Is WiX Toolset Compatible with Windows 10 - visual-studio-2013

We are going to be rolling out Win10 machines in the near future, so in preparation I am researching potential compatibility issues. I use WiX as my installation framework, hence the question. Is WiX fully compatible with VS2013 and VS2017 on the Win10 platform?

I've done Win 3.11 -> NT -> 2000 -> XP -> 7 -> 10 migrations and the problems are almost always application related not installer related. (Unless someone writes a garbage install.)
WiX 3.11 has no problems with Windows 10. We currently have around 120,000 windows 10 devices deployed and I believe 1 kiosk type role that is still on Windows 7. A bunch of corp desktops are still on Windows 7 still but those are just the stragglers.

Yes, it is totally compatible on Win10 platform. I have been using Wix installer (v3.11) on VS2015 for a year. All you need to do is -> download and install the proper extension for your Visual Studio version from the following URL: http://wixtoolset.org/releases/. Then, download and install the version you want (stable ones are v3.11 and v3.10). That's it!

Related

Can I use windows 8 to install and use Microsoft Hololens?

I need to work on unity 3D and Hololens to predict and map the movement of a machine.I wanted to ask is it possible to use Hololens and trace the movement of a machine by using windows 8? I would also appreciate if anyone could help me with the total installation procedure of how to install and use Hololens since I am new to it.I found some installation guides but that requires Windows 10 and since I have windows 8, anything related to it such as which packages to install, would be very useful.Thank you everyone for your time.
Best Regards
Safayet
Can I use windows 8 to install and use Microsoft Hololens?
No, you can't.
To build for Hololens you need UWP and UWP needs the requirements below:
Unity 5.2 or later
A Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (The Home edition does not support Hyper-V)
Visual Studio 2015 RTM, (the minimum version is 14.0.23107.0). Please
note that earlier versions, for example Visual Studio RC, are not
supported in Unity 5.2.
You’ll also need to install the Windows 10 SDK.
8 GB of RAM or more
The source for this information from Unity's blog. In short, you can't because the SDK requires Windows 10.

Stuck while installing Visual Studio 2015 (Update for Microsoft Windows (KB2999226))

