Check for Updates

[Guest]

I want to have my program automatically check for a new version when it is
run. My app is in VB.NET (VS 2003). Updates are posted on my website and I
would like the app to go to the site and check for updates automatically. I
can't seem to find any information on how to do this.

If anyone could point me in the right direction I would be grateful!

 

[HKSHK]

Hello, H8ComputersSomeDays!

Basically you need a text file on the server which contains the version
information (download it as text file, not as binary). When your
application starts, it should download that file and check if the
version number in that file is higher.
However, you should check if the user is an administrator. If (s)he is
not, then you might show the message, but should not download the file
to install it since a normal user account does not have that privilege.

Best Regards,

HKSHK

 

[Mythran]

Hello, H8ComputersSomeDays!

Basically you need a text file on the server which contains the version
information (download it as text file, not as binary). When your
application starts, it should download that file and check if the version
number in that file is higher.
However, you should check if the user is an administrator. If (s)he is
not, then you might show the message, but should not download the file to
install it since a normal user account does not have that privilege.

Best Regards,

HKSHK

Another good option would be to use web services for determining which
version is most current and compare that to the version you currently have
installed. Once that comparison is done, you can download the appropriate
patch or update or zip file from the site.

HTH,
Mythran

 

[GhostInAK]

Hello H8ComputersSomeDays,

If you simply load the forms from the web server that should do the trick.
This way, if the web server has newer bits, they will be downloaded and
used.. if not, the cache will be used. If the server is unavailable then
the cache will also be used.

I can't remember off the top of my head where this load occures.. I think
it's a method off the Assembly class. Like, Assembly.LoadForm..? Dunno..
look it up.

In 05 you can use click-once deployment to acheive the same thing.

-Boo