>I created a multi-threaded DLL with database query functionality (SQL Server). This is a nice program with over 400 pre-defined complex queries going against corporate data.
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>A colleague wrote a very nice set of Excel templates for his department, where they will be able to fill in the blanks on certain cells for the query parameters and then recalculate and get results and graphs (basically a nice-looking dashboard app). More advanced users will be able to create their own spreadsheets as my DLL is added to an add-in (.xla) app he wrote. This contains a VBA program that validates parameters and instances my DLL ( CREATEOBJECT() ). The DLL validates params again and selects the proper query from the 400+ list returning just one value each time (to fit in one Excel cell). This way (LAN) users do not have to know SQL, have password access to the data (R/O) and know anything about where the data is or how to get to it. The myriad functions become part of Excel itself, just as easy as doing SUM() or AVG().
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>Question: We tested and it works beautifully and fast (for the curious: it opens and closes the connection on every query/cell). Now I have to prepare an installer with runtimes so he can deliver to each member of his dept. I picked a folder where the XLA and DLL will reside and it is easy enough to do with InstallShield. What I have never done before is deliver/auto-register a DLL with the installer. It is fairly easy to create a .REG file by exporting a key. Is this the way to go?
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>I checked my registry to see where VFP registers the DLL on the development box when compiling a projet. It is in HK_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID.
>I will have the DLL placed on a subfolder of C:\Program Files. Manually you would use REGSVR32 \PATH\filename.DLL
>How do you tell InstallShiled to register this file and in what hive to be done automatically?
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>TIA

IS Express:
Right Click on File, Choose Properties "COM & NET Settings" -> Extract COM Information (or Self-Registration) (not sure which of these) :-)