Question on Create Software Installation Package

Question

I have a small C++ Win forms project developed by visual studio 2005.

How can I create a installation package by using visual studio 2005?

And builds an installer for a Windows-based(no .net installed) application.

I want these features as below:

1. Install the package on no .net environment computer.
2. After installation completed successfully, the application could check update alert automatically. (Like Komodo Editor on windows OS)

I googled and found this,

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307353

I am not sure it is required .net environment to install the package or not.

Appreciated for your reading and replies.

Answer 1

Create an msi installer using Wix. It integrates into VS 2005/2008/2010. It has a heavy learning curve for complex things but is manageable for simple things. It uses the default installation engine provided with every windows.

http://wix.sourceforge.net/