I see a lot of messages, faqs, articles, etc. devoted to problems registering OCX controls for VFP applications in Windows. What I have been unable to find is a single statement that explains WHY we should be required to register OCX's in the first place. Having to register everything certainly complicates life if you are developing an application for use on a network. If we want to develop a totally self contained application where we provide all of the necessary files and control access to them in folders that we specify, it seems like we should be entitled to do so.

Therefore, my questions are:

1. Why is it necessary to register anything for an application to run in windows?

2. Is there an alternative to registration for those of us who don't care to play stupid games?

Any enlightenment would be appreciated, because so far a logical explanation escapes me.