How to deploy a Win32 API application as an executable

Question

How can I deploy my Win32 application as an EXE application so that others (who don\'t have VC++ installed) can use it?

I am using VC++ 2010 on Windows 7.

Answer 1

1. In general, the odds are pretty good your EXE file will run on any version of Windows you built it on or higher.

   All bets off, for example, if you built using Visual Studio 2012 Professional on Windows 7, and you try to run it on Windows 95. But otherwise, you're probably safe :)

2. The best way to test if you have any dependencies is to install and run on a "clean machine".

   The best way to get (and reuse) a "clean machine" is with a VM.

   I recommend VMWare. But Virtual Box and Windows Virtual PC are also viable choices.

3. As far as an installer, I'd strongly encourage you to look at InnoSetup

I hope that helps!