I am trying to install Visual Studio 2015 to my Windows 7. I seem to get stuck in this screen while installing it. It has been like 3 hours now and still stuck. Tried installing that update manually but had no luck since it just kept loading as well (Searching for updates).
Any ideas?
The same thing happened to me. Here is what I did in order to get it successfully installed. I downloaded KB2999226 update from Microsofts website here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49093
After installing this package, I started the installation process again. That worked for me.
I would like to give you a background on Universal CRT this would help you in understanding as to why the system should be updated before installing vc_redist.x64.exe.
A large portion of the C-runtime moved into the OS in Windows 10 (ucrtbase.dll) and is serviced just like any other OS DLL (e.g. kernel32.dll). It is no longer serviced by Visual Studio directly. MSU packages are the file type for Windows Updates.
In order to get the Windows 10 Universal CRT to earlier OSes, Windows Update packages were created to bring this OS component downlevel. KB2999226 brings the Windows 10 RTM Universal CRT to downlevel platforms (Windows Vista through Windows 8.1). KB3118401 brings Windows 10 November Update to the Universal CRT to downlevel platforms.
Windows XP (latest SP) is an exception here. Windows Servicing does not provide downlevel packages for that OS, so Visual Studio (Visual C++) provides a mechanism to install the UCRT into System32 via the VCRedist and MSMs.
1.The Windows Universal Runtime is included in the VC Redist exe package as it has dependency on the Windows Universal Runtime (KB2999226).
Windows 10 is the only OS that ships the UCRT in-box. All prior OSes obtain the UCRT via Windows Update only. This applies to all Vista->8.1 and associated Server SKUs.
For Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 the Windows Universal Runtime must be installed via KB2999226. However it has a prerequisite update KB2919355 which contains updates that facilitate installing the KB2999226 package.
Why does KB2999226 not always install when the runtime is installed from the redistributable? What could prevent KB2999226 from installing as part of the runtime?
The UCRT MSU included in the VCRedist is installed by making a call into the Windows Update service and the KB can fail to install based upon Windows Update service activity/state:
1) If the machine has not updated to the required servicing baseline, the UCRT MSU will be viewed as being “Not Applicable”.
Ensure KB2919355 is installed. Also, there were known issues with KB2919355 so before this the following hotfix should be installed.
KB2939087
KB2975061
2) If the Windows Update service is installing other updates when the VCRedist installs, you can either see long delays or errors indicating the machine is busy.
a. This one can be resolved by waiting and trying again later (which may be why installing via Windows Update UI at a later time succeeds).
3) If the Windows Update service is in a non-ready state, you can see errors reflecting that.
a. We recently investigated a failure with an error code indicating the WUSA service was shutting down.
To identify if the prerequisite KB2919355 is installed there are 2 options:
Registry key:
64bit hive
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\Packages\Package_for_KB2919355~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.3.1.14
CurrentState = 112
32bit hive
HKLM\SOFTWARE[WOW6432Node]Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\Packages\Package_for_KB2919355~31bf3856ad364e35~x86~~6.3.1.14
CurrentState = 112
Or check the file version of:
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\wuaueng.dll
C:\Windows\System32\wuaueng.dll
7.9.9600.17031 or later
I was stuck with the same problem. I found this page with all the possible versions of the KB2999226 also know as Update for Universal C Runtime in Windows.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/2999226
I download the x64 version and it work perfectly in my Windows 7 Ultimate.
Today i also face this type of problem during visual studio 2015 Community installation. As i have 64bit OS. I used https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49093 link to update KB2999226 mannualy.
Try It. Good luck.
Same thing happened to me and I got it working doing this:
Do not cancel the installation (using the cancel button), instead force showdown your computer so the process is killed and you get a reboot.
After the reboot, just start the install process again.
This worked for me.
Just kill wusa.exe and install KB2999226 manually. Installation will continue without any problems.
I faced this problem after installing clean Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit OS,
When I search about KB2999226 install fails during Visual Studio I also saw that I couldn't install any other updates.
By the way, I found a solution. When formatting some PCs with ( maybe ) partly corrupted bootable media, first Update for windows not completely installed.
As a solution;
1- Disable update for windows from Control Panel.
2- Restart your pc.
3- Install KB3102810 windows update. ( First update for Windows )
Microsoft TR links;
( 64 bit ) https://www.microsoft.com/tr-TR/download/details.aspx?id=49540
( 32 bit ) https://www.microsoft.com/tr-TR/download/details.aspx?id=49542
4- Restart your pc via finished setup.
5- Try getting updates, or manually setup KB2999226.
I could install this way.
Have a nice days.
I managed to solve the problem by the following steps :
1. Disable windows updates(but check the option "let users install updates manually")
2. Reboot the PC
3. Manually install kb2999226 update from VS install folder (packages/Patch/x64/Windows6.1-KB299926-x64.msu)
4. Start the VS install
5. After install is finished turn back automatic updates
I have the same problem today, stuck on the kb2999226 for over an hour. First, i thought it is because i am using a VM on my local machine. But decided to cancel the installation, then install kb2999226 first, then install the vs2015 community again, it works out much better, the installation move forward and progressing.
thx.
Another workaround is to turn off Internet connection, reboot and restart VS installation. Without Internet connectivity VS installer won't try to update Windows first and will continue without delay.

