Copy local = false file not found exception issue

Question

Hi I know this has been asked but it did not get an answer. I have a problem when I want to use a dll that is installed on C:\Program files (x86)\Dummu_API.dll

When I run my app it throws exception:

Could not load file or assembly 'Dummy_API, Version=1.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null' or one of its dependencies. The system cannot find the file specified.

My project have the reference as Copy Local = false and specific version = false. My project also is a x86 platform target.

I don´t know why my app don't find the assembly. Any Idea what it is happening?

Answer 1

Option 1

You can tell your application that you will resolve the Assemblies yourselves if not found in references. To do that:

In your applications main method attach assembly resolver:

AppDomain.CurrentDomain.AssemblyResolve += CurrentDomain_AssemblyResolve;

Make sure you are not using the dynamically resolved assembly in your main method.

Your resolver method code (This is where you load an assembly - look at ResolveEventArgs I have just hard coded one but you can resolve various assemblies from different locations here)

static System.Reflection.Assembly CurrentDomain_AssemblyResolve(object sender, ResolveEventArgs args)
{
    return Assembly.LoadFile(@"C:\temp\ClassLibrary1.dll");
}

Option 2

Add this to your app.config (Only works for application base directory's sub folders)

<runtime>
  <assemblyBinding xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1">
     <probing privatePath="PathToMyAssemblies\" />
  </assemblyBinding>
</runtime>

Answer 2

So the file is not in the GAC, and there is not a local copy. You've eliminated the only two places it could be loading from - I don't know why you are expecting this to work.

You need to set Copy Local=true or install Dummy_API.dll into the Global Assembly Cache on the machine that will be running your code. One or the other.