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NETCheck is a utility that .NET developers can use within their own application to verify if the required version of the .NET framework is installed and allow the user to download it.

Software developers need all types of users to be able to run their products. If you develop a .NET framework program and the user does not have .NET installed, he will receive a Windows error message, which is not the first impression your users should see.

NETCheck is a command-line driven utility and launches just before running your own executable. If your program requires the .NET framework, NETCheck will notify the user that he needs to download it before continuing and provide a direct download link. If .NET is already installed, NETCheck launches your executable.

NetCheck is compatible with Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7 and .NET Framework 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.0SP1, 2.0SP2, 3.0, 3.5, 3.5SP1, 4.0, 4.5.

While your .NET software is only compatible on PCs with the .NET framework installed, NETCheck is written in C++ and will run on any PC. NETCheck does not require the .NET framework in order to run. This effectively gives you a "stub" for your own executable and a friendly method to notify the user if he needs to download the .NET framework before continuing.

When the user runs your software, supported by NETCheck, if he does not have the required version of .NET installed, the window above displays. Rather than a Windows error stating the program could not be executed, he is given the option to download the .NET runtimes and continue to your software.

Quick Start to Using NetCheck

The following assumes you are using a setup program to install your software on the user's PC.

1. Package NETCheck.exe along with your program executable so they are
both installed in the same folder on the user's PC.

The executable NETCheck.exe, which you need to use in your setup
program, is located in C:\Program Files\NETCheck\NETCheck.exe


2. When a user installs your software, your desktop shortcut normally points to the following: "C:\Program Files\MyProduct\MyProgram.exe"

Change your program's desktop shortcut to run the following command line:
"C:\Program Files\MyProduct\NETCheck.exe" -run yourprogram.exe -version 1.1

Where 1.1 specifies the minimum version of the .NET framework you require.
You may specify 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.0SP1, 2.0SP2, 3.0, 3.5, 3.5SP1, 4.0, 4.5


3. Verify that your desktop shortcut sets the working directory to the program's folder. In the properties of your shortcut, "Start in" should be set to "C:\Program Files\MyProduct".

For example, Inno Setup users should have an entry similar to the following which specifies a WorkingDir:

[Icons]
Name: "{userdesktop}\MyProduct"; IconFilename: "{app}\MyProduct.exe"; Filename: "{app}\NETCheck.exe"; Parameters: "-run MyProduct.exe -version 1.1"; WorkingDir: "{app}";

4. When the user double-clicks your desktop shortcut, NETCheck will silently
launch first, verify the proper .NET version is installed, and then launch
your program. If the user needs the .NET framework, NETCheck will display
a friendly message and allow them to download it.

NETCheck is a command-line driven utility and supports several parameters to customize it for your use.

Parameters:

-RUN programname.exe

Specifies the target program to launch if the proper version of .NET is installed.


-VERSION 1.0

Specifies the minimum version of .NET required for your software.
Valid options are 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.0SP1, 2.0SP2, 3.0, 3.5, 3.5SP1, 4.0, 4.5
If this parameter is not specified, a default version 1.1 is used.


-TITLE "Custom Window Title"

Specifies a custom window title to display in the window shown if
the user does not have the required .NET framework installed.
If this parameter is not specified, a default title of "Welcome" is used.


-TEXT "Custom Window Text"

Specifies custom text to display in the main text body of the window that explains to the user he needs to download .NET before continuing. You can replace the default message with your own text by using this parameter. If this parameter is not specified, a default message is used.


-DOWNLOAD http://www.custom_site.com

Specifies a custom download URL to use, instead of the default Microsoft
sites, to download the .NET framework. To use a local file on a CD, instead of a download link, just specify the filename in the same directory, such as
"-DOWNLOAD netfx.exe" or to specify a file in the root directory "-DOWNLOAD \netfx.exe"

Use NETCheck with your .NET application to be sure it can be ran on all Windows PCs whether they have the .NET framework installed or not. By providing a clean and friendly interface for users without .NET installed, you will improve customer satisfaction, ease of use, and ultimately sell more software. Purchase the full version of NETCheck today!

Software Upgrade (Registered Users) $39.95

Upgrade to the latest version of NETCheck! Registered users can upgrade to the latest version software to gain the newest features and enhancements. The latest version of NETCheck is v4.5 and includes:

• Detection of the .NET Framework installed on a PC for the following versions of .NET: 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.0SP1, 2.0SP2, 3.0, 3.5, 3.5SP1, 4.0, 4.5
• Minor features and enhancements.
   

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