Migrating driver project from VS2013 to VS2015 community

Long time reader first time poster here.
I'm a Linux developer trying to get started on Windows development in my new job. I knew it would not be trivial but the first thing I'm trying to do is complete and integrate a netvmini port driver (started by a co-op student) into one of their C++ apps. I am struggling to get the build environment going...
The project was started in Visual Studio 2013 with a Windows 7 target. When I now open it in Visual Studio 2015 and try to build the solution I get:
"Unknown or unsupported property value Win7 for TargetVersion"
for each project. This also happens if I set the configuration to Win8 (both release and debug). If I set it to Win 8.1 I get:
"An SDK corresponding to WDK version '8.1' was not found. Please install the SDK before building"
I have installed every WDK and SDK I can lay my hands on from Windows 7 to Windows 10 using both the web and the VS2015 installer. I have even installed Visual Studio 2013 again but I can't even seem to get the WDK to integrate with that.
The end goal here is to be able to build this (and hopefully debug remotely in kernel mode) from my Windows 10/VS2015 workstation for targets from Windows 7-10. Any advice or documentation that details how to integrate new build platforms into VS would be helpful (all the MS documentation just tells me what I can do if I install this or that, but not HOW to do it)
I also had the same problem after running the Project Upgrade tool.
I discovered when making new configurations that "Win7" and "Win8" TargetVersion are now "Windows7" and "Windows8".
The upgrade tool does not make that change for you but I was able to manually edit my upgraded project with those changes and got it to build for all targets.
I discovered that the installer doesn't install the windows 10 SDK by default. So all the installing of other SDK's was useless. I Also found out that by installing the Win 10 SDK through the VS 2015 installer it integrates and allows me to build for targets back to windows 7 in VS 2015.

Which version of Windows 7 should I install on my development PC?

I am a .net and java deloper. I have an MSDN subscription with access to all editions of the Windows 7 operating system. I am going with a 64 bit installation. Which edition of Windows 7 should I install on my development PC: Professional, Ultimate, Enterprise, Enterprise N, etc.? Thanks in advance.
Put Ultimate on the box and run the others in virtual machines.
If you have access to all versions, I see no reason not to install Ultimate.
As long as your tools run on the OS it shouldn't matter
(btw: I'm running ultimate and it's working out fine)
I think you should use Vista, or even XP for developing your .Net Apps
the reason is your apps have to be backward compatible.
Remember most users still use XP.
And you cant sell your app to an XP user even if your app is very clever, because they cant install it.
And at last .Net is Platform independ , you can use it on which ever windows version you want. (even for Linux)
(excluded windows 3, 98)

Has anyone had success with Visual Studio 6 on Windows 7?

