally distribute our controls royalty free.
For example, if your application uses the XtraGrid and XtraBars, you should install the following files on any machine using your application.
DevExpress.Data.v7.1.dll
DevExpress.Utils.v7.1.dll
DevExpress.XtraBars.v7.1.dll
DevExpress.XtraEditors.v7.1.dll
DevExpress.XtraGrid.v7.1.dll

The Path box in the Properties window displays the assembly location on your system. You can use the Version value to check the validity of an assembly version.
Please note that the CopyLocal property must be False. The Component designers are unavailable at design time article explains why.
When installing DLL files, you can place them into the application's directory, i.e. into the same folder where your executable file is located. In this instance, it is not necessary to register the assemblies in the system Global Assembly Cache.
If the assemblies are copied to a different directory, they must be registered via the gacutil tool. Here is a sample command:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\SDK\v2.0\Bin\gacutil.exe" /i "C:\Program Files\My Application\Lib\DevExpress.Utils.v7.1.dll"
The easy solution to distributing additional assemblies along with your application is to create an installation program. You can create a setup project in Visual Studio:

  1. Select File | New | Project…, Other Project Types | Setup and Deployment | Setup Project and add it to your solution.
  2. Right-click the setup project in the Solution Explorer window and add your application to it (Add | Project Output… ).
    The required assemblies will be automatically packed. All you need to do is to compile your setup project to create an installation.
    See Also:
    MSDN Library: Deploying Applications
    How to deploy WinForms applications on client machines
    ClickOnce application deployment with DevExpress .NET WinForms controls
    No-Touch Web Deployment (.NET 1.x)
Show previous comments (2)
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maral behvandi 9 years ago

    thank you @Brendon

    i had exception unhandled… and now its ok and run on the other computers :)

      Is it necessary to distribute a copy of the license with the DevExpress controls?

      Alisher (DevExpress Support) 9 years ago

        Hi David,

        You do not need to do extra work for this. All you need is to compile your application with a valid DevExpress license. The standard mechanism of licensing we are using will mark components used in your application licensed.
        Should you have further questions, please let me know.

        Disclaimer: The information provided on DevExpress.com and affiliated web properties (including the DevExpress Support Center) is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Developer Express Inc disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Please refer to the DevExpress.com Website Terms of Use for more information in this regard.

        Confidential Information: Developer Express Inc does not wish to receive, will not act to procure, nor will it solicit, confidential or proprietary materials and information from you through the DevExpress Support Center or its web properties. Any and all materials or information divulged during chats, email communications, online discussions, Support Center tickets, or made available to Developer Express Inc in any manner will be deemed NOT to be confidential by Developer Express Inc. Please refer to the DevExpress.com Website Terms of Use for more information in this regard.