How do I create an install for a custom SolidWorks addin?

Official answer is too long to give here. Quick answer: Create a simple text file called Register.reg containing the following text:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

Now create a simple text file called Register.bat in the same folder as the addin dll. Add the following line: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\regasm /codebase addindllname.dll

On each client, double click those 2 files to install the addin.

Usually I generate the text for registry entries by drag-dropping the addin DLL into SW and then copy-paste the resulting entries from the registry (using Regedit). Don't forget to uninstall and unregister the DLL afterward.

I use InnoSetup to create installers for my products. I have listed the Code section of the installer script of one of my products, a 3DS file import add-in for SolidWorks. Replace the GUID with that of your add-in. 'strFileName' is the name of your add-in DLL.

RegWriteStringValue(HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, 'SOFTWARE\SolidWorks \Applications\3DS Import for SolidWorks 2007', 'CLSID', '{553dc0fe-8b50-4a9b-93ab-009ea92d395e}'); RegWriteStringValue(HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, 'CLSID \{553dc0fe-8b50-4a9b-93ab-009ea92d395e}', '', '3D Studio 3DS file import add-in for SolidWorks developed by SYCODE

The above works for add-ins developed in VC 6.0 for SolidWorks 2007 and earlier. For add-ins developed in VC 2005 for SolidWorks 2008, I simply add the "regserver" flag on the add-in DLL in the installer script and let the installer register the DLL on the target computer. This helps because the uninstaller unregisters the add-in automatically.

InnoSetup

Hope this helps.

Deelip Menezes