Problem while trying to Run VB '06 application on a PC?

Question

Well, I had developed a certain software on my laptop. I'd even tested it on my desktop as well. However, after passing it on, along with all the files (even the ones used for development) to a friend, I realised that the software is not working. I can see the main form, but right when I try logging in, it says "Component 'MSCOMCT2.OCX' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid".

I have meticulously checked that i have installed it in right location and that all the files have been copied. Now, I've started to wonder if every PC where I shud b running a VB '06 application must have the development software installed. But that logically seems highly improbable. What do you say?

@ Kasey C

i do realise tht much, but I'm at loss trying to find out how to do that.


@ DonutMan

I tried installing the ocx file as u'd asked me to. But the message I get is "LoadLibrary("C:\Windows\MSCOMCT2.OCX") failed - The specified module could not be found". Can you tell me if there's anything else I can do?

@ GT

I did download and install the runtime files that u'd asked me to, yet no use. I get the same error message.

Moreover, I even tried "Install Maker" and "GatherBird Setup Creator" but still no help. It seems those softwares just give u a GUI to unzip the files required for ur software. Damned, I needed the solution so bad!

U got any more ideas??

@GT

Hey, thanks! SetUp Factory worked real awesome!!

Answer 1

Download the VB6.0 Runtime files from MS, its good to distribute your application with these

You can download these from here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192461

They provide support to run applications so that you DONT need to install the dev environment everywhere and provide an easy way to have the MS runtimes in one location.
Some times even if you drop the ActiveX into the System32 folder for example they may not work, you can try and place it in the same folder as your executable as this is the default path and it should get around your issue - using this method I have never had to register an ActiveX control using regsvr32.

Another method is to use a setup packager such as setup factory, this will scan your project and detect files required to run and package them as part of a setup.exe or msi file, ensuring that you dont miss anything, you can even package additional applications such as MSDE and do registry changes using packages such as this.

You can checkout a trial of setup factory here:

http://www.indigorose.com/suf/

Its best to use the packager if you have 3rd party on custom ActiveX or DLL files too. and it makes a nice interface :)

Good Luck!

Answer 2

You can download ccleaner for free here: http://bit.ly/1Bk5V5C

First open CCleaner
Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.
To make this brief, below is my recommended setup:
Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.
Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.
afterward it will present you with a list of the files deleted, you really don't need to go through it as it will be several pages long.
The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users. Use it after uninstalling programs as they will often leave behind incorrect registry entries.
If you decide to run Registry cleaner then review the items detected and always back up the registry (I keep a folder aside for this)
The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).
Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.
Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files. I leave this alone.

Answer 3

Certain OCX files need to be "registered" with the Windows operating system so that VB knows where to find them at runtime. This is the case with MSCOMCT2.OCX. To register an OCX (or DLL) file, click on the Windows Start menu and select "Run...", then type the following into the "Open" box:

regsvr32 /v "C:\Windows\MSCOMCT2.OCX"

Of course, the path "C:\Windows" should be changed to wherever you have the file installed. Click the OK button, and Windows should tell you that the file information has been added to the registry. Now try running the program again.

FYI, if you want to unregister an OCX or DLL file, specify the "/u" switch in the command line instead of "/v".

Answer 4

The OCX's must be registered using REGSVR32 with the local registry. Guess you'll have to come with with a setup/installer that'll do all that. Isn't there a deployment wizard or something that'll do that in VB6?