ADDING REFERENCES

[kuben]

Hi

I have created an access database ready to distribute. When the
application is installed on various computers errors pop-up (broken
reference). I happen to stumble over the references used in my database
via Visual Basic code (i don't know anything about code) and discovered
that the missing references are not installed on clients computers. Is
there a way to automatically install these references? Where do I copy
from? Do they need MS Office service packs installed to solve this
problem? If it means me using code please explain step-by-step
(absolute newbie). The references are: EffectCtrl.ocx and comctl32.ocx

Thanks

Kuben Naidoo [South Africa]

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

Welcome to DLL Hell! <g>

Are you certain you need the references in your application? If you can
remove them (through Tools | References on the menu when you're in the VB
Editor), and the application compiles cleanly (under Debug on the menu,
again when you're in the VB Editor), odds are you're not actually using
them. If that's the case, you're far better off distributing your
application without the references to those controls.

If you do actually require them, how are you distributing your application
today? Most packaging and deployment products give you the ability to
include 3rd party controls and have them registered. If you're simply
copying the MDB file, then you'll also have to copy the OCX files to the
appropriate locations (i.e.: wherever they are on your machine), and ensure
that they're registered using regsvr32.exe (see
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=161983 for details if you're not familiar
with that utility)

Check whether there are files named comctl32.dep and effectctrl.dep on your
hard drive: they should contain details of any dependencies that exist for
the controls (i.e.: other files that need to be distributed with the ocx
files themselves)

comctl32.ocx comes from Microsoft, and I'm unaware of any distribution
restrictions with it. However, I don't believe it's included as part of any
version of Office other than the Developer editions. I think you can
download it from
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/downloads/tools/axupgrade.aspx if you need
it.

effectctrl.ocx appears to come from Nero (see
http://www.processlist.com/info/effectctrl.html) I do not know whether there
are any restrictions associated with it.

 

[kuben]

Hi Douglas

I value your imput greatly! I have always read your reply in this forum
and have gained a lot of knowledge. Thanks alot!

I will try all you suggested.

Kuben