VS6 popped off a series of errors before bombing out completely during install on Windows 7. I specifically need to get VB6 functioning on Windows 7. Anyone having any luck?
Folks on the VB6 newsgroup report they have managed to get it working on Windows 7.
There's this step-by-step guide on how to install the IDE on Windows 7 (including 64 bit).
If that doesn't work (scrapes barrel) try this old tip about persuading the install not to install the Java VM? Link is now broken so here is the tip:
Before trying to install VB6. Create a new file, name it msjava.dll and place it in your windows directory. The file can be zero length. You can then happily install without the prompt to install an old version of Microsoft's flavour of Java. Once you have installed VB6, delete the msjava.dll otherwise windows update will prompt you to update it.
Or (scrapes hole in barrel) these tips from an article about getting the IDE working on Vista?
Footnote: if developing with ADO, be aware of this.
The only way I've found that works is Windows XP mode (i.e. a virtual machine). Works fine there, but otherwise, not at all.
I found ALL the answers in a thread at vbmonster.com. As mentioned above, you CAN install Visual Studio 6 with Service Pack 6 under Windows 7 by following Derek's detailed instructions at fortypoundhead.com.
I had a problem because I needed to install Service Pack 5. I use a third party program that does not work with Service Pack 6. A really smart programmer (GuideX) came up with a great hack to get around the MDAC 2.5 error.
Win 7 64 bit service pack 5 & 6. Turn compatability off and it seems to work.
Recently I had to debug an ancient application written in Visual C++ 6.0 on Windows 8.1. Tried different solutions all of them failed, only this one worked.
This guys made a special installer that allows installing VC++6, VB6, and SP6 on Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10 without any errors whatsoever.
Hope it would be helpful to someone.
I installed VB6 on Windows 7 Pro without having to use compatibility settings or run as administrator.
Doesn't really help you, but does show that it can work.
Several people in my office have installed Visual Studio 6 (without VC++) on Windows 7, both 32-bit and 64-bit with no problems. The one thing we have in common: we've all turned UAC down to it's lowest setting. Nothing else special required.
I am using vb6 on windows 7 32 bit system for a long time.
you will need to install your vb6 with compatibility of xp2.
Create a 0-byte file in the C:\Windows directory called msjava.dll.
Don't just install via the Autorun executable; instead browse the Visual Studio 6 CD (or folder), right-click Setup.exe and select Run As Administrator.
On any Program Compatibility Assistant warnings, click Run Program.
Step through the setup screens until you're able to choose Custom Setup, then click next.
On the setup options, install the following items and nothing else:
Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0
ActiveX
Data Access
Graphics
Click continue and the process will start, and (hopefully) eventually complete.
Skip the installations of the MSDN CD, BackOffice, VSS and SNA Server, and clear the checkbox for "Register Now". Setup should be complete.
Download the VB6 Service Pack 6 from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/confirmation.aspx?FamilyID=A8494EDB-2E89-4676-A16A-5C5477CB9713&displaylang=en and install.
Change the compatibility settings for Visual Basic (to get it to run a little more smoothly under Windows 7) by browsing to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\VB98, right-clicking the VB6.exe file, and selecting properties.
On the Compatibility tab, check the following:
Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows XP (Service Pack 3)
Disable Visual Themes
Disable Desktop Composition
Disable display scaling on high DPI settings
When you start up the IDE, you may get a notification saying that the color scheme has been changed to Windows 7 Basic, but it will be changed back to Aero once you exit. Everything should be working fine at this point!
Note: when you first run your new install vb6 run it with admin rights and with xp2 compatibility so that your exe can run on any system.
The word "supported" is used loosely in this thread, potentially leading the unwary reader to the conclusion that Microsoft supports the VB6 IDE (that is, the integrated development environment) on operating systems beyond Windows XP. This fact clearly is stated in the table that appears on the page at this link:
https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/nikosan/2012/04/20/support-statement-for-visual-basic-6-0-on-windows-8-updated/
Note that executables developed using VB6 are in fact compatible with Windows OS's from Windows XP through Windows 10--32/64-bit versions:
https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2015/06/22/getting-ready-for-windows-10-sdks-compatibility-bridges/
Anyone using non-standard methods to coax the IDE into working on OS's that Microsoft does not support is exposing themselves/their organizations/their employers to risk and is not suitable for risk-averse organizations.
Having said that, I think the purest solution is to install Windows XP onto a virtual machine and run that VM in a modern host OS, such as Windows 10. That works just fine, and you can install directly from the VB6 Setup disc without making any pre-install/post-install customizations.
I had a Vista x64 box with a working copy of the VB6 IDE (which was supported). I upgraded the OS to Windows 7 x64 and the VB6 IDE still works fine. You could try that. I know, a huge PITA and kludgy but still, it worked for me.
I run Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit, installed Windows Virtual PC - XP Mode, and that solved my problem isince I can run MSDEV 6.0 in the XP Window.
Not esay to install XP Mode though, the MS site is buggy.
The VB6 programming language is supported on the Windows 10 Technical Preview.
Visual Vasic 6 applications run and the VB6 IDE installs and works too.
I have the VB6 IDE running OK on Win-XP-16, Win-7-32, Win-7-64, Win-8.1-32, Win-8.1-64, win-10-32 and win-10-64 by using the instructions above which basically say, turn off UAC, run the installer AS ADMIN, and then set the VB6.exe file to run in XP-SP3 Compatibility mode.
I have had some issues with it and have had to do a bit more googling to solve these but I don't remember any more what those issues or solutions were.
I've even got the VB3 IDE running on the 32-bit versions of XP, Win-7, Win 8.1 and Win-10 - without even installing them - just copied the C:\VB folder from another computer and copied the *.LIC license files and *.VBX etc files as well.
I have successfully installed vb6 on win 7 32 bit by installing xp first then installing new win 7, (not upgrade), and do not format. then it will install vb6 without a problem
It's depending on your build version of Windows 7.
If your Win7's version is lower or is not updated, it has MANY PROBLEMS with compatibility.
But mine is newer Win7 version and has NO COMPATIBILITY TROUBLE.
I am currently using VB6 , VS6 and they still work fine!
If Properties->Compatibility->Windows XP doesn't help, fix it with UPDATING your Win7